Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Crosses 1 Lakh Export Milestone

Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door sees global success with 100,000 exports across 100+ markets.

Maruti Suzuki’s five-door Jimny has achieved a major milestone by crossing one lakh units exported from India since production began in 2023. The compact SUV now reaches customers in more than 100 countries and has become the company’s second-largest export model after the Fronx. This milestone comes just two years after the model began its export journey.

The strongest response has come from Japan, where Maruti introduced the SUV earlier this year under the name “Jimny Nomade.” Within a few days of launch, bookings crossed 50,000 units. This is a remarkable result in a market known for strict quality expectations. The success of an India-built model in Suzuki’s home country shows the growing confidence in Indian manufacturing quality.

Major export markets for the Jimny include Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and Chile. Each country has different needs but the SUV fits all of them. In Australia, it is popular with drivers who need a reliable vehicle for remote areas. South Africans prefer it for rough terrain and rural use. Mexican buyers appreciate its mix of compact size and off-road ability that works both in cities and on country roads.

The Jimny stays true to its old-school off-road roots. It uses a ladder frame chassis instead of the unibody structure most modern SUVs use. Suzuki offers the ALLGRIP PRO four-wheel-drive system with a low-range gearbox as standard. These features make the Jimny capable of handling serious off-road conditions, attracting adventure and 4x4 enthusiasts.

The SUV runs on a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine that produces 109 horsepower and 136 Newton-meters of torque. It comes with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. While not built for speed, the Jimny’s lightweight design makes this engine setup effective for its purpose. Manual versions appeal to off-road drivers who like more control, while the automatic is better suited for daily driving.

Maruti Suzuki’s overall export performance has grown rapidly. The company shipped over two lakh vehicles in the first half of FY 2025–26, the highest half-year figure in its history. This marks about 40 percent growth compared to the same period last year. Data from SIAM shows Maruti now holds over 46 percent of India’s total passenger vehicle exports. The company exported 3.3 lakh vehicles in FY 2024–25 and is on track to exceed that figure this year. The Jimny 5-door currently leads as India’s top exported four-wheel-drive vehicle.

Hisashi Takeuchi, Managing Director and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India, said the achievement highlights more than five decades of global heritage behind the Jimny name. He said crossing one lakh exports from India reflects the trust of customers around the world. Takeuchi credited the SUV’s strong off-road capability, reliable performance, and build quality for its global success.

Maruti produces and exports 17 vehicle models from its Indian factories, with the Jimny being one of the key models. It comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, round LED headlamps, six airbags, and a 360-degree camera system for easier parking and trail driving.

The Jimny’s export success supports India’s role as a global auto manufacturing hub. Producing vehicles in India allows Maruti to keep costs competitive while maintaining high quality for demanding markets such as Japan and Australia. The positive response from these countries confirms that Indian-made cars now meet international standards.

The SUV’s price also plays a role in its appeal. In India, it starts at over ₹12 lakh, making it more expensive than many compact SUVs. Yet global buyers see its value in offering true off-road strength rather than just SUV styling. While many competitors sell crossovers designed mainly for city use, the Jimny delivers real performance off the road. This difference is what keeps demand strong across continents.

By crossing one lakh exports, the Jimny strengthens Maruti Suzuki’s global standing and proves India’s ability to deliver world-class vehicles. It is not just a number milestone but a sign that Indian automotive manufacturing is earning lasting respect in key international markets.