The Suzuki Jimny is a fan-favorite among off-roading enthusiasts, myself included. Its adorably diminutive size and go-getter off-road capability have many people falling in love. Many are enamored with how it can follow in the footsteps of its bigger contemporaries like the Land Cruiser, G-Wagon, or Jeep Gladiator, but in a bite-sized package.
Speaking of the Jeep Gladiator, one idea Suzuki has played around with the Jimny in the past is giving it a pickup truck treatment, with showcases like the Jimny Sierra Pickup from the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon.
But now, will we be able to see that concept come to life? Well, according to Drive, it unfortunately won’t be happening, as backed by statements from Suzuki Motor Corporation Chief Engineer Takamitsu Sasaki. But Sasaki didn’t say this because he didn’t feel like making one, as he also states a few reasons why it might not be as feasible as we’d think.
“If we were to make a Jimny truck, we would have to make it very durable, and that is very difficult.” [And to give it the ability] “to put a lot of weight on the backside, we need to make the frame stronger,” said Sasaki-san. Valid point, considering that other off-road greats aside from those previously mentioned have one thing in common: a durable frame that can handle a beating. More so if it’s a truck that’s meant to carry loads at the back.
Unfortunately, the woes don’t stop there, as a bigger body needs an engine with the power to carry itself, as also pointed out by Sasaki “We are not considering a bigger [engine] model because this model is a very particular with the body and the engine,” and also adding “It’s a balance, it’s the just-right size, so we’re not considering a bigger engine.” And when you think about it, what’s the point of a peppy off-road dwarf when it can’t even lug itself out of the garage?
Although as painful as it is that Suzuki itself won’t be making a pickup truck version of the beloved off-road bugger, that doesn’t mean the idea is dead. Considering what other parts of the world are capable of in terms of conversions, like Pirate Camp Co. giving the Jimny a bit of turbo fun, and Thailand making 8th-to-9th generation Hilux facelift conversions, it’s just a matter of who’s going to step up to do the work, and who knows? Maybe a madman from the Philippines will make our Jimny truck dreams a reality.
