Maruti Suzuki Jimny vs Mahindra Thar: Are They Rivals?

Parking Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar side by side shows the Thar despite three doors having the same length while being wider and looking bigger.

Parking Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar side by side shows the Thar despite three doors having the same length while being wider and looking bigger.

Source : Somnath Chatterjee

Finally the Jimny prices are out and the inevitable comparisons with the Thar will take place but the question that one needs to ask is whether the Thar is actually a Jimny rival as there are quite a few differences. Of course, both are lifestyle off-road SUVs which excel off-road along with 4x4 but that's where the differences end. Parking them side by side shows the Thar despite three doors having the same length while being wider and looking bigger. The Jimny is more compact here.

There are clear off-road styling elements with both of these cars but the 3-door Thar will appeal to a different buyer while the 5-door Jimny is a bit more practical while still catering to the lifestyle audience. The Thar looks bigger and taller but the Jimny has a longer wheelbase while the 5-door configuration lends it space plus practicality. Both have a butch plus upright stance which is classic off-road oriented styling.

Inside, the Thar despite two doors has decent space at the rear seat despite entry from the front being a bit of a squeeze. The cabin feels solid and the SUV has decent features like climate control, wireless charging, cruise control, Type-C ports, dual airbags etc.

The Jimny has another set of doors which means entry to the rear seat is easier while space is decent but best for two passengers only and both the Thar along with the Jimny are 4-seaters. The Jimny also gets convenience features like climate control, 6 airbags while also getting a rear view camera display.

Let's talk power and here the Jimny gets a standard 1.5l petrol with 103bhp along with 4x4 as standard. Along with a 5-speed manual gearbox you can spec a 4-speed automatic. The Thar gives you more options with a 2.0l turbo petrol with 150bhp and 320Nm. The Thar petrol can be had with a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic while there is also a RWD variant without 4x4. The diesel range includes a 2.2l diesel with 130bhp/300Nm or a 117bhp 1.5l diesel with also 300Nm. The 4x2 comes with the less powerful diesel engine. The more powerful 4x4 also gets an automatic along with a manual.

During our drives we did not think the Jimny lacked power with enough punch from the 1.5l even during off-roading. The Thar is more powerful though and gives better performance. The Jimny is more fuel efficient though but again both are not exactly as efficient as compact SUVs obviously. Off-road both are brilliant and their more compact size enables one to seriously have some fun while being capable on the rough stuff.

So, are they rivals? Not so because the Jimny is more of a practical family choice with more doors and space while it is more efficient too. The Thar looks bigger and has more power while appealing to those who want an even bigger presence. The Thar is more affordable here with a starting price of Rs 10.5 lakh while the top-end is Rs 16.7 lakh which is due to the 4x2 variants.

The Jimny meanwhile is priced between Rs 12.7 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. It ultimately depends on how you want to use your off-roader and what you expect with both excelling in off-road but appealing to different sets of customers.

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