If you love adventure, road trips, mountains or simply want a car that makes people stare, the battle of Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny must be on your mind. Both SUVs promise rugged performance, off-road capability and iconic design. But they are built for different kinds of people. The Mahindra Thar is bold and muscular, while the Maruti Jimny is compact, practical and globally trusted.
Let’s find out which one deserves a spot in your garage.
Table of Contents
Price – Which One Is More Affordable?
- Mahindra Thar: Starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Maruti Jimny: Starts at ₹12.32 lakh (ex-showroom)
Thar is more budget-friendly, while the Jimny is slightly premium but offers 5 doors and better practicality.
Design & Road Presence
Mahindra Thar – Tough and Iconic
Big, boxy and bold—Thar’s presence on the road is unmatched. It now gets a fresh grille, dual-tone bumper and 18-inch alloys. Inside, it feels more premium with an all-black dashboard, new steering, rear AC vents and a sliding armrest.
Maruti Jimny – Compact but Classy
The Jimny stands out with its retro-style round headlamps and upright stance. It is not wide like Thar but offers a long 5-door design. Inside, it features a 9-inch touchscreen, fabric seats, automatic climate control and cruise control.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny – Engine & Performance
Mahindra Thar
- 2.0L Turbo-Petrol – 150 bhp / up to 320 Nm
- 2.2L Diesel – 130 bhp / 300 Nm
- 1.5L Diesel – 117 bhp / 300 Nm
- 6-speed manual / automatic
- RWD and 4WD options
Maruti Jimny
- 1.5L Petrol – 103 bhp / 134 Nm
- 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
- Standard 4WD with low-range
Conclusion: Thar offers more power and diesel options; Jimny focuses on lightness, fuel efficiency and reliability.
ALSO READ: Mahindra Thar Price in India 2025 – The Legend with a Modern Touch
Comfort & Practicality
Thar – Now More Practical
The new Thar has addressed past issues. It now offers:
- Rear AC vents
- Better rear seats
- Adventure stats like tyre angle & altitude
- Large touchscreen
Still, it feels like a lifestyle vehicle more than a family SUV.
Jimny – Family-Friendly Adventure Car
Jimny wins in daily practicality. It gets:
- 5 doors for easy entry
- Seats 4 comfortably
- 208L boot (expands to 332L)
- Easier to drive in traffic and hilly roads
ALSO READ: Maruti Suzuki Jimny 2025 – A Compact SUV with a Legendary Off-Roading Soul
Safety Comparison: Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny
When it comes to safety, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny has a slight advantage over the Mahindra Thar. The Jimny offers 6 airbags as standard, while the Thar only gets 2 airbags. Both SUVs are equipped with important safety features like ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold and hill descent control, which help maintain control on slopes and rough terrains.
However, there are a few differences. The Thar comes with a rear parking camera, whereas the Jimny does not offer it as standard — it is available only as an optional accessory. On the other hand, the Jimny provides ISOFIX child seat mounts, which are missing in the Thar, making the Jimny a safer option for families with children. Both SUVs are built on a strong ladder-frame chassis, but the Jimny additionally gets a reinforced structure for better crash protection.
In short, the Jimny focuses more on passenger safety and family-friendly protection, while the Thar emphasizes rugged build quality and off-road safety.
Off-Road Capability
Mahindra Thar: Wider tyres, higher torque engines and off-road data display make it perfect for hardcore adventure.
Maruti Jimny: Smaller but smarter. The AllGrip Pro 4×4 with low range and light body helps it conquer narrow trails effortlessly.
After-Sales Service & Ownership Cost
Mahindra Thar: Service network is improving but maintenance costs are higher.
Maruti Jimny: Backed by India’s biggest service network, affordable parts and low running costs.
Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?
This Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny showdown comes down to your personality and lifestyle.
- Choose Mahindra Thar if you want power, bold looks and serious off-roading.
- Choose Maruti Jimny if you want practicality, comfort, 5 doors and lower maintenance.
Both are brilliant, but for pure adventure and presence, Thar wins. For daily use + adventure combo, Jimny is the smarter pick.
Disclaimer
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny All prices and features mentioned are based on available data and may vary by location, dealership and variant. Please confirm with your nearest showroom before making a purchase.
