Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 million

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Designed for off-road


The Suzuki Jimny has everything you need for off-road riding. Compact construction and minimal overhangs, short base. Pendants – dependent, not killed. At the same time, long-stroke springs are a big plus for cross-country ability. The front axle is rigidly connected, there is a downshift.

There are no mechanical interwheel locks, but these have been partially replaced by a stabilization system. True, turning on the step-down row turns off the electronics.

The energy intensity of the suspensions is really astonishing – it’s almost impossible to break them on bumps. In the dirt, the Jimny looks like an ATV with a roof. You just need to fork for a good tooth rubber. The stock tires are more crossover than off-road.

The Wrangler’s off-road arsenal is similar: a body on a frame, thru-axles on a spring suspension and a lowering row. Regular pneumatic locking of differentials on the axles appeared only in 2002 with the debut of the Rubicon version. Our test car was released in 1997.

Off the curb, the Wrangler is just as beautiful as the Jimny. Even (subjectively!) a little better.

Suzuki Jimny just looks cute – in fact, this is a serious all-terrain vehicle.

Suzuki Jimny just looks cute – in fact, this is a serious all-terrain vehicle.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThe Jeep Wrangler has long been synonymous with an all-terrain vehicle – off the tarmac it’s particularly good.

The Jeep Wrangler has long been synonymous with an all-terrain vehicle – off the tarmac it’s particularly good.

More than enough charisma

The new Jimny retains the deliberately square body shape of its predecessor. The whole body kit is made of unpainted plastic. In the cabin there was a handrail for the passenger, the control handle of the transfer box was replaced in place of the washing machine.

The Wrangler looks like a World War II Willis. An open body with open wings in any color will turn passersby.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThe interior of the Dzhimnik pleases with a large number of interesting details.

The interior of the Dzhimnik pleases with a large number of interesting details.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThe interior of the Jeep is made in the typical style of SUVs from the 90s, but is now obsolete.

The interior of the Jeep is made in the typical style of SUVs from the 90s, but is now obsolete.

Reliability and unification


Jeep Wrangler TJ originated in the time when people thought about maximum unification. For example, headlamps with a standard diameter of 178 mm fit the optics of most cars. Also ours, such as Niva or UAZ.

The 2.5 liter AMC four-cylinder engine is very voracious. But it is reliable, because there is almost nothing to break – the design is simple. Problems can only arise with high mileage. Also don’t forget to inject the crosses at the cardan shaft and in the front axle.

There are also no issues with Jimny’s reliability. And not just because it is new, Suzuki is also structurally simple. And by the way, keep the unification with other models. For example, LED headlights also have a diameter of 178 mm. Like the Jeep and many other SUVs, it also has a wheel bolt pattern.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThe bolt pattern of the Jimny wheels is similar to our Niva and some SUVs.

The bolt pattern of the Jimny wheels is similar to our Niva and some SUVs.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionJeep headlights are standard diameter and will fit a number of cars, including ours.

Jeep headlights are standard diameter and will fit a number of cars, including ours.

Cramped, noisy and… rusting


Practically speaking, these cars are not all plain sailing. The biggest problem is the small trunk. Even the luggage space of the Niva seems gigantic. There will always be a dilemma – to go four or two, but with a certain amount of luggage.

The second characteristic of these cars is the increased internal noise. Even the new Suzuki is far from quiet by today’s standards. The wind whistles in the mirrors, howling razdatka and tires.

But against the background of the Jeep, everything is not so bad. After all, everything is noisy in the Wrangler. The sound of the canvas roof is added to the hum of the transmission and the howl of the transfer case.

In addition, the used Jeep has another problem. When inspecting a car, special attention should be paid to corrosion. The door and hood hinges rust, then the lower edges of the body panels. Corrosion can even reach the attachment points of the body to the frame. Only regular anti-corrosion treatment, which many owners neglect, will save.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThe Suzuki trunk has only one name – it only fits a few small backpacks.

The Suzuki trunk has only one name – it only fits a few small backpacks.

Frame, overhangs, two bridges: the best SUVs for 2.5 millionThere is a little more room in the second row of the Jeep than in the Jimnik.

There is a little more room in the second row of the Jeep than in the Jimnik.

Do you need it?

Both the brand new Jimny and the used high mileage Wrangler have plenty of flaws in such cars. But they buy such cars not for comfort and practicality, but for their charismatic appearance and non-trivial off-road capabilities. And here these SUVs have few competitors.

  • “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Yandex.Zen.
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