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Suzuki Jimny vs Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Value retention, real cost and monthly money, compared on the same 2026 South African data.

The short answer

The Suzuki Jimny wins on money kept: 79% retained after three years vs 73%, worth about R 172 347 at trade-in time.

Both curves, one chart

R0R200kR400kR600kR800kNow1y2y3y4y5y6y7y8yYears from now
Suzuki Jimny Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Head to head

JimnyLand Cruiser FJ
New price (from)R 444 900R 714 000
±Monthly instalmentR 7 776/mR 12 480/m
Retained after 1 year90%86%
Retained after 3 years79%73%
Value after 3 yearsR 352 115R 524 463
Lost to depreciation (3y)R 92 785R 189 537
Value after 5 yearsR 303 628R 437 751
Our tierLegendary retainerWorkhorse bakkie & ladder-frame SUV

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

Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Toyota's newest nameplate here, a compact body-on-frame 4x4 that slots below the Prado and arrived in South Africa in 2026 from around R714k. It targets buyers who want real Land Cruiser hardware in a smaller, cheaper package. Early demand has been strong given the shortage of affordable proper off-roaders.

Known for: new compact land cruiser for the jimny crowd

Common questions

Which holds value better, the Suzuki Jimny or the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ?

The Suzuki Jimny. It keeps about 79% of its price after three years against 73% for the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, a gap of 6 points.

Which is cheaper to own over three years?

Depreciation is the biggest ownership cost. The Suzuki Jimny loses about R 92 785 over three years and the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ loses about R 189 537. 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 Suzuki Jimny runs about R 7 776 per month and the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ about R 12 480, before fees and insurance.

Keep going

Modelled estimates on a retail basis; spec levels and real transaction prices vary.