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Although it has so far been kept from North American shores, the Suzuki Jimny’s appeal is a global one, and easy to understand, too. The diminutive proportions, bulky bodywork, and rugged capabilities make it an immensely desirable – and surprisingly agile – off-roader, which can tackle rough conditions and tough terrain just as easily as most mid- and full-size rivals. Furthermore, by keeping it small and simple, Suzuki has ensured that the Jimny is largely affordable, certainly more so than most off-road-orientated SUVs currently on the market.

As a result of its success and desirability, the Jimny does steal all the headlines in the compact off-roading world. However, we feel there are a great number of often-overlooked alternatives that deserve a moment in the spotlight. If you’re shopping for cars like the Suzuki Jimny, here’s a list of ten alternatives to get you started. Some are old, and some are new, but all stand out as cars which offer rugged affordability and genuine off-roading capability.

1

Suzuki Sidekick

Price Range: $2,500 to $10,000

Your best bet for finding cars similar to the Suzuki Jimny is to peruse the back-catalog of the same manufacturer – Suzuki. Cars like the Suzuki Jimny don’t come around all that often, but wind the clock back a few decades, and you’ll discover that Suzuki was already building something remarkably similar.

The Sidekick is a compact, three-door SUV with four-wheel-drive, all-terrain tires, and rugged simplicity baked right in. Bulky, bolstered arches provide the Sidekick with a surprisingly aggressive stance, very similar to the style adopted by the current Jimny. A choice of reliable engines were available throughout the Sidekick’s lifetime, but the base 1.6-liter inline-four, with 80 horsepower, more closely resembles the 100-horsepower inline-four on offer under the Jimny’s hood. Finding a good one might prove to be tricky, as these Sidekicks are often worked hard, and many have been discarded. However, prices rarely exceed $10,000, so they’re well worth being patient for.

2

Second-Generation Subaru Forester

Price Range: $3,500 to $15,000

Another Subaru worth your consideration is the second-gen Forester, produced from 2003 through 2008. While a multitude of powertrains are available, for the ultimate Forester experience, try to single out a turbocharged 2.5-liter model, ideally with the five-speed manual transmission for more control when off-roading. As is to be expected of a Subaru and worthy Jimny rival, the Forester sends its power to all four wheels, and won’t break the bank, with most examples trading hands for in the region of $10,000.

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3

First-Generation Toyota RAV4

Price Range: $5,000 to $10,000

The first-gen Toyota RAV4, also known as the XA10 generation, was a real game changer for the brand. For the first time, Toyota developed a light off-roader which was just as comfortable scrambling over rocks and rough trails as it was cruising down the highway, or darting through city centers. The key ingredients were a dependable four-wheel-drive system, skinny wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, plenty of ground clearance, and a robust power plant.

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As the earliest cars are now around 30 years old, survivors in excellent condition can prove tricky to find, and they tend to cost more money. Most examples seem to exchange hands for between $5,000 and $15,000, making this one of the more affordable Suzuki Jimny alternatives.

4

Isuzu VehiCROSS

Price Range: $5,000 to $15,000

The Isuzu VehiCROSS is a special vehicle, with a face only a mother could love, but plenty seem to be flocking to this unquestionably characteristic late ’90s off-roader, and we think it makes for a seriously cool Suzuki Jimny alternative. A sizable V6 sits up front, and sends power to all four corners, while all-terrain tires and heaps of ground clearance complete the off-roading aesthetic. Examples are few and far between, but $15,000 is more than enough to get your hands on one when they do come up for sale.

5

Jeep Renegade

Price Range: $7,500 to $10,000

The recently discontinued Jeep Renegade is another one of the Suzuki Jimny competitors you need to consider. While it doesn’t sport the same level of off-roading ability as the Jimny – Jeep has a wide range of other models that manage this task perfectly – it still manages to portray itself successfully as a soft-roader, with bulky arches, exaggerated ground clearance, and four-wheel-drive. Some models are front-wheel-drive only, whereas certain more adventure-focused trims, like the Trailhawk, were only available with four-wheel-drive.

A larger 2.4-liter inline-four was available, but arguably it’s the boosted 1.3-liter inline-four, which produces 177 horsepower, that more closely aligns itself with the Suzuki Jimny, and no doubt that particular powertrain would prove itself capable when scampering along gravel roads or light, dusty trails.

6

Toyota FJ Cruiser

Price Range: $10,000 to $25,0000

Although the Toyota FJ Cruiser was only sold in the US for a comparably short time, it became revered for its capability and straightforward ease-of-use during it’s lifespan here. Early models had just 239 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, but this was updated after 2010 to 260 hp with similar torque figures. Its spartan interior is not for those who want to be coddled, which we think is a good alternative to the Suzuki Jimny which offers a similar approach to the cabin.

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Sadly, the FJ Cruiser left the US market in 2014, and you’ll have to shop on the used-car market if you want one. Still, so impressive is its off-roading prowess that during the global pandemic in 2019/2020, used values for these cars soared as people fell in love with their user-friendly approach to off-roading. Nowadays, pricing has dropped again, making this an affordable – and capable – alternative to the Jimny. Early models can be picked up for as litte as $10k.

7

Jeep CJ-5

Price Range: $10,000 to $40,000

There are many cars similar to the Suzuki Jimny, but very few, or arguably none, pack the rugged simplicity and immense charm of an old-school Jeep CJ-5. This mighty Jeep managed almost three decades of continual production, and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler still owes many of its signature design features to this iconic little off-roader. A variety of engines were available in the CJ-5, although earlier cars made do with a plucky 2.2-liter inline-four.

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Output was low at just 72 horsepower, but the CJ-5 weighs next-to-nothing, and therefore the inline-four proved more than capable at powering the Jeep across some seriously tough terrain. Simplicity was always the CJ-5’s strong point, and despite a huge enthusiastic following, good examples can still be picked up relatively cheaply, while the very best cars do command figures of up to $40,000.

8

Mini Moke

Price Range: $25,000 to $50,000

The original Mini Moke is a beautifully simple thing, sporting nothing that you can’t see. There are four wheels, some bodywork, a single gauge and four gears – that, in addition to a 34-horsepower A-Series engine, is it. For some, it’s useless, but for those that can appreciate the Moke’s immense simplicity, it’s a work of art. Original examples are now hard to come by and treasured by collectors, although unrestored examples can be snagged for in-and-around $25,000.

Does that all sound a little fragile and lethargic to you? Well, not to worry, as there’s a modern alternative dubbed the Moke America, which utilizes a single electric motor. Output is still nothing to get excited about, and the 25 mph top speed plus 75-mile maximum range won’t make it a great daily driver. However, the Moke America is the perfect beach-cruiser, and a wonderfully charming alternative to the comparatively complex Jimny, especially for anyone who finds themselves pottering along coastal roads and beach-lined seafronts on a daily basis.

9

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

Price Range: From $25,810

For those who would prefer a brand-new Jimny alternative, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek looks like a great bet. It’s motivated by a powerful 2.5-liter engine, and with 182 horsepower on tap, it will easily outpace the humble Suzuki. As per most Subaru models, off-road capability is core to the Crosstrek’s recipe, and so amplified ground clearance, all-wheel-drive, and a rugged exterior come standard across the range.

Used models will of course be cheaper, but with prices starting from just $25,810, the Crosstrek is an easily afforded brand-new Jimny alternative that should prove just as capable over light trails and through adverse weather.

10

Ford Bronco Sport

Price Range: From $29,995

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is a great alternative to the Suzuki Jimny for those who wish to shop around on the new-car market, and with prices starting from $29,995, it’s not a wallet-buster either. Power comes courtesy of a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine – although a more powerful inline-four is optional – and is channeled through a slick eight-speed automatic. Unlike most new SUVs and crossovers, the Bronco Sport’s styling is fun and energetic, much like the Jimny’s, which is why we think this would be one of the best alternatives to the creative Jimny currently on sale in the USA.

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Source: Ford, Moke America, Suzuki, Bring A Trailer, KBB, Hagerty, Isuzu, Subaru, Jeep, Toyota, Autotempest.