Interior space and practicality

Jimny’s space and rear seats

The Jimny’s compact size means the rear seats and cargo space are a bit short on room, making it less suited for families or those needing seven seats. However, for those wanting a little Suzuki with genuine off-road capability and enough space for gear, it fits the bill perfectly.

Wrangler’s spaciousness and versatility

The Wrangler offers significantly more space, with rear seats that can accommodate adults comfortably and options for additional seats in some versions sold. It’s a better choice if you need more space for passengers or equipment, but remember that the larger size comes with increased fuel consumption and running costs.

Ownership costs in Ireland

Tax, registration and VRT

No matter which model you go for, if you’re importing (or we’re importing on your behalf) you’ll need to deal with the Revenue Commissioners and the VRT system. We often handle this end-to-end: purchase, shipping, VRT submission, registration. VRT is payable when you register the vehicle in Ireland.

Also note the motor tax and ownership costs. For higher-emission vehicles like the Wrangler, tax and VRT can be significantly higher.

NCT, trade-in, service

You’ll also factor in the National Car Testing Service (NCT) — if you’re driving around Dublin and beyond you’ll want a vehicle that passes easily. The Jimny’s simplicity helps. With the Wrangler you’ll need to budget more for upkeep, particularly if you’re using it for heavy off-road or towing.

We also offer trade-in services: if you currently have a vehicle and you want to step into a Jimny imported through us, we evaluate, trade-in and make the transition smooth.

Importing via The Jimny Co — smooth process

At The Jimny Co we handle everything when bringing a Jimny into Ireland for you:

• We find the right vehicle in Japan (or other markets) and inspect it thoroughly.

• We handle shipping, arrival and logistics.

• We complete the VRT paperwork and registration with Revenue.

• We arrange Irish-spec warranty, local accessories, and you’re good to go on Dublin roads or Wicklow trails.
  In our experience clients appreciate the turnkey service — no stress, we take care of the complex bits.

Comparing with other off-road SUVs

While the Jimny and Wrangler are standout choices, it’s worth considering other options on the used market in Ireland. Vehicles like the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover offer seven seats and exceptional off road prowess but often come with higher running costs and maintenance demands. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Mitsubishi Pajero are known for their durability and heavy-duty capabilities, making them best options for those needing more space and towing capacity.

For those seeking a compact SUV with four wheel drive and daily driving comfort, models like the Nissan X-Trail or even the Fiat Panda 4×4 can be practical alternatives, offering lower prices and running costs.

Accessories, modding & used value

We often fit accessories to the Jimny — roof racks, snorkels, rugged tyres, lift kits — all tailored for Irish conditions: dodging potholes, tackling muddy tracks, exploring the wild parts of the country. The Jimny also holds strong used-value in Ireland — there’s a loyal niche.

With the Wrangler, accessories are available too, but the cost is higher and service options in Ireland can be more limited depending on the spec.

Final thoughts

Both vehicles deliver huge amounts of driving fun — the key is recognising how you’ll use the vehicle in Ireland. If you want something compact, agile, capable both in the city and off-road, then the Jimny is a superb choice. If your heart says “go big” and you’re ready for the premiums in cost and size, the Wrangler delivers.

If you’re leaning Jimny and you want someone to handle the import-process from Japan to your door in Dublin — we at The Jimny Co are ready to make it happen. Contact us today and let’s get you driving.