- 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.
