A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Engine Power
75
110
Torque
130
480
Engine Size
1462
1996
Claimed Mileage
15.9
9.8
Ground Clearance
210
210
Boot Space
85
-
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1115
1985
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
P Series
60
/ 100
+7
pts
#2
Jimny
53
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Jimny and P Series are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
P Series
+8 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Jimny
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
P Series
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
8/20
Ownership
20/20
Jimny
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
9/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Jimny
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
P Series
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
Which One's Right for You?
Jimny
Large families needing more practicality and usability
P Series
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Engine
1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol
2.0L GW4D20 Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
K15B
GW4D20
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Inline 4 (I4)
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Turbocharged
Displacement
1462
1996
Cylinders
4
4
Valves per Cylinder
4
16
Cylinder Bore
74.0
84
Piston Stroke
85.1
90
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
16.5:1
Engine Position
Longitudinal Front-Mounted
Front Longitudinal
Variable Valve Timing
VVT on Intake Camshaft
No
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Yes
Power
75
110
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
3,400-3,600 rpm
Power
100
148
Torque
130
480
Torque @ RPM
4,000 rpm
1,600-2,600 rpm
Maximum Engine RPM
6800
4,000
Engine Oil Capacity
3.7
8.0
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Diesel
Top Speed
145
175
0-100 km/h
14.5
110
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline 4 Cylinder (I4) DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged
0–100 km/h
Available
13.2
Battery Capacity
Available
-
Charging Port
Available
-
AC Charging Time
Available
-
Engine Displacement
Available
1996
EV Range
Available
-
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic Torque Converter
8-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
4
8
Drive Type
4WD — AllGrip PRO Part-Time
4WD
Drivetrain Layout
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD) / 4WD with Low-Range
Front Engine Rear Wheel Drive
Final Drive Ratio
4.090:1
3.54
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
3.8
16.5:1
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
-
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Differential Lock
Not Available
Yes
Transfer Case
Two-Speed Transfer Case (Hi / Lo Range)
Yes
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
No
Drivetrain
Available
4x4 AWD
Transmission
Available
Automatic
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Length
3625
5360
Width
1645
1900
Height
1720
1815
Wheelbase
2250
3220
Ground Clearance
210
210
Kerb Weight
1115
1985
Gross Vehicle Weight
1555
3000
Max Payload
455
900
Front Track Width
1265
1560
Rear Track Width
1265
1560
Turning Radius
4.9
13.6
Number of Doors
3
4
Seating Capacity
4
5
Boot Space
85
-
Boot Space Seats Folded
377
0
Towing Capacity
1300
3500
Load Bed Length
0
1520
Load Bed Width
0
1560
Front Legroom
900
1070
Rear Legroom
600
880
Front Headroom
990
1020
Rear Headroom
910
975
Front Shoulder Room
1270
1440
Rear Shoulder Room
1155
1420
Boot Volume
Available
0
Doors
Available
4
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
980
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
75
Rear Overhang
Available
1160
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Claimed Mileage
15.9
9.8
City Mileage
12.7
11.5
Highway Mileage
17.9
9.5
Fuel Tank Capacity
40
75
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0
No
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
No
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
10.5
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
9.8
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Moderate
Real-world Mileage
Available
10.5
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Hill Descent Control Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
All Seats
Yes
Speed Alert System
Standard
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
No
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated
5
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
Yes
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
Yes
AEB
Available
Yes
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Available
Yes
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Yes
Hill Hold
Available
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
-
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Yes
TCS
Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Yes
Knee Airbag
Available
No
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
No
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
No
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Available
Yes
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Yes
Drive Modes
Available
Yes
Eco Mode
Available
No
EV Mode
Available
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Yes
Reverse Camera
Available
-
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
-
Park Assist
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Seat Material
Fabric
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Yes
Heated Seats
Not Available
Yes
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
No
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
Full Fold-Flat Rear Bench
No
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Not Available
Yes
Cup Holders
2
Yes
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
-
Rear USB Ports
0
Yes
Steering Wheel Material
Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Leather Wrapped
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue with Digital MID
Digital Instrument Cluster
Interior Colour Options
2
1
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Front Door Pockets
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
No
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Yes
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
8-Way Electric
Fabric Seats
Available
No
Front Headrest
Available
Yes
Leather Seats
Available
Yes
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
4-Way Manual
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Climate Control
Automatic Dual-Zone Climate Control
Yes
Power Windows
All Windows
Yes
Keyless Entry
Smart Key System
Yes
Push Button Start
Push Button Start
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
No
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
No
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
Yes
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Electrically Foldable Mirrors (New 2026)
Electric
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Standard
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
2 x 12V Socket
Yes
Speed Limiter
Standard
Yes
AC Type
Available
Dual Zone Climate Control
Adaptive Dampers
Available
No
Aero Kit
Available
No
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Yes
Boot Opener
Available
Yes
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Yes
Chrome Grille
Available
Yes
Climate Zones
Available
2
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
0.42
Driver Display
Available
Multi-Information Display
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Available
No
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
-
Engine Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Exhaust Finish
Available
-
Exhaust Type
Available
-
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
9.8
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Available
Automatic
Glovebox Cooling
Available
No
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
215
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Yes
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Yes
Heads Up Display
Available
No
Hill Start Assist
Available
Yes
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Yes
Intercooler
Available
Yes
Launch Control
Available
No
Multi Function Steering
Available
Yes
Panoramic Roof
Available
No
Payload Capacity
Available
1000
Performance Data Logger
Available
No
Power Mirrors
150
Yes
Push Button Start
Available
Yes
Rear Defogger
Available
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
No
Rear Wing
Available
No
Remote Engine Start
Available
No
Rev Matching
Available
No
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Yes
Roof Antenna
Available
Mast Antenna
Seat Type
Available
Bucket Seat
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Yes
Service Plan
Available
5 Years / 75,000 km
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
Yes
Skid Plates
Available
Yes
Spare Wheel
Available
Yes
Speed Alert System
Available
Yes
Stability Control
Available
Yes
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Yes
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Yes
Steering Response
Available
Progressive
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
LED
Telescopic Steering
Available
-
Tilt Steering
Available
-
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
No
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
4
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Yes
Voice Command Support
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
Yes
Infotainment Screen Size
9
12
Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
4
8
Navigation System
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
Analogue with Digital MID
Yes
USB Ports
2
2
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Not Available
-
FM Radio
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Yes
Voice Recognition
Via Smartphone
Yes
AUX Input
Not Available
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
No
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
LED Headlamps
LED Projector Headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRLs
Yes
Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
Yes
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
15-inch Land Rover-Inspired Alloy Wheels
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Yes
Body Cladding
Black Plastic Body Cladding
Yes
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
No
Exterior Colour Options
6
5
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof with Black Contrast Roof Option
Metal Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Electrically Foldable Black Mirrors
Electric Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Standard
No
Door Handle Finish
Black Door Handles
Body Coloured
Body Type
Available
Pickup
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Yes
Led Taillights
Available
Yes
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Approach Angle
36
30
Departure Angle
50
26
Wading Depth
600
800
Terrain Modes
Not Available — AllGrip PRO 2H / 4H / 4L Transfer Modes
Yes
Locking Differential
Not Available
Yes
Underbody Protection
Standard Skid Plates
Yes
Ramp Breakover Angle
27
22
Recovery Hooks
Front and Rear Recovery Hooks
Yes
4WD System Type
AllGrip PRO — Part-Time 4WD with Low-Range Gearbox
Part-Time 4WD with Low Range
Hill Descent Control
Available
Yes
Ramp-over Angle
Available
24
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Tyre Size
195/80 R15
265/60R18
Wheel Type
15-inch Alloy
Alloy
Wheel Rim Size
15 Inches
18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Front Brake Disc Diameter
265
320
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
220
300
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Electronic
Tyre Load Index
96
112
Tyre Speed Rating
S
S
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size External Rear Spare
Steel
Brake Type Front
Available
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Available
Drum
Spare Tyre
Available
Yes
Tyre Type
Available
All-Terrain Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
265
Rear Tyre Width
Available
265
Wheel Diameter
Available
18
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Front Suspension
Rigid Front Axle with Coil Spring
Double Wishbone with Torsion Bar
Rear Suspension
Rigid Rear Axle with Coil Spring
Leaf Spring
Chassis Type
Ladder Frame
Body on Frame Ladder Chassis
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Yes
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Bar
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Leaf Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Yes
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Yes
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Hydraulic
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
10000
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,500–R3,000 per Service
Included in Service Plan
Battery Warranty
12 Months
-
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
5 Years / 75,000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
10,000 km
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
5000
Service Plan Duration
4 Years
5
Service Plan Distance
60000
75000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection and Skid Plates
Yes
Alternator
Available
120A
Battery Type
Available
-
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
200000
100000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Yes
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
6 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
5 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
Jimny
P Series
CO2 Emissions
148
258
Start Stop System
Not Available
No
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
None
Noise Level
69
Moderate
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
Diesel
Particulate Filter
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Yes
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
3/5
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
258
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
EVAP Canister
Spec
Jimny
P Series
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0
10.5
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.0
13.0
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
5.5
8.5
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
7.0
11.0
Owner Review Count
0
-
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Gwm P Series
wins with 60 pts
vs 53 pts for Jimny
In structured scoring, P Series emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Jimny may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the P Series edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Jimny 0 vs P Series 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Jimny 18, P Series 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Jimny 20, P Series 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Jimny 9, P Series 8. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Jimny 6, P Series 14. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The P Series edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The P Series scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Jimny and P Series in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Jimny scores 6 vs 14.
Efficiency: Jimny scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Jimny scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Jimny scores 9 vs 8.
Ownership: Jimny scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives P Series
the advantage in this comparison.
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