When it comes to rugged SUVs in India, two names instantly pops up- the Mahindra Thar and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Both cars are tough, capable of tackling rough terrain, and carry a lot of cool factors.
But they are not the same. If you are new to cars, think of the Thar as a muscular, iconic off-roader with modern comforts, while the Jimny is a compact, practical off-roader with a global reputation. Lets have a look at the key differences.
Price
- New Mahindra Thar: Starts at Rs 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Starts at Rs 12.32 lakh (ex-showroom)
Design
The Thar has always been iconic in India for its big, boxy shape, wide stance and rugged looks which makes it instantly recognisable. The New Thar now comes with a fresh grille, dual-tone bumper, and large 18-inch alloy wheels. From inside, you get an all-black dashboard, new steering wheel, and features like a sliding armrest, rear AC vents, and a rearview camera.
The Jimny, on the other hand, looks compact and purposeful. It is longer than the Thar as it has a 5-door layout, but narrower and not as wide. It’s not as intimidating on the road, but its boxy design with round headlamps and flat panels gives it a classy retro appeal. From the inside, the Jimny has a simple, ergonomic design with fabric seats, a 9-inch touchscreen and practical features like automatic climate control and cruise control.
Engine & Performance
Mahindra New Thar: Offers multiple engine choices:
- 2.0L turbo-petrol which delivers 150 bhp, up to 320 Nm tprque
- 2.2L diesel which delivers 130 bhp and 300 Nm torque
- 1.5L diesel which delivers 117 bhp and 300 Nm torque
- Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
- Comes in both RWD and 4WD options
Maruti Suzuki Jimny:
- 1.5L petrol engine which delivers 103 bhp and 134 Nm torque
- 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Standard 4WD with low-range gearbox
The Thar is far more powerful and offers diesel + petrol options, while the Jimny offers only a petrol engine with less power. However, the Jimny comes standard with 4WD, while the Thar offers rear wheel drive (RWD).
Comfort & Practicality
The Thar used to be criticized for being less practical with only 3 doors and less rear seat comfort, but the New Thar has improved a lot as it now has rear AC vents, better seating comfort, a bigger touchscreen, and even features like Adventure Stats- altimeter, tyre angle, etc. for off-road lovers. The Thar is known as a lifestyle SUV which feels rugged and tough.
The Jimny on the other hand, being a 5-door SUV, is naturally more practical for families. It can seat 4 people comfortably, has easier entry/exit, and a 208 litres boot space which is expandable to 332 litres with rear seats folded. As it is narrower, the drive in traffic or parking in tight spots is easier.
Safety
Both SUVs take safety seriously, but their approach it differently.
- Thar: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold, hill descent, roll-over mitigation, rear camera, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring).
- Jimny: 6 airbags (standard), ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold, hill descent, ISOFIX mounts, reinforced ladder-frame chassis.
Off-Road Capability
- Thar: Wider track, bigger tyres with R18 alloys, more powerful engines, and advanced off-road data systems. This one is great for hardcore off-roading and weekend adventures.
- Jimny: It has a smaller engine but a dedicated AllGrip Pro 4×4 system with low-range. Compact size helps it squeeze through narrow roads and trails where bigger SUVs face struggle.
After-Sales & Ownership
- Mahindra Thar: Mahindra has improved its service network, but costs can be higher due to larger engines and rugged parts.
- Maruti Jimny: Maruti is known for its wide, affordable and reliable service network across India which makes the Jimny easier and cheaper to maintain.