Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny (2025): Which 4x4 to Buy?
Thar vs Jimny compared for Indian buyers across off-road capability, on-road comfort, mileage, price, and real-world use.
The One-Line Take
Thar is a big, macho, off-road-first two-door (and the new 5-door Thar Roxx). Jimny is a nimble, light, highly capable 4x4 at a fraction of the bulk. Different tools.
Price (Delhi, On-Road, June 2025)
| Model | Ex-showroom | On-road |
|---|---|---|
| Thar 4x4 Petrol AT (LX) | Rs 17.0 L | Rs 20.0 L |
| Thar 4x4 Diesel AT (LX) | Rs 17.6 L | Rs 20.8 L |
| Thar Roxx 4x4 AX7L Diesel AT | Rs 20.5 L | Rs 24.5 L |
| Jimny Zeta MT (4x4) | Rs 12.8 L | Rs 14.5 L |
| Jimny Alpha AT (4x4) | Rs 15.0 L | Rs 17.2 L |
Engine and 4x4
Thar
2.0L petrol (150 bhp, 320 Nm) or 2.2L diesel (130 bhp, 300 Nm). Low-range transfer case, rear diff lock (higher variants).
Jimny
1.5L petrol only (102 bhp, 134 Nm). Low-range transfer case, but no diff lock (uses brake-based traction control).
Thar is faster and more torquey. Jimny wins at slow off-road technical trails due to its light weight (1,200 kg vs Thar 1,900 kg).
Mileage (Real-World)
- Thar petrol AT: 9-10 kmpl city, 13 kmpl highway
- Thar diesel AT: 12-13 kmpl city, 16 kmpl highway
- Jimny petrol MT: 13 kmpl city, 16-17 kmpl highway
Off-Road Capability
Both are serious. Thar has more torque and size presence; Jimny has better approach/departure angles and maneuverability in tight trails. For rock-crawling and forest tracks, Jimny often wins. For sand and open terrain, Thar.
On-Road Comfort
Thar (3-door) is a compromise on daily use. Roxx (5-door) is a huge improvement. Jimny feels small and bouncy; its short wheelbase makes highway stability average. Neither is a luxury cruiser.
Features
| Feature | Thar Roxx | Jimny |
|---|---|---|
| ADAS | Yes (Level 2) | No |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | No |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Connected car | Yes | Basic |
| Diff lock | Mechanical (top) | Brake-based |
Practicality
Jimny has 4 doors and a better boot (200L vs Thar 3-door's 50L). Thar Roxx 5-door has a proper 600L boot. For family use, either Roxx or Jimny.
Verdict
Buy Thar (3-door) if you want lifestyle SUV, presence, and occasional off-roading.
Buy Thar Roxx (5-door) if you want a family SUV with serious off-road cred and modern features.
Buy Jimny if you do real off-roading, want Maruti service, value mileage, or live in a city where the Thar is impractical to park.
Frequently asked questions
Jimny or Thar for daily use?
Jimny. Lighter steering, smaller footprint, better mileage. Thar 3-door is cumbersome in city traffic.
Which is more off-road capable?
In a straight line and sand, Thar. In tight technical trails and rock-crawling, Jimny often outperforms thanks to weight and angles.
Resale value after 3 years?
Thar ~75% (strong cult demand), Jimny ~65% (improving). Both hold value better than typical SUVs.
Thar Roxx or Scorpio N?
Different buyers. Roxx is lifestyle-first with 4x4; Scorpio N is family-first with optional 4x4. Scorpio N has 7 seats.