Off-roading in India is becoming more popular, especially with the introduction of new vehicles designed to tackle rough terrains while offering comfort for city driving. Two of the most talked-about off-roaders in the Indian market are the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Mahindra Thar. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities, a rugged design, and a strong fan following. But which one is the better off-roader?
In this article, we’ll compare the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar in terms of performance, design, features, price, and practicality to help you decide which vehicle suits your needs.
1. Overview of Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is one of the latest entrants in the Indian off-road market, bringing with it a legendary legacy. Globally, the Jimny has been an icon since its introduction in 1970. It has built a reputation as a compact and capable off-roader. The Jimny’s entry into India has generated considerable excitement, especially among off-roading enthusiasts and adventure lovers.
Key Highlights of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny:
- Compact design
- 4×4 capabilities with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro
- Lightweight body
- Reliable engine performance
- Affordable pricing for an off-roader
- Retro yet modern looks
2. Overview of Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar, on the other hand, is a symbol of Indian off-roading. It has been around for decades and is loved for its rugged design, powerful engine, and unmatched off-road abilities. The latest generation Thar takes the legacy even further with improved features, enhanced comfort, and multiple powertrain options.
Key Highlights of the Mahindra Thar:
- Iconic and rugged design
- Multiple powertrain options (petrol and diesel)
- 4×4 drivetrain with high and low-range gearbox
- Wider and taller than Jimny, providing more presence
- More luxurious and feature-packed than its predecessors
- Customization options for different lifestyles and preferences
Exterior Design and Dimensions
While both the Jimny and Thar are off-roaders at heart, they have distinctive design languages.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny carries a boxy design reminiscent of the classic off-roaders from the ’70s. It is small and compact, making it easier to navigate through tight spaces. The upright stance, round headlights, and vertical front grille give it a retro charm. Despite its compact size, the Jimny still looks aggressive enough to give the impression of an off-roader ready for action.
The Jimny has a ground clearance of 210 mm, which is more than enough to handle most obstacles during off-road drives. Its smaller dimensions (3985 mm length) make it ideal for city driving as well, where space is often limited.
Mahindra Thar Design
The Mahindra Thar, on the other hand, has a much more commanding road presence. It is bigger, bolder, and carries the classic Jeep-like design with its wide stance, flared wheel arches, and a boxy, upright body. The Thar’s rugged design is more aggressive, which appeals to buyers looking for a vehicle with a strong personality.
The Thar’s dimensions (3985 mm length, 1820 mm width) give it a much larger footprint than the Jimny. It also has a 226 mm ground clearance, which is slightly more than the Jimny, making it even better suited for extreme off-roading conditions.
Interior Comfort and Features
Off-roading vehicles are often associated with rugged exteriors, but interior comfort is equally important, especially for long journeys and daily commutes. Let’s take a look at the interiors of both vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny, being a compact SUV, has a minimalist interior. The cabin is functional, with tough materials that can withstand wear and tear. It offers comfortable seating for four passengers. The dashboard design is straightforward, with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Despite its compact size, the Jimny makes efficient use of space with foldable rear seats that provide ample luggage space when required.Though the Jimny lacks the luxury appeal of the Thar, it does the job well with its simple and practical design. The focus here is on durability and functionality, not opulence.
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar’s cabin has been significantly upgraded in the latest generation. The use of premium materials, modern design elements, and advanced features set it apart. The Thar comes with features like a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, and cruise control. The seats are more supportive, and the Thar offers more space inside, making it suitable for long journeys.
The Thar also has water-resistant interiors, which are a boon for those who love off-roading in challenging environments. Additionally, the Thar is available with options for both soft-top and hard-top configurations, allowing users to choose the one that suits their lifestyle.
Performance: Powertrain and Off-Road Capabilities
When comparing off-road vehicles, performance is one of the most critical factors. Both the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar are equipped with robust engines and 4×4 systems, but they cater to different audiences in terms of power and performance.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that delivers 104.8 PS of power and 134 Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Jimny’s light weight (around 1200 kg) makes it highly nimble and easy to handle in tough terrains.
It also features Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4×4 system, which comes with a low-range transfer case, making it perfect for serious off-road conditions.While the Jimny’s engine is not as powerful as the Thar’s, its lightweight and compact design provide agility in tight and challenging environments, which is often required during off-roading.
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar comes with two engine options:
- 2.0-litre Stallion turbocharged petrol engine that produces 150 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque.
- V 2.2-litre mHawk turbocharged diesel engine that produces 130 PS of power and 300 Nm of torque.
These engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the Thar comes with a 4×4 drivetrain with both high and low-range gearbox, offering excellent off-road capabilities.The Thar is heavier than the Jimny, which may slightly impact agility on tight trails, but its immense power makes it ideal for high-speed off-roading, tackling rocky terrains, and crossing steep inclines effortlessly.
Off-Roading Capabilities: Who Wins?
When it comes to off-roading, both the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar are extremely capable. However, they have their own strengths.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny’s compact size is its biggest advantage during off-road adventures. It can easily navigate narrow trails, dense forests, and rocky paths where larger vehicles would struggle. The AllGrip Pro 4×4 system ensures that the Jimny can handle muddy roads, steep inclines, and slippery surfaces with ease.
Its low-range gearbox further enhances its off-road performance by providing the necessary torque in challenging situations.The Jimny’s 210 mm ground clearance and short overhangs allow it to climb over obstacles like rocks and bumps without scraping the underbody.
Mahindra Thar
The Thar’s powerful engine options and sturdy frame make it one of the most capable off-roaders in India. The Thar’s 4×4 system comes with a manual shift transfer case, enabling the vehicle to switch between high and low gear ranges, making it incredibly versatile in different terrains.
The 226 mm ground clearance coupled with its wide stance means that the Thar can tackle deep mud, rocky terrains, and challenging obstacles with ease. Additionally, the Thar’s water-wading ability, rated at 650 mm, allows it to cross rivers and flooded roads, making it ideal for adventurous road trips.
Price and Value for Money
Price is a critical factor for many buyers in India. Both the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar are priced competitively for the off-road segment.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is expected to start around ₹12 lakhs for the base model and go up to ₹15 lakhs for the top variant. It’s an affordable off-roader that brings a lot of value for its price, especially for those looking for a reliable and capable vehicle that can double up as a city commuter.
Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is priced slightly higher, starting at around ₹14 lakhs and going up to ₹18 lakhs, depending on the variant and configuration (hard-top, soft-top, automatic, or manual). The Thar offers more in terms of power, features, and customizability, which justifies their price.
Conclusion
Both the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Mahindra Thar are excellent choices for off-road enthusiasts, but they cater to slightly different needs.The Jimny is the perfect choice for those looking for a compact, affordable off-roader that can navigate both tough terrains and city streets with ease. Its lightweight build and AllGrip Pro 4×4 system make it a versatile option for those who want adventure without compromising on everyday practicality.
On the other hand, the Mahindra Thar offers more power, a rugged design, and a commanding road presence. It’s the go-to vehicle for those who want a true off-roading beast with modern features and a more premium feel. The Thar’s multiple engine options and larger size give it an edge in off-road dominance.
If you prioritize affordability and city usability, the Jimny is a fantastic choice. But if you’re after power and off-road capability with a more robust look, the Thar is the winner. Both vehicles are great, and the decision depends on whether you value versatility or raw power more.
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