Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door: India’s Global SUV Triumph as Exports Cross 1 Lakh Units, Domestic Sales Underwhelm

Maruti Suzuki’s Jimny 5-door SUV has scripted a remarkable export success story, with cumulative overseas shipments breaching the one-lakh mark—a feat achieved just two years after exports began in 2023. Manufactured exclusively in India, the Jimny 5-door has been dispatched to over 100 countries, strengthening India’s position as a major automobile manufacturing hub.

Also Read: Suzuki Jimny Review

Exports for the 5-door Jimny started soon after its India launch in mid-2023. The SUV’s international popularity soared, especially upon entering Japan in January 2025 under the name ‘Jimny Nomade’, where it garnered more than 50,000 orders within days. Key export destinations also include Mexico, Australia, South Africa, and Chile, cementing the SUV’s appeal across diverse markets ranging from Africa and Latin America to Asia and Oceania.

Also Read: Suzuki Jimny vs Mahindra Thar Review

Despite its global acclaim, the Jimny 5-door has struggled to find similar success on home turf. Since its domestic introduction, sales have underperformed compared to exports. As of September 2025, cumulative domestic sales were just shy of 28,000 units, with sales plummeting to 296 units that month—a sharp fall of over 50% month-on-month. Industry observers attribute this tepid demand to the Jimny’s positioning as a niche lifestyle product, its lack of a diesel variant, and a relatively higher price point compared to competitors like the Mahindra Thar. Real-world fuel efficiency also falls short of typical Maruti standards, further limiting its appeal among mainstream buyers. Most domestic buyers still expect superior fuel economy and everyday practicality, which the Jimny’s hardcore off-road credentials do not address. 

The Jimny 5-door’s global journey showcases India’s manufacturing prowess and the vehicle’s off-road pedigree, powered by a reliable 1.5-litre petrol engine mated to Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4WD. However, while it continues to be an export powerhouse, carving out a substantial niche in the Indian market remains an uphill task for Maruti Suzuki’s compact off-roader.