Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Captur
What's the difference?

Suzuki Jimny

$30,490 - $47,490

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Captur

$15,500 - $23,950

2023 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Summary

2026 Suzuki Jimny

2023 Renault Captur

By Marcus Craft

By Byron Mathioudakis

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 1.3L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.4L/100km (combined)

6.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Manual gearbox
Capable off-road
Fun to drive off-road

Appealing design
Premium cabin
Invigorating driving experience

Dislikes

Can't fit a lot inside
Ordinary to drive on-road
Needs better tyres for off-roading

Expensive
Fiddly gear selector
Requires 95 RON premium petrol

2026 Suzuki Jimny Summary

The Suzuki Jimny is back with a tech refresh and very minor update after a year-long pause in production.

The line-up now has an updated autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system – so that system is now compliant with Australian Design Rules standards – as well as adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and front and rear parking sensors.

My test vehicle – the entry-level Jimny Lite – also gets a new 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as part of this latest line-up refresh.

So, does the updated base-spec Jimny – which now costs $1500 more than it did before – represent best value for money in this Zook range?

Read on.

View full pricing & specs

2023 Renault Captur Summary

One of Renault’s most successful models globally with over 1.5 million sales of the original, the Captur has nevertheless struggled in Australia since its 2015 launch.

Last year, it was Europe’s 11th bestseller outright, outselling stalwarts like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. Only the Peugeot 2008 and VW T-Roc were more popular amongst SUVs. In contrast, only 533 found homes over here in 2011.

However, with the largely all-new second-generation Captur launched locally last year now gaining market traction with a 200 per cent-plus sales spike, the 123-year-old brand’s VW T-Cross rival may yet finally fly Down Under.

We take a look at the recently-released RS Line range-topper, to see just how well the Captur shapes up in urban Australia.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Suzuki Jimny 2023 Renault Captur

Verdict

The Suzuki Jimny Lite is the most basic of the Suzuki Jimny line-up but that’s not a bad thing.

It’s ordinary on-road, it’s on the wrong side of small – especially in terms of cargo-carrying ability – and it’s still an exercise in driver-adaptability because it’s basic, bouncy and requires a lot of effort to keep it driving in a straight line.

But the Jimny is a lot of fun off road and even on sealed surfaces. It is go-kart-like in terms of everyday suitability and comfort, but its day-to-day drivability has received a healthy boost by way of those new driver-assist technologies and the updated AEB.

If you’re willing to give into the fun and cop a few compromises along the way, then you won’t be disappointed, because the Jimny is a tonne of fun.

Verdict

There’s no denying the Captur RS Line is expensive.

But it’s also sophisticated, cultured, comfy, friendly and fun, possessing a quality and capability normally expected – but rarely delivered as roundly – in more premium-branded small SUVs. Seen in this light, the Renault’s value is relative.

Better still, if the price is just too rich for you, there are three cheaper grades offering equal promise. Which is why the charming Captur deserves to succeed in Australia.

$40,800 before on-road costs

Based on new car retail price

Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Captur What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Suzuki Jimny vs Renault Captur
What's the difference?