Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny: The most-anticipated comparo

itherto, the Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha were the only offerings in the business. Now, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny has also entered the affordable 4×4/AWD game. In terms of pricing, especially the 4×4 version, the Jimny is the cheapest. For your reference, the Thar is the only vehicle in the segment that offers an RWD version as well. The 4×4 version of the Mahindra Thar has a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 13.87 lakh, while the Jimny’s price starts from Rs 12.74 lakh.
Dimensionally, both the off-roaders belong to the sub-four-metre segment, as that segment has tax benefits. But to give a rugged SUV look, these cars have a boxy shape with a good height, which makes them more imposing.
These two vehicles, however, have a strong demand in the market, as a result, they are popularly compared. So, let’s begin weighing these two off-roaders and see how they stack up against each other.

Specifications

For starters, let’s talk about the newest offering, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. This vehicle is closely related to the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and the Gypsy. The Indian version of the Jimny is the same as the international version in terms of powertrain, transmission, platform, and components. However, it won’t come across as a surprise if the Jimny becomes among the bestselling Maruti Suzuki cars in the segment and the country.

On the other hand, the Mahindra Thar has a separate platform and can be had in petrol and diesel engines. That Jimny doesn’t have a diesel engine on offer.
As far as the figures go, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is powered by a K15B, 1.5-litre (1462cc), four-cylinder, petrol engine, which is tuned to churn out 103.39 bhp at 6000 rpm and 134.2 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. It sends power to all wheels via a standard five-speed manual gearbox and an optional four-speed automatic transmission. Considering the Maruti Suzuki Jimny’s price, the carmaker could have come up with better specifications.

Fuel Efficiency

But less power can lead to more fuel efficiency. That’s where the Jimny might get an edge, unlike the Thar. Speaking of which, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny has an ARAI-certified mileage of 16.94 km/l and 16.39 km/l for manual and automatic versions, respectively.

On the other hand, the Mahindra Thar can either be had with RWD or 4X4. Different turbocharged engines power these two versions of the Thar.
The RWD version has two engine options: 1.5-litre D117 CRDe (Diesel) and 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi (Petrol). For your reference, the RWD has less-powered engines than the 4×4 versions.
However, the 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel engine can generate 116.39 bhp at 3500 rpm and 300 Nm of peak torque at 2500 rpm. In parallel, the mStallion 150 TGDi petrol engine can generate 150 bhp at 5000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 3000 rpm.
On the other hand, the 4X4 version can also be had with the tuned-up version of the mStallion 150 TDGi petrol engine that can produce 150 bhp at 5000 rpm and 320 Nm of peak torque at 3000 rpm. One of these engines also powers other Mahindra cars, though. In addition, there is a 2.2-litre mHawk 130 diesel engine that can churn out 130 bhp at 3750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2800 rpm.

Transmissions

The Thar can be had in both manual and automatic transmissions.
Regarding fuel efficiency, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny will most likely return better mileage than the Mahindra Thar.

As for the suspension setups, both vehicles are more or less the same. The Mahindra Thar stands on independent double wishbone suspension with a coil-over damper and stabiliser bar at the front and a multi-link solid rear axle with a coil-over damper and stabiliser bar at the rear.
On the contrary, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny has a three-link rigid axle-type suspension with a coil spring at the front and a three-link axle-type suspension with a coil spring at the rear. The braking duties of these homegrown off-roaders are taken care of by standard disc-drum brakes.
Furthermore, the Mahindra Thar has broader tyres than the Jimny, as a result, it offers more grip around the corners than what the Jimny does. That said, the Thar has a tyre profile of 255/65 R18, while the Jimny has a tyre profile of 195/80 R15.

Features

In terms of features, both vehicles are well-equipped. Let’s start with the exclusive features of the Maruti Jimny. Please note that the features mentioned here belong to the top-most variant of these two cars.
Inside it, you will get a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, a driver armrest storage, front and rear power windows, a rear wiper, a rear reading lamp, cabin lamps (front and rear), and an analogue instrument cluster. Further, you will get an auto HVAC, keyless start/stop button, child safety lock, etc.
Besides that, the top-most variant of the Jimny has LED lights at the front, automatic headlights, and halogen taillights. Moreover, it has a nine-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

In contrast, the Mahindra Thar has front power windows, remote central locking, manually-operatable HVAC, cabin-boot access, a 12V socket, connected car technology, and a semi-digital instrument cluster. Further, for exterior lighting, this vehicle offers front halogen lights, LED DRLs, LED taillights, and a central cabin lamp. For entertainment, it has a seven-inch touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (but all-wired). It has a voice command as well. Considering the Thar’s price, this vehicle offers a good number of features.

The common features of these two vehicles include fabric upholstery, manually-operated anti-glare IRVM, reverse camera with rear parking sensors, cruise control, and electrically adjustable ORVMs. Further, they offer a headlight height adjuster, adjustable cluster brightness, steering-mounted controls, GPS Navigation system, etc. Both have auxiliary, USB and Bluetooth compatibilities.

On the safety front, both have speed-sensing door locks, engine immobilisers, hill descent control, hill hold control, ESP, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, and ABS with EBD. However, the Mahindra Thar has two airbags as standard, while the Jimny’s top variant has six airbags.

Prices and Variants

The Mahindra Thar has two broad trims: AX(O) and LX. These trims make a total of thirteen variants. As for the Mahindra Thar’s price, it starts at Rs 10.54 lakh for the base model, the AX(O) Hard Top Diesel MT, and goes up to Rs 16.78 lakh for the top model, the LX Hard Top Diesel AT.
On the other hand, the Jimny is offered in two broad trims: Zeta and Alpha. These trims have a total of six variants. The Maruti Jimny’s price starts at Rs 12.74 lakh for the base model, the Zeta Petrol MT, and goes up to Rs 15.05 lakh for the top model, the Alpha DT AT.
All are ex-showroom prices in Delhi, as of June 2023. Please note that these prices are subject to change without any prior notice to the customer. You can, however, visit the autoX website to access the latest location-based price list for your dream vehicle. For more, visit our website or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. So, stay tuned!