For over half a century, Suzuki has been quietly mastering the art of the four-wheel drive. While others went big, Suzuki went smart, carving out a legendary reputation for building tough, capable, and accessible 4x4s. This year marks 55 years since their first go-anywhere machine, the LJ10, hit the dirt in 1970. What started as a simple concept has evolved into a sophisticated suite of technologies now known as ALLGRIP. It’s a journey from rugged utility to intelligent traction, and it’s a story worth telling.
The Little Giant Slayer: The Jimny Era Begins
Back in the late 1960s, the 4WD market was dominated by large, high-displacement vehicles. Suzuki saw a gap. Their vision was simple but revolutionary: a 4WD mini-car that could tackle rough roads and go where conventional cars simply couldn’t. In 1970, that vision became a reality with the LJ10 Jimny, the first mass-produced 4WD in Japan’s mini-car category. It was an instant sensation.
This wasn’t a one-hit-wonder. Suzuki listened to its growing fanbase and iterated. The LJ20 (1972) got a water-cooled engine for better performance in snowy regions, and the LJ50 (1974) received a bigger 550cc engine to meet export demands. The first generation culminated with the LJ80 in 1977, which featured Suzuki’s first four-stroke engine and was sold in 109 countries.
The second generation, starting with the SJ410 in 1981, evolved the Jimny’s image from purely practical to a stylish off-roader fit for both city streets and mountain tracks. With the launch of the SJ413 in 1984, equipped with a then-massive 1.3-litre engine, Suzuki took its small 4×4 concept to the global stage, selling nearly 1.7 million units of the second-gen series.
Expanding the Horizon: The Vitara and a Quirky Cousin
While the Jimny was building its hardcore following, Suzuki’s engineers had another “what if” moment. What if you could have off-road capability without the compromises of a heavy-duty truck? In 1988, they answered that question with the first-generation Vitara. It was a visionary pioneer, effectively creating the compact SUV segment we know today. It was designed to tackle forests and mud but be equally at home in the city, and it was a massive success, selling 1.1 million units.
During this innovative period, Suzuki also showed its playful side with the X-90 (1995-1997). Derived from the Vitara, this quirky two-door, two-seater T-top SUV was a bold design experiment that remains a unique footnote in the brand’s 4×4 history.
The Age of ALLGRIP: A System for Everyone
As the model range expanded, so did the 4WD technology. The third-generation Jimny (1998) added on-road comfort with a new part-time 4WD system that could be shifted on the move. The Grand Vitara (1998, 2005) grew in size and refinement, eventually featuring a unique built-in ladder frame that fused monocoque comfort with rugged off-road strength. This expertise, spread across models like the SX4, Swift, and Ignis, was eventually unified under a single, brilliant banner: ALLGRIP.
ALLGRIP isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a family of systems tailored to the vehicle and its intended purpose.
ALLGRIP AUTO: Found on models like the latest Swift and Ignis, this is the “set it and forget it” system. It’s a permanent 4WD layout that primarily drives the front wheels for maximum efficiency. When it detects slip, a viscous coupling automatically and seamlessly transfers torque to the rear wheels for extra traction. The Ignis version even adds clever tech like Hill Descent Control and a Grip Control function for low-speed confidence on slippery surfaces.
ALLGRIP SELECT: Offered on the S-Cross and current Vitara, this system puts the driver in command. Using a simple push-and-turn dial, the driver can choose between four modes:
Auto: Prioritises fuel economy in 2WD, switching to 4WD when needed.
Sport: Sharpens throttle response and sends more torque to the rear for spirited cornering.
Snow: Optimises 4WD for slippery surfaces like snow, gravel, and mud.
Lock: Provides maximum traction for getting out of tough situations by continuously distributing high torque to the rear wheels.
ALLGRIP PRO: This is the hardcore system reserved for the “tool for professionals,” the fourth-generation Jimny. It’s an authentic part-time 4WD system with a low-range transfer gear, connected to a rugged ladder frame and 3-link rigid axle suspension. This is the direct descendant of the original LJ10’s philosophy, delivering uncompromising off-road capability.
The Future is Electric Grip
Never a brand to rest on its laurels, Suzuki is already writing the next chapter. Launching in 2025, the all-new, fully electric e Vitara will introduce ALLGRIP-e. This isn’t just an adaptation; it’s a ground-up redesign for the electric age. It uses two independent motors, one at the front and one at the rear, allowing for precise, powerful, and instantly responsive electric four-wheel drive control. It promises to deliver not just off-road prowess but a nimble and sharp driving experience on the tarmac.
From a tiny, two-stroke engine powering a mini-Jeep to an intelligent, dual-motor electric system, Suzuki’s 55-year 4×4 journey is a masterclass in evolution. It’s a legacy built on providing enjoyment and peace of mind, whether you’re crossing a muddy field in a Jimny or navigating a snowy commute in a Swift. They’ve proven time and again that you don’t need to be the biggest to be the best at getting a grip.
