If you go by volumes, the Mahindra Thar is currently the most popular off-road-focussed SUV in India. While it was earlier available in a 4WD avatar only, the automaker recently introduced an RWD version. The Thar will soon have a new rival in the form of five-door Jimny. The bookings are already open for the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and it will be launched in India in the April-June quarter. Here is how both SUVs fare against each other when it comes to technical specifications.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki JimnyDimension
The Thar measures 3,985mm in length, 1,820mm in width and 1,855mm in height. It has 2,450mm wheelbase and 226mm ground clearance. Talking about the Jimny, it is 3,985mm in length, 1,645mm in width and 1,720mm in height. While the wheelbase is 2,590mm, the ground clearance is 210mm.
Both SUVs are based on the ladder frame chassis. The Thar has an approach angle of 41.2 degrees, a departure angle of 36 degrees and a ramp-over angle of 26.2 degrees. In the case of the Jimny, the approach angle is 36 degrees, the departure angle is 50 degrees and the ramp-over angle is 24 degrees.
Depending on the variant, the Thar either has 16-inch wheels or 18-inch wheels. On the other hand, the Jimny has 15-inch wheels.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki JimnyEngine
The Thar has three engine options — 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel (117bhp/300Nm), 2.2-litre mHawk 130 CRDe diesel (130bhp/300Nm) and 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol (150bhp/320Nm).
However, the Jimny comes with a single engine option — 1.5-litre K15B petrol (103bhp/134Nm).
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki JimnyTransmission
So far as transmission options are concerned, the Thar’s 1.5-litre diesel engine can be paired with a 6-speed MT. The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol mills have 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT choices.
The Jimny’s 1.5-litre petrol motor can be mated either with a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki JimnyDrive System
The Thar is now offered with 4WD and RWD. In Jimny, 4WD (ALLGRIP PRO) is standard.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki JimnyPrice
The Mahindra Thar price now starts at Rs 9.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 16.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The Maruti Suzuki Jimny price is expected to start around Rs 9 lakh and go up to Rs 13 lakh (ex-showroom).
Wilmer Bode
Easter Moore
Kole Prosacco