Jeep Wrangler vs Suzuki Jimny
Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.
The Suzuki Jimny wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 63%, worth about R 478 022 at trade-in time.
Both curves, one chart
Head to head
| Wrangler | Jimny | |
|---|---|---|
| New price (from) | R 1 315 900 | R 444 900 |
| ±Monthly instalment | R 23 000/m | R 7 776/m |
| Retained after 1 year | 80% | 90% |
| Retained after 3 years | 63% | 79% |
| Value after 3 years | R 830 137 | R 352 115 |
| Lost to depreciation (3y) | R 485 763 | R 92 785 |
| Value after 5 years | R 638 912 | R 303 628 |
| Our tier | Mainstream | Legendary retainer |
Jeep Wrangler →
Sold locally since Jeep's mid-1990s return, the Wrangler has a devoted off-road community and holds its value far better than the rest of the Jeep range. The current JL sells in two-door and four-door Unlimited form, from about R1.32 million, with the Rubicon the popular pick. Older TJ and JK models remain sought after used, especially unmolested examples.
Known for: solid-axle off-road ability and cult following
Suzuki Jimny →
The three-door Jimny has been sold here since 2008, and the 2018 generation created waiting lists that lasted years. It is one of very few cars in SA that barely depreciates, with clean used examples trading close to new prices. The range is now GLX-only, with a 1.5 petrol and proper low-range 4x4.
Known for: waiting lists and barely depreciating
Common questions
Which holds value better, the Jeep Wrangler or the Suzuki Jimny?
The Suzuki Jimny. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 63% for the Jeep Wrangler, a gap of 16 points.
Which is cheaper to own over three years?
Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Jeep Wrangler loses about R 485 763 over three years and the Suzuki Jimny loses about R 92 785. Fuel, insurance and servicing can narrow or widen that, but the depreciation gap is the number to start from.
What do they cost per month?
On typical finance (10% deposit, 72 months, 11.75%), the Jeep Wrangler runs about R 23 000 per month and the Suzuki Jimny about R 7 776, before fees and insurance.
Keep going
Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.