by The Dream of a Suzuki Jimny Pickup Has Been Dashed
Despite the Suzuki Jimny not being available for buyers in the United States, this model continues to sell successfully worldwide, maintaining a loyal army of fans, although the current generation of the car has changed little since its debut in 2018.
For years, enthusiasts have hoped for the appearance of a pickup version of the compact off-roader. However, after years of rumors, a Suzuki engineer confirmed that this will not happen.
Rumors about a Jimny-based pickup emerged very early, especially after Suzuki presented the Jimny Sierra Pickup Style concept at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. This gave reason for optimism. Speculations intensified after the release of the long-wheelbase version of the Jimny in 2023 and reached a peak last year when Suzuki Australia’s general manager hinted at the prolonged development of a two-door pickup.
Suzuki’s Official Position
Unfortunately, this optimism has been dispelled. Suzuki’s chief engineer, Takamitsu Sasaki, during the Japan Mobility Show, told the Australian publication Drive that a Jimny-based pickup is not in the company’s plans. He explained that there is “no great demand” for such a version, despite years of fan enthusiasm.
If we were to make a Jimny pickup, we would have to make it very sturdy, and that is very difficult. To withstand a large weight in the rear, we need to make the frame stronger.
Besides market demand, Sasaki pointed to the technical difficulties of adapting the platform for a true pickup. Even if Suzuki decided to reinforce the chassis to increase payload capacity, the pickup would likely need more power than the current 1.5-liter naturally aspirated Jimny engine producing 101 hp can provide. This engine remains the only option in markets outside Japan, where emissions and simplicity remain priorities.
The Powertrain Remains Unchanged
When asked about the possibility of creating a more powerful version, Sasaki dismissed the idea.
We are not considering a more powerful powertrain because this model is very special in the combination of body and engine. It’s a balance, the perfect size, so we are not considering a larger engine.
A few years ago, Suzuki considered the possibility of creating an electric Jimny and even made plans for a fully electric version for Europe, which could have outperformed the ICE model. However, plans changed at the end of 2024 when President Toshihiro Suzuki acknowledged that the additional weight of an electric vehicle would undermine the car’s key characteristics. He also lowered expectations regarding a hybrid, making it clear that the Jimny would remain with an internal combustion engine.
Updates and Alternatives
Recently, Suzuki introduced a moderately updated three-door Jimny model in Japan and Australia, which received minor safety and technology updates to bring it in line with the five-door variant. However, mechanically and visually, it remains true to the original, with no significant changes in design or construction.
Although the Japanese brand does not plan to add a cargo bed to the Jimny anytime soon, those who really want a sturdy pickup and have sufficient funds can always turn to aftermarket conversions.
Suzuki’s decision to focus on the original Jimny concept rather than develop niche derivative models underscores their commitment to simplicity and reliability. In a world where automakers often expand lineups to cover all possible segments, such an approach can be considered a conscious strategic choice. It allows preserving the unique character of the car that made it iconic, even if it means forgoing potential new groups of buyers. It is a reminder that a model’s success is not always measured by the number of modifications, but sometimes by the ability to remain true to its essence.
