Maruti Jimny & Mahindra Thar 4x2 Compared: Your Pick?

• Maruti just launched the 5-door Jimny at the 2023 auto expo
• The 4x2 Mahindra Thar too launched on 9th Jan
• The Jimny gets AllGrip Pro 4WD system as standard
• Mahindra Thar is now available in 4x4 & 4x2 RWD variants

The recently launched 5-door Maruti Jimny now stands as a true competitor to Mahindra's blockbuster SUV Thar. Mahindra too launched the 4x2 RWD version of Thar on 9th Jan, just 3 days before the launch of Jimny at the 2023 auto expo. Both SUVs are capable enough to take on any terrain as both of them get a ladder-on-frame body structure with the availability of a 4WD system with a low-range transfer case. However, unlike the Jimny which gets 4WD as standard across its variants, the newly launched rear-wheel drive Thar 4x2 is something that could easily fulfill most of the daily user requirements. To clear up all your confusion, here we present a detailed comparison between both SUVs.

Also Read: Maruti Jimny Or Force Gurkha, Which One Should You Pick?

Dimensions:

Dimensions	Jimny	Thar 4x2 RWD Petrol/Diesel
Length	3985 mm	3985 mm
Width	1645 mm	1820 mm
Hight	1720 mm	1844 mm - 1855 mm (Soft/Hard Top)
Wheelbase	2590 mm	2450 mm
Boot Space	208 Litre	NA
Ground Clearance	210 mm	226 mm
Water Wading Capacity	NA	650 mm
Turning Radius	5.7 m	5.9 m
Approach Angle	36 degree	41.2 degree
Departure Angle	50 degree	36 degree
Ramp Breakover Angle	24 degree	26.2 degree

Powertrain Specs:

Powertrain	Jimny	Thar 4x2 RWD Petrol	Thar 4x2 RWD Diesel
Engine	1.5 Litre	2 Litre	1.5 Litre
Power	105 PS	152 PS	118 PS
Torque	134 Nm	320 Nm	300 Nm
Transmission	5-Speed MT or 4-Speed AT	6-Speed AT	6-Speed MT

Drivetrain:

While the variant of Thar we are using here for comparison is 4x2 RWD, it is also available in the 4x4 with low range option. This makes a 4x4 drivetrain optional on Thar. Whereas, the Jimny gets the 4WD system standard in all its variants. Maruti is offering the AllGrip Pro 4WD system in Jimny with a low-range transfer case. There's also a brake limited slip differential available as a standard feature on the Jimny. The Thar on the other hand gets a manual shift part-time 4WD with high & low reduction gear in the optional 4x4 variant. The 4x4 variant of Thar also gets an electric driveline disconnect on the front axle & advanced electronic brake locking differential. The 4x2 RWD variant of Thar gets an electronic brake locking differential.

Features On Offer:

Features	Jimny	Thar 4x2 RWD
Air Conditioning	Auto Climate Control	Manual
Steering Mounted Controls	Yes	Yes
Cruise Control	Yes	Yes
Speakers	4	6 (4+2)
Infotainment	22.8 cm touchscreen	17.8 cm touchscreen
Tyre Pressure Monitoring	No	Yes
Electric ORVM	Adjustable & Foldable	Adjustable
Android Auto/Apple Car Play	Wireless	Wired
Offroad Statistics	No	Yes
Tyre Direction Display	No	Yes
Push Start/Stop	Yes	No
Auto Head Lamps	Yes	No
LED Headlamps	Yes	No
Headlamp Washer	Yes	No
Alloy Wheels	15 inch	18 inch

Safety:

The Thar is a G-NCAP 4 Star-rated vehicle and gets safety features like ABS, EBD, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Hold, Hill Descent Control, Roll Over Mitigation, Brake Assist, Dual Front Airbags, and Roll Cage. While the 3-door Jimny available in the European markets has scored a 3 Star in the Euro NCAP, the 5-door India spec Jimny lack any safety rating. However, the Jimny launched in India gets several safety features like ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, ESP, Traction Control, Hill Hold, Hill Descent Control, and 6 airbags.

Also Read: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Variants Differences: Which One To Pick?

Verdict: While the prices of Jimny haven't been announced by Maruti Suzuki, the Thar 4x2 RWD price starts at Rs 9.99 Lakh (Ex-Showroom). The Thar 4x4 price starts at Rs 13.59 lakh (Ex-Showroom). It would be interesting to see how aggressively Maruti prices the Jimny and what level of competition Jimny gives to an established product like Thar.