Volkswagen Crafter vs Suzuki Jimny

A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance, fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.

Volkswagen Crafter in South Africa

Volkswagen Crafter

50 Panel Van XLWB 8AT Diesel Current
ZAR 1,406,000 ex-showroom
⚡ 103 kW 🔧 340 Nm ⛽ 16.7 km/l
VS
Suzuki Jimny in South Africa

Suzuki Jimny

1.5 GLX AllGrip AT Petrol 4-Speed Automatic Current
ZAR 466,900 ex-showroom
⚡ 75 kW 🔧 130 Nm ⛽ 15.9 km/l
+ Add a 3rd car

Decision summary

Volkswagen Crafter vs Suzuki Jimny: the short answer

Compare the available model information below. Hagalu has withheld a ranked verdict because the selected vehicles do not yet meet the minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold.

Jimny starts ZAR 416,300 cheaper Crafter from ZAR 861,200 · Jimny from ZAR 444,900

Five key differences

Exact selected derivatives
Specification Crafter Jimny
Maximum Power Crafter103 kW Jimny75 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque Crafter340 Nm Jimny130 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size Crafter1968 cc Jimny1462 cc
Combined Fuel Economy Crafter16.7 km/l Jimny15.9 km/l
Ground Clearance Crafter195 mm Jimny210 mm

Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.

Full Specs, Side by Side

Spec Crafter Jimny
Model Introduced Year Current local generation year not confirmed 2019
Generation Current South African Crafter listing; generation notes should be kept tied to the local model year and confirmed derivative data. Fourth generation (JB74 series); entirely new K15B engine replaces previous K13B; AllGrip Pro 4WD system replaces previous generation's 4WD setup; new body retains ladder-frame construction and live rear axle from all previous generations
Facelift History Model-year updates can affect trim, wheels, screens, safety equipment and colours. Use the latest South African price list when checking a specific vehicle. Fourth-generation Jimny launched globally in 2018 and in SA in 2019; minor specification updates in 2021 including updated connectivity; 5-door Jimny Sierra launched globally in 2023 but not confirmed for SA as of end-2025; no mechanical changes to the 3-door SA model since launch
Facelift Launched Since Original current-generation version 2025
Facelift Version Ending Current Current
Body Style Van SUV
Color Note Colour availability changes by model year, production batch and dealer stock, check the current colour selector before ordering. Kinetic Yellow, Sizzling Red, Granite Grey, Brisk Blue, Chiffon Ivory White, Bluish Black Pearl
Dealer Stock Note Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Drivetrain Note 4x2 configuration for the local line-up Drive layout derived from the official derivative naming: 1.5 GLX AllGrip AT
Model Year Current 2026
Production Status published active
Segment Van SUV
Tare Mass Kg GVM class 5000 kg 1115 kg
Vehicle Type Van SUV
Spec Crafter Jimny
Length 7391 mm 3625 mm
Width 2040 mm 1645 mm
Height 2590 mm 1720 mm
Wheelbase 4490 mm 2250 mm
Ground Clearance (Default) 195 mm 210 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 75 l 40 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) 6000 kg 1435 kg
Seating Capacity 3 seats 4 seats
Doors 4 doors 3 doors
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load) - Not Officially Disclosed
Boot/Cargo Space - 85 l
Kerb Weight - 1110 kg
Payload Capacity - 325 kg
Towing Capacity - 1300 kg
Number of Rows - 2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius - 4.9 m
Front Headroom - 990 mm
Rear Headroom - 910 mm
Front Legroom - 900 mm
Rear Legroom - 600 mm

In depth: how these cars differ

This Crafter and Jimny comparison brings together local model information and available derivatives for South Africa. Prices and specifications appear only where they have been recorded for this market.

Hagalu has withheld an overall score because at least one selected vehicle does not yet have four comparable categories and 50% weighted source coverage. Missing catalogue evidence is not replaced with a neutral score or a guessed value.

Use the key-spec and full-spec tables to compare the fields that are confirmed. For a purchase decision, verify current availability, exact derivative equipment, finance, insurance and ownership cover with the relevant manufacturer or authorised retailer.

Specification Score Withheld

Hagalu does not turn missing specifications into neutral scores or guessed values.

Fail closed

Score withheld: fewer than four comparable categories or less than 50% weighted source coverage for at least one vehicle.

Use the verified key-spec and full-spec tables on this page. A ranked index will appear only after every selected vehicle has source-backed data in at least four categories and reaches 50% weighted coverage.

What the evidence means

No overall winner is declared because the selected vehicles do not yet meet Hagalu's minimum like-for-like source-coverage threshold. Compare the confirmed rows and verify the exact derivative before buying.

Crafter vs Jimny questions

There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.

Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.

Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.

A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.

Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.

Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.