Let's compare Mahindra Thar Thar AXT RWD Diesel vs Maruti Jimny Jimny Zeta AllGrip

Compare Mahindra Thar Thar AXT RWD Diesel vs Maruti Jimny Jimny Zeta AllGrip price, specifications, mileage, features and performance to find the best car for you.

Mahindra Thar

Maruti Jimny

Here is a detailed comparison of price:

Mahindra Thar Thar AXT RWD Diesel

Price

₹ 11.38 Lakh

On-Road Price New Delhi

EMI

₹ 21,010/month
10% down payment, 8.5% for 5 Years
Change

Maruti Jimny Jimny Zeta AllGrip

Price

₹ 13.98 Lakh

On-Road Price New Delhi

EMI

₹ 25,809/month
10% down payment, 8.5% for 5 Years
Change

From the above comparison, we can conclude that Mahindra Thar feels light on the pocket compared to Maruti Jimny by ₹2,59,892.

Dimensions & Seating

Body Type

Suv

Length

3985 mm

Width

1820 mm +175

1645 mm

Height

1850 mm +130

1720 mm

WheelBase

2450 mm

2590 mm +140

Ground Clearance

226 mm +16

210 mm

Seating Capacity

Fuel Tank Capacity

57 Liters +17

40 Liters

Boot Space

-- Liters

208 Liters

Engine & Transmission

Fuel Type

Diesel

Petrol

Mileage (KMPL)

15.2 Km/l

16.9 Km/l

Range

866 Kms

678 Kms

Engine Type

D117 CRDe

K15 B

Powertrain Assistance

Emission Standards

Bs Vi

No. of Cylinders

BS VI

Displacement

1497 cc

1462 cc

Max Power

117 bhp @ 3500 rpm

103 bhp @ 6000 rpm

Max Torque

300 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm

134 Nm @ 6000 rpm

Transmission Type

Gear Box

6-MT

5-MT

Drive Type

RWD

4X4

Top Speed

155

Steering and Suspension

Tilt Adjust

Yes

Telescopic Adjust

Turning Radius

5.5

4.9 +0.6

Front Suspension

Independent Double Wishbone

3-Link Rigid Axle with coil spring

Rear Suspension

Multilink solid Rear Axle

3-Link Rigid Axle with coil spring

Front Brakes

Disc

Rear Brakes

Drum

Safety & Security

Airbags

6 +4

Seatbelt Warning

Yes

Over Speeding Warning

Yes

Anti-lock Braking System

Yes

ESP

Yes

Brake Assist

Yes

Tyre Pressure Monitor System

Yes

Reverse Camera

Yes

360 Camera

Hill Assist

Yes

Hill Descent Control

Yes

Child Lock

Yes

Isofix Child Seat Mount

Yes

Engine Immobilizer

Yes

ADAS

Comfort & Convenience

Power Windows

Only Front

Front And Rear

ORVM Adjustment

Manual

Electric

Request Sensors

Push Button Start

Cruise Control

Keyless Entry

Steering Mounted Control

Yes

Climate Control

Rear AC Vents

Adjustable Steering Column

Yes

Interior Features

Upholstery

Fabric

Adjustable Front Seats

Yes

Height Adjustable Driver Seat

Yes

Rear Armrest

Yes

Rear Cup Holders

Front Cup Holders

Yes

Cooled Glovebox

Exterior Features

Sunroof

Not Compatible

Wheels

Steel Rims

Fog Lights

Yes

Tyre Size

245 / 75 R16

195 / 80 / R15

Daytime Running Lights

Headlight Type

Halogen

Projector

Tailgate

Manual

Roof Rails

Rear Wiper

Infotainment & Telematics

Touch Screen

Yes

Screen Size

7 inch

USB Port

Yes

Navigation System

Speakers

Remote App Control

Wireless Charging

Smartphone Connectivity

Yes

Telematics

Analogue-Digital

Connectivity & Internet

USB Port

Yes

Navigation

Smartphone Connectivity

Yes

Mahindra Thar Vs Maruti Jimny Colors

STEALTH BLACK

Bluish Black

STEALTH BLACK

Bluish Black

Mahindra Thar Vs Maruti Jimny Expert Opinions

Design and Aesthetics

Features and Specifications

After Sales Support

Brand Value

Resale Value

Likes

Off-road Capability
Has Fanbase
Strong Resale Among Off-roaders

Dislikes

Impractical Rear Seats
Stiff on Tarmac

Design and Aesthetics

Features and Specifications

After Sales Support

Brand Value

Resale Value

Likes

Great Off-roading Capability
Compact and Lightweight
Fantastic Ride Quality
Robust Build
Practical Layout

Dislikes

Could have Turbo
Dated Automatic Transmission
4 Seater, not 5

Mahindra Thar Vs Maruti Jimny FAQs

The 3-door Mahindra Thar was launched in October 2020, and it remains in production. It has become one of the most iconic off-road SUVs in India, combining retro style with modern tech.

The Thar is built on a ladder-frame / body-on-frame chassis, not a monocoque. That means a separate rigid frame under the vehicle supports the body. This style gives it strength and toughness — excellent for off-road use, rugged terrain, uneven surfaces. The flip side? It tends to have more body roll, slightly less smooth ride at highway speeds compared to crossover SUVs, and more weight. But if your road includes broken stretches, streams, mud, or even adventure trails, ladder frame is gold.

Thar has many things working in its favor. First, its looks: round headlamps, seven-slot grille, boxy rugged shape — retro but cool. Second, it taps into nostalgia: Mahindra’s lineage of Jeeps (CJ, MM540) is legendary. Third, it offers real off-road capability in a licensed SUV package (4×4, high ground clearance, robust chassis) at prices many can reach. Fourth, media, film and owner stories have made the Thar more than a car, it’s identity, rebel car, adventure car. It’s that vehicle people imagine driving through desert dunes, forest trails, or Chennai monsoon roads and living to tell about it.

The first generation Thar (launched around 2010) grew out of Mahindra’s legacy of producing rugged “jeep-like” vehicles (e.g. MM540). The old Thar had simpler features: basic interiors, fewer comfort features, analogue dials, basic doors or soft tops. The current 2020 Thar upgrades a lot: modern suspension (independent front double wishbone, multi-link rear with coil springs instead of older leaf/composite springs), better ride comfort, features like touchscreen infotainment, LED lighting, safety equipment, more variants (petrol/diesel, manual/auto), removable tops (hard top, soft top, convertible style). So the Thar evolved from rugged utilitarian off-roader to “rugged + somewhat civilized” adventure SUV.

MM540 was one of the ancestors of Thar. Mahindra produced the MM540 from around 1985 to 2005 (varied by model), which itself was an evolution of Mahindra’s Jeep licence lineage (CJ, etc.). MM540 was very basic, almost military/off-road focused: leaf springs, minimal creature comforts, rugged and simple. Thar inherits that DNA: it’s part nostalgia, part engineering. But modern Thar is far more than just MM540 with a stereo.

Yes, design conflict has been a thing. Jeep’s parent companies (Stellantis / FCA) have alleged that Mahindra’s Thar too closely resembles the Jeep Wrangler or Jeep’s design trademarks — things like the front grille, bumper style, small design cues. In some markets (Australia among them), Jeep has taken Mahindra to court arguing that Mahindra is infringing intellectual property rights. Mahindra has responded sometimes by saying no immediate plan to launch in those markets, or has removed teaser images, etc. So there is legal tension. Thar is iconic, but because certain design cues are globally recognized, copying or resembling too closely invites trouble.

Because of its look, its roar, and how it is often used. Thar has appeared in films, in crime-stories, in rural strongman legends, in city stories as “that SUV that can drive anywhere”. Some people believe owning a Thar projects power: seeing it drive up means attrition of smaller cars, road space, etc. In some regions, Thar owners have been associated with overconfidence, performing reckless driving. Media reports of accidents or misbehaviour sometimes focus on Thar drivers. So it has “notorious” status in popular culture — partly romantic, partly real, partly exaggerated.

Should buy if you value off-road capability, want a car that can take mud, water, and rough terrain, like adventure weekends, beach drives, or need to go to remote areas. If you want strong road presence and don’t mind compromises on comfort, fuel cost, space. Also good for enthusiasts, younger people who want a fun weekend ride more than a plush city drive. Avoid if your drive is mostly smooth city roads, frequent traffic jams, parking tight, you want high fuel efficiency, or comfort as priority over ruggedness. If your back complains easily, Thar’s ride can be firm.

Thar got 4 stars for adult and child occupant protection in the 2020 Global NCAP test, when tested in basic spec with two airbags. The updated Thar Roxx version has gone further, earning 5 stars in both adult and child safety in Bharat NCAP. This shows Mahindra has worked to improve safety with stronger structure and more safety tech.

Because Thar is tall, high clearance, and body-on-frame, it has a higher centre of gravity than many other SUVs. That increases risk in sharp turns or fast evasive manoeuvres. However, standard driving, responsible speeds, avoiding overloading, and features like ESC reduce that risk significantly. Official crash tests noted “unstable dynamic behaviour” in some scenarios, so driver caution is required. There is no large public record (in tests) of design being proven unsafe in normal conditions.

The Maruti Jimny is priced between ₹12.76 lakh and ₹115.05 lakh (ex-showroom). The base Zeta variant starts at ₹12.76 lakh, while the top Alpha automatic dual-tone variant goes up to ₹15.05 lakh. For an enthusiast, this means the Jimny sits well below the price of imported off-road icons like the Jeep Wrangler, making it one of the most accessible proper 4x4 SUVs in India.

The Jimny carries a legacy that dates back to the 1970s. Globally, it has always been loved for being small, light, and unbelievably capable off-road. In India, enthusiasts see it as a spiritual successor to the Maruti Gypsy, which has served everyone from rally drivers to the Indian Army. The boxy design, ladder-frame chassis, and AllGrip Pro 4x4 system remind purists that this is no poser SUV—it is built to take a beating.

The Jimny uses a ladder-frame construction, a proper low-range transfer case, and a rigid axle suspension setup at the rear, all of which are hallmarks of a true off-roader. The AllGrip Pro system gives enthusiasts manual control over 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. This is the same philosophy that made the Gypsy and even older Land Cruisers popular among off-road junkies.

The Jimny is essentially a modern Gypsy with safety and comfort added in. Unlike the barebones Gypsy, it comes with airbags, ABS, touchscreen infotainment, and climate control. But crucially, it retains that lightweight and narrow stance that makes it so effective in tight forest trails or rocky hill climbs where bulky SUVs get stuck.

The design is both nostalgic and functional. Its flat sides, upright windscreen, and short overhangs are not just retro charm, they are vital for off-roading—giving it better approach, departure, and break-over angles. Enthusiasts love that Maruti didn’t try to water down the Jimny with curvy “city SUV” styling.

The Jimny uses a 1.5-litre K15B petrol engine, making 103 PS and 134 Nm. On paper, that may sound modest compared to turbo-petrol SUVs, but off-roaders know torque delivery and gearing matter more. The Jimny’s low-range gearbox allows it to crawl over obstacles where even bigger SUVs with higher power figures fail. Enthusiasts often describe it as “slow on-road, unstoppable off-road.”

While not luxurious, the interior is practical for enthusiasts who value durability over bling. The upright dashboard, grab handles, washable floor mats, and simple layout make it feel purpose-built. Folding rear seats open up boot space, which can carry camping gear or recovery equipment. Enthusiasts see it as a tool, not a lounge.

The Jimny is not for someone who just wants to pose in a mall parking lot. It’s for enthusiasts who camp, trail, explore, and want a compact, go-anywhere 4x4 that doesn’t cost a fortune. City dwellers who only want comfort should probably look elsewhere, but for the adventurous, the Jimny is one of the most honest SUVs on sale today.

On paper, the Jimny returns around 16.94 km/l for the manual and 16.39 km/l for the automatic. In real-world use, expect 12–14 km/l in city traffic and 14–16 km/l on highways if you drive with a light foot. Off-road, fuel efficiency drops sharply because low-range driving keeps the revs high. Enthusiasts accept this trade-off, since no one buys a Jimny for fuel economy records.

The Jimny measures 3985 mm in length, 1645 mm in width, and 1720 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2590 mm. These compact dimensions are a huge part of its charm. It can squeeze through forest trails, crowded bazaars, or Himalayan hairpins where bulky SUVs struggle. Enthusiasts love this “go where others can’t” ability.

With all seats up, luggage space is just 211 litres, enough for a couple of backpacks. Fold the rear seats flat, and you get 332 litres, which can swallow camping gear, recovery ropes, or two big duffel bags. It’s not an Innova, but enthusiasts prefer lightness and agility over massive boot volume. Many even strap luggage on roof racks for long expeditions.

The stock Jimny runs on 195/80 R15 tyres. To casual eyes, these tyres look skinny, but enthusiasts know they are chosen for a reason. Narrow tyres bite into mud, snow, and slush far better than fat tyres, which tend to float and lose grip. The tall sidewall also helps absorb bumps and rocks off-road. Many owners upgrade to chunkier all-terrain tyres, but even stock, the Jimny is trail-ready. Narrow rubber also reduces rolling resistance, which means better mileage on daily drives. Plus, they keep the steering light and precise, perfect for tight trails where you need quick flicks rather than heavy arm-wrestling. Wider tyres might look macho, but they’d sap performance from the modest 1.5 engine and hit fuel economy hard.

Yes, many enthusiasts swap the stock tyres for 215 or 235 section all-terrain tyres for added grip and tougher looks. But go too wide and you lose the nimbleness and efficiency that make the Jimny special. The stock setup is a fine balance between daily usability and off-road bite.

Yes, the Jimny carries the same 1.5-litre naturally aspirated K15B petrol engine you find in bigger Marutis like the Grand Vitara, Ertiga, and Ciaz. On paper it makes 105 PS and 134 Nm, which is fine for a family car but feels modest when you stick it in a boxy 4x4 with permanent four-wheel drive and extra weight from the ladder frame chassis. Highways expose this—overtaking needs planning, and cruising above 100 km/h feels strained compared to a turbo-petrol SUV. But off-road, this same engine shows its real worth. It’s simple, naturally aspirated, predictable, and very reliable in rough terrain where turbos can overheat or get laggy. That’s why enthusiasts don’t look at it as “underpowered”, they see it as a trade-off: the Jimny gives you consistency in the jungle and mountains, even if it yawns a bit on expressways.

The short answer is: reliability and positioning. A turbo-petrol or a bigger engine would have made the Jimny quicker on highways, but it would also have added weight, complexity, and cost. The Jimny’s charm is in being a lightweight, go-anywhere tool, not a highway rocket. Turbo engines generate more heat and depend on electronics and cooling systems that may not love remote terrains. The naturally aspirated 1.5 is old-school, easy to fix, and won’t surprise you with lag when you need a quick crawl over rocks or slush. Maruti also wanted to keep it affordable, and slotting in a more powerful motor would have pushed it into Thar territory, where it might lose its niche. Enthusiasts do wish for more grunt, but the truth is the Jimny sticks to the “less is more” philosophy—simple, light, and reliable is what makes it iconic.

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