Jimny vs Thar: Which Off-Roader Suits You Best in 2025?

April 2nd, 2025

When you decide to create a small but strong car for city and off-road driving, two cars come to your mind, i.e., the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Mahindra Thar. Both cars possess different characteristics to serve different driving needs. Let us review the key features of Jimny Car vs Tharso so that you can select the appropriate car as per your needs.

Size and Appearance

Mahindra Thar appears husky and macho. Thar is wider and taller than Jimny and, therefore, rules the road. Thar's broad 18-inch wheels are responsible for the husky appearance.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny appears boxy in shape. Thar is longer but narrower and shorter. Jimny's tiny 15-inch wheels suit its doll-like and utilitarian appearance.

Engine and Performance

Mahindra Thar is available with the following rugged engine options:

2.0-liter Petrol Engine: Delivers 150 bhp and 300 Nm torque.
2.2-liter Diesel Engine: Offers 130 bhp and 300 Nm torque.

Both of these engines offer rugged performance for city driving as well as highway off-road driving.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny gets a 1.5-liter petrol engine that produces 105 bhp of power and 134 Nm of torque. Not quite powerful compared to the Thar, but as it is light in weight, the Jimny is better in city conditions.

Transmission Options

The Thar gets:

6-speed Manual Transmission
6-speed Automatic Transmission

These provide the driver with an option to choose at his/her convenience or preference for handling.

The Jimny gets:

5-speed Manual Transmission
4-speed Automatic Transmission

Its auto model is easy to drive, but others prefer it as it's more responsive.

Driving Comfort

The Jimny is widely praised for its comfortable ride, especially on poor roads. Its suspension can easily absorb bumps, and as a result, it is pleasant to drive every day.

The Thar, though powerful, rides harsher. Not everybody feels as comfortable on it on poor roads.

Fuel Economy

The Jimny is more fuel-efficient at around 16.94 km per liter.

The Thar is around 12.4 km per liter.

Space and Practicality Inside the Car

The Thar, physically larger in height, has more space inside, though the setup is more off-road utility versus passenger comfort.

The Jimny, as tiny as it is, maximizes the space. It is ideal for urban driving and short distances but painful for long distances.

Off-Road Capability

Both vehicles are suitable for off-road adventures. Thar's construction ruggedness and powerful engine provide one with sufficient power to drive on rough surfaces. Jimny's compact size and light weight allow it to pass through narrow trails decently. There are individuals who prefer that Jimny moves better on off-roads with better wheels.

The Mahindra Thar starts at around ₹11.50 lakh, whereas the Maruti Suzuki Jimny starts at around ₹12.76 lakh. So, the Thar is slightly more affordable.

Mahindra Thar

Pros:

Rugged and aggressive design with an aggressive road presence.
Petrol and diesel with 6-speed manual and automatic.
Best for off-roading with better angles and better ground clearance.
Brake-based differential locking system, rear auto-locking differential, and shift-on-the-fly 4x4 features.
7-inch infotainment screen with off-road gauges, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and navigation.
Better interior quality and more family-friendly.
Less bouncy ride and a smoother drive experience than the previous one.
More options: Fixed soft top, fixed hardtop, or convertible soft top. Available in 6-seat or 4-seat options.

Cons:

Still bouncy on poor roads, not suitable for highway driving on long routes.
The rear seats are slightly cramped, especially in the 3-door model.
It's too pricey in comparison to regular SUVs.

Maruti Jimny

Pros:

Cool and aerodynamic design with compact dimensions and sporty color.
Ideal for four passengers.
In-town driving is comfortable and best for optimal use on off-road excursions.
Light and easy, even for novices, but enjoyable for seasoned riders.
Spacious enough in the rear for luggage if all seats are filled.

Cons:

Less powerful motor for highway driving.
The rear seats with less legroom for taller passengers.

Lacks some of the technology features of today that others in competition provide.

Conclusion

Either the Mahindra Thar or the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, depending on your needs: Opt for the Thar if you prefer a car that is as comfortable driving in the city as it is going off-road with a high driving position and a lively attitude.

Opt for the Jimny if you prefer a smaller, more fuel-efficient car that is perfect for daily driving and can still have off-road fun.

FAQs

1. Which vehicle is better suited to city driving?

The Jimny's compact dimensions and soft suspension are even more suited to urban driving.

2. Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient?

The Jimny is a more effective gas-miler, with a mileage of almost 16.94 km to a liter compared to the Thar's 12.4 km to a liter.

3. Are both vehicles enjoyable to drive off the road?

Both Jimny and Thar are capable off-roaders. While the Thar has muscle-packed engine options, the Jimny uses its lightness to effortlessly float on rugged surfaces.

4. Which car is cheaper?

The Mahindra Thar (₹11.50 lakh) is cheaper than the Maruti Suzuki Jimny (₹12.76 lakh).

5. Which car has more space inside?

The wider side of the Thar provides more room inside but is built with off-road capability as a consideration. The Jimny is smaller but makes the most of its space in the optimal manner for peak performance in the city.

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