Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny: The SUV craze in India has grown rapidly in the last few years. Now people want a vehicle that runs easily in the city and also gives strong performance on mountains or off-road. For this reason, the trend of lifestyle SUV has become very popular. In this category, two vehicles are most talked about – Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Both are compact SUVs and offer real 4×4 capability, but the character and purpose of both are different.
If you are confused whether to buy Thar or Jimny, then this simple comparison will help you in taking the right decision.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny – Quick Comparison
The price of Mahindra Thar starts from 11.50 lakh and goes up to 17.62 lakh. It has multiple engine options like 1.5L diesel, 2.2L diesel and 2.0L turbo petrol. Transmission is available in both manual and automatic, as well as both RWD and 4WD choices. Its mileage is only around 8 to 9 kmpl. Thar has 4 seats and a 3-door layout, however now a 5-door model named Thar Roxx has also been launched. Its special features are 226mm ground clearance and 600 litres boot space. It has received a 4-star Global NCAP rating in safety.
The price of Maruti Suzuki Jimny ranges from Rs. 12.76 lakh to Rs. 14.96 lakh. It has only a 1.5L petrol engine, which produces 103PS of power. Transmission is available in 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Jimny always comes in 4WD, which means off-road capability is standard in every variant. Its mileage is 16.39 to 16.94 kmpl, which is much better than Thar. Jimny is a 5-door SUV, it has 4 seats, 210mm ground clearance and 211 litres boot space. It has received a 3-star rating in safety.
Design and Road Presence
The Mahindra Thar has a strong and muscular design. The Jeep-like body shape, big size, wide tyres and seven-slot grille make it very attractive. Its height and width give it a powerful SUV look on the roads.
The Jimny has a completely different design. It is a small, boxy and retro SUV. Round headlights and straight body lines make it unique. It is not as intimidating as the Thar, but looks cute and friendly. Being compact, it looks more approachable.
Interior & Cabin Experience
The interior of the Thar is simple and rugged. Sitting in it feels like an adventure SUV. But there is less space for sitting on the back seat and entry and exit is also difficult due to being a 3-door. The 5-door model of the Thar Roxx makes up for this deficiency to some extent.
The Jimny’s cabin is small but is smartly designed. Being a 5-door, it is easy to sit in and get out. The space is decent and it seems more practical for family use. However, storage space and bottle holders are less.
Engine and Performance
Mahindra Thar offers more options in terms of performance. Its diesel and turbo petrol engines are quite powerful and give a fun experience on highway drive as well as off-road.
Jimny has only 1.5L petrol engine, which is reliable and feels smooth in city driving. But power seems a little less when fully loaded on the highway.
Talking about city drive, Jimny is light and compact. Therefore, it is easy to move it in traffic. Ride quality is also comfortable. Thar is a heavy SUV, built on a body-on-frame platform and its size is big. Due to this, driving in the city is a bit difficult and the ride feels a bit hard.
Off-Road Capability
Thar has more ground clearance and its approach and departure angles are better. Optional locking differential and all-terrain tyres make it very capable for serious off-roading.
The advantage of Jimny is its light weight. Many times it crosses obstacles more easily than Thar. Its compact size makes it perfect for tight off-road trails. The Jimny proves to be fun for both beginners and experienced off-road drivers.
Features and Technology
Thar gets a 7-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and basic off-road displays. Safety includes dual airbags, ABS, ESC and hill descent control.
Jimny gets modern features like 9-inch touchscreen (Alpha variant), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 6 airbags, LED headlights and headlamp washers. In terms of safety, Jimny goes a little ahead.
Practicality and Usability
Jimny is more practical for daily driving and family use. Its 5-door design, compact size and good mileage make it perfect for both city and family needs.
Thar is made for lifestyle and adventure lovers. Its boot space is big and road presence is strong, but it is not that comfortable for daily family use.
Jimny is clearly ahead in terms of mileage. While Thar barely gives 8-9 kmpl, Jimny gives mileage of up to 16+ kmpl.
Price and Value for Money
The price of Thar starts from 11.50 lakhs and goes up to 17.62 lakhs. The price of Jimny is between 12.76 to 14.96 lakhs. Jimny gives more value in the long-term because its mileage is good and maintenance is also cheap. Thar is powerful but fuel cost and maintenance are high.
Pros and Cons
The biggest strength of Mahindra Thar is its design, power and off-road capability. But its mileage is low, the ride is a bit hard and being a 3-door, it is not that practical for family use.
The specialty of Maruti Jimny is its compact size, better fuel efficiency, 5-door practicality and low maintenance cost. But its engine is not that powerful and the boot space is quite small.
Who Should Buy What?
If you want a strong road presence, powerful performance and serious off-roading of an SUV, then Mahindra Thar is right for you. But if you want to drive a SUV for daily city drive, family comfort, good mileage and low cost then Maruti Jimny is a better option.
FAQs – Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny
Q1. Which SUV is better for off-roading?
Thar has more ground clearance and is better in technical specs, but Jimny is lighter and sometimes seems easier.
Q2. Which is more practical for daily use?
Jimny is more practical for daily use as it has 5 doors, good mileage and compact size.
Q3. Who is ahead in mileage?
Jimny, which gives 16+ kmpl while Thar gives only 8-9 kmpl.
Q4. Does Thar come in 5-door?
Yes, Thar Roxx has been launched as a 5-door model.
Q5. Which SUV has lower maintenance cost?
Jimny, because both Maruti’s service and parts are cheap and easily available.
Conclusion
Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny are both great SUVs but their purpose is different. Thar is made for adventure and off-road lovers, while Jimny is best for those buyers who want city drive, family comfort and fuel efficiency.
Which SUV is better for you depends on your need and lifestyle.