5 reasons a Suzuki Jimny is just as fun as a Ford Ranger Raptor

Before this piece elicits negative comments, this is just an observation, not an actual head-to-head comparison.

The Suzuki Jimny and the outgoing Ford Ranger Raptor are very different, not just in terms of price, but also in their approach to addressing their owners' off-roading itch. 

Each has its strengths and weaknesses. And truth be told, both vehicles are highly capable and have become the best-selling models in their respective categories.

But why would anyone pick one model over another?

The throwback SUV

The Suzuki Jimny is a small sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and one of the most sought-after in its segment.

And it's not just here in the Philippines  – it has already sold millions globally and the numbers are still rising. Its popularity can only be attributed to two things.

First is its attractive retro design, which Suzuki calls “Heritage Styling,” that pays homage to the first and second-generation Jimny.

The other reason is its serious off-road capability, utilizing a rigid ladder-frame suspension with solid differentials, making it a true four-wheeler.

Here in the Philippines, the Suzuki Jimny gets its power from a 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine producing 102 PS and 130 Nm of torque.

This is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The ultimate pick-up

When Ford Philippines had the Ford Ranger Raptor in its showrooms, it was the top variant in the Ranger pick-up line.

It featured a twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 diesel engine pumping out 216 PS and 500 Nm of torque. This was all channelled through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Because it was designed as an all-terrain vehicle, the Ford Ranger Raptor was reinforced with a four-wheel-drive system and an electronic locking rear differential.

Meanwhile, the Fox Racing shock absorbers with remote reservoirs and BF Goodrich all-terrain tires made the Ranger Raptor excel in off-road situations. This maximized its performance to explore mountains and hills with ease.

Now that we’ve established some of the main features of each vehicle, here’s a short list of reasons why some people prefer the Suzuki Jimny over the towering Ford Ranger Raptor.

1. The Suzuki Jimny is a competent off-roader 

The Jimny’s short wheelbase, combined with miniscule front and rear overhangs, allow it to have favorable departure and approach angles.

The departure angle is defined as the angle between ground level and a line drawn from the rear of the back tire to the lowest point on the car’s rear. It is the counterpart of the approach angle.

Because of this, the Jimny can easily climb over obstacles and maneuver its way out of tight spots relatively easily.

On the other hand, the Ranger Raptor has all the rugged features of an off-road vehicle, but because of its long wheelbase and the sheer size and weight, it is more suited for speeding through wide, rough roads with steep slopes.

This is certainly something that the Jimny wouldn’t do so well as it certainly lacks the horsepower of the Ranger Raptor. The Suzuki would be better suited for off-roading on tight trails and camping trips.

2. The Suzuki Jimny is compact and easy to drive

Suzuki is known for manufacturing small compact vehicles that are very common in Japan.

These meet the kei car tax regulations that the country has. That being said, the Jimny offers excellent visibility from all corners with wide glass panels.

Its compact dimensions and adequate ground clearance also make it easy to drive and maneuver.

It’s the opposite with the Ranger Raptor pickup – its sheer size and high ground clearance are truly intimidating for some drivers.

3. The Suzuki Jimny looks cuter

The immense popularity of the Jimny can only be attributed to its highly appealing look.

It elicits a sense of familiarity among anyone who sees it. Another reason would have to be that it looks like a small die-cast toy, especially with its bright pastel exterior colors.

The Ranger Raptor, as its dinosaur-derived name implies, has a menacing stance and presence. It looks like it could swallow small animals when viewed up front with its large grill.

"Built tough" is not just Ford's slogan, but also the Ranger Rapter's primary purpose and buyers out there want such a trait for their vehicles.

4. The Suzuki Jimny relies on proven components and technology

Now on its fourth generation, the current Jimny has evolved to become a well-packaged mini-SUV.

This ranges from extensive engine development and updating the drivetrain to the existing exterior body style. The tough K15B engine remains dependable and provides enough power to propel the Jimny on the city or off-road trails.

Because of its size and load rating, the Range Raptor, on the other hand, needs a powerful engine with plenty of torque. Hence, it comes with a twin-turbocharged engine to bump up the horsepower levels.

5. The Suzuki Jimny continues to be highly sought-after

Because of the overwhelming global demand, Suzuki couldn’t launch the Jimny locally with the rest of the world.

It wasn’t until 2019 when Suzuki Philippines was finally able to introduce the Jimny to the Philippine market formally and it has been selling like crazy since then.

In fact, the Jimny has sold millions of units worldwide.

Summary

Because of the demand, it’s not easy to instantly purchase a Jimny in your desired color and spec.

This is somewhat of a disadvantage as this might cause some buyers to lose interest because of the unavailability of a unit and the dreaded waiting time.

So, no matter how much you want a Jimny as your off-roading toy, you'll have to settle for the next best thing if there's no unit to your liking. Now when will the next-generation Ford Ranger Raptor get here?