Maruti Suzuki Jimny vs Mahindra Thar: Price, specs and features compared

Comparing two of the most anticipated off-road vehicles in India, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Mahindra Thar, is a tough task. Both vehicles are designed to cater to adventure enthusiasts, offering rugged looks, powerful engines, and impressive off-road capabilities. However, they differ in pricing, specifications, and features, catering to slightly different segments of buyers. Let’s take a closer look at how the Maruti Suzuki Jimny stacks up against the Mahindra Thar in terms of price, specifications, and features.

1. Price:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: ₹12.74 - ₹15.05 Lakhs (Ex-showroom)
• Mahindra Thar: ₹10.98 - ₹16.94 Lakhs (Ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Thar starts at a lower price point, making it more accessible for budget-conscious buyers. However, the Jimny is positioned slightly higher, focusing on delivering a compact yet premium off-road experience.

2. Dimensions and Design:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny:

  • Length: 3,985 mm
  • Width: 1,645 mm
  • Height: 1,720 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,590 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 210 mm
  • Seating Capacity: 4

• Mahindra Thar:

  • Length: 3,985 mm
  • Width: 1,855 mm
  • Height: 1,844 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,450 mm
  • Ground Clearance: 226 mm
  • Seating Capacity: 4/5

The Jimny is more compact, which makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and urban environments. However, the Thar is wider and taller, giving it a more commanding road presence and additional interior space. The Thar also offers a higher ground clearance, which can be advantageous on rough terrains.

3. Interior and Features:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny:

  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic climate control
  • Keyless entry and push-button start
  • Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold, and hill descent control

• Mahindra Thar:

  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Adventure Statistics: Display for off-road metrics (pitch, roll, etc.)
  • Cruise control, steering-mounted controls
  • Safety: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold, and hill descent control

Both vehicles offer modern features such as touchscreen infotainment systems with smartphone connectivity, along with essential safety features. The Thar adds a few extra touches such as off-road adventure statistics and cruise control, making it more feature-rich in comparison.

4. Off-Road Capabilities:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny:

  • Approach Angle: 36 degrees
  • Ramp Breakover Angle: 24 degrees
  • Departure Angle: 50 degrees
  • 4WD with low-range transfer gear

• Mahindra Thar:

  • Approach Angle: 41.8 degrees
  • Ramp Breakover Angle: 27 degrees
  • Departure Angle: 36.8 degrees
  • 4WD with shift-on-fly

Both vehicles come equipped with 4WD systems, but the Thar’s superior angles and higher ground clearance give it an edge for extreme off-roading. The Jimny offers solid off-road credentials too, particularly with its compact size, making it easier to navigate tricky trails.

5. Verdict:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Ideal for those seeking a compact, agile, and easy-to-maneuver off-roader with classic styling and modern features. It’s perfect for urban adventurers who need a capable vehicle that can also be used for daily driving.

• Mahindra Thar: A more powerful and rugged option, the Thar is best suited for serious off-road enthusiasts who need a vehicle that can tackle the toughest terrains while also offering a more imposing road presence. The availability of both petrol and diesel engines makes it versatile for a wide range of users.

Ultimately, the choice between the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize compact size and ease of use, or power and off-road prowess.

6. Engine and Performance:

• Maruti Suzuki Jimny:
  • Engine: 1.5-litre K15B Petrol
  • Power: 103 bhp
  • Torque: 134 Nm
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: AllGrip Pro 4WD with low-range transfer gear
• Mahindra Thar:
  • Engine Options: 2.0-litre mStallion Turbo-petrol / 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel
  • Power: Petrol - 150 bhp / Diesel - 130 bhp
  • Torque: Petrol - 320 Nm / Diesel - 300 Nm
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
  • Drivetrain: 4x4 with shift-on-fly

Mahindra Thar offers both petrol and diesel engine options with significantly more power and torque compared to the Jimny. The Thar’s diesel variant also adds to its versatility, especially for long-distance and off-road driving enthusiasts.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny waiting period in India stretches up to 35 weeks