3-Door vs 5-Door Jimny: Which One Should You Actually Get?

Let’s cut to it — picking between the 3-door and 5-door Jimny comes down to how you intend to use your rig.

We’ve owned both for a while now, and figured it’s time to break it down — but not in a boring spec sheet kinda way. Whether you’re building a tourer, a daily driver, or a weekend setup, here’s what you actually need to know.

3-Door Jimny

The OG. Built for weekend adventures and solo missions. I've owned this beast for 5 years now and absolutely love it, but that doesn't stop me from letting you know of some of my fav Pros but also annoying Cons:

✅ Pros:

• Better off-road angles – The shorter wheelbase gives you better approach, ramp-over and departure angles on technical tracks.
• Smaller + lighter – Super nimble off-road and easy to squeeze into tight parking spots or tracks.
• Flat cargo space from factory – Rear seats fold down completely flat, so you’ve got decent space to lie down or stack gear.
• Tons of mods available – It’s been on the market longer, so the aftermarket is full of options that are tried and tested.
• Perfect for solo setups – Ideal if you’re mostly travelling alone or just want to maximise space for gear.
• Manufactured in Japan – Generally means tighter quality control and strong long-term reliability.

❌ Cons:

• Wobbly on the highway – Being so short and light, it gets thrown around in wind and trucks passing at 100km/h. Upgraded suspension and tyres help.
• Exhaust noise – The exhaust sits closer to the cabin, so any upgrades will be louder — especially on long drives.
• Limited space – You’ll need to pack smarter and think modular if you're heading off-grid for more than a night or two.
• Passenger access is annoying – Only two doors means people climbing in and out of the back gets old, fast.
• More roll-prone off-road – The short wheelbase makes it more tippy on steep side angles or uneven ruts if you’re pushing it hard.

5-Door Jimny (XL)

We've owned the Jimny XL for more than a year now and we can safely say it has a couple of awesome Pros, but obviously some Cons as well. Let's break it down:

✅ Pros:

• More space – Plenty of room for two people and gear without Tetris-ing every corner of the car.
• Better for everyday use – Easier if it’s your only vehicle or you're using it for school runs and shops during the week.
• More stable on-road – The added weight and longer wheelbase make it feel more planted on highways and long drives. If you're commuting a lot for work, this might be a more solid option. 
• Smoother gearing feel – While it’s heavier, the gearing helps it hold its own, especially in low range.
• More usable for a couple – You can actually fit in a proper storage setup, fridge slide, power system etc. without sacrificing your whole rear seat area.
• Mods are catching up fast – The aftermarket is going hard on new 5-door gear, and there’s more coming every month.

❌ Cons:

• Rear seats don’t fold flat – Makes setting up a sleeping or drawer system annoying, which is why we developed this solution.
• Built in India – Quality feels good so far, but time will tell how it stacks up long-term compared to Japan-built models.
• The power drop is somewhat noticeable – It’s the same 1.5L engine, but the added weight means it’s slower when overtaking, climbing hills or fully loaded. However, it's not a massive difference as some might say. 

Other things to think about in general

• Fuel economy – Slightly worse on the 5-door, especially once you add gear or passengers.
• Insurance – Can vary between models. 5-door might cost a bit more depending on your area.
• Resale – The 3-door has proven strong resale value. Too early to tell with the 5-door, but demand is high.
• Wheelbase trade-off – The 5-door has a longer wheelbase, which improves on-road stability but slightly reduces clearance and breakover angle on tougher tracks.

So… Which one’s for you?

Going solo or want a pure off-roader? The 3-door is light, nimble, and fun. Need extra space for camping or a partner? Go the 5-door for practicality.

Both are epic in their own ways — just make sure the one you pick suits your lifestyle, not someone else’s setup you saw on Instagram.

Want to see a proper 5-door setup?

Check out our complete rear system for the Jimny XL. Built to solve the factory seat issues, give you flat cargo space, and help you actually use the 5-door properly.