Mahindra Thar OG vs Maruti Jimny: Which 4x4 Suits You?

The 4x4 SUVs were once mainly chosen by buyers who needed extra grip on rough and uneven roads. Today, these SUVs also attract people who want an off-road vehicle that can be used for everyday driving. The Mahindra Thar OG and Maruti Jimny are two such popular choices, but they offer different engines, sizes and features. The Thar OG comes with three engine options and is available with RWD or 4WD, depending on the powertrain and variant. However, the Jimny uses a single petrol engine with the ALLGRIP PRO 4x4 system and low range gearing. 

In this blog, we look at Mahindra Thar OG vs Jimny to understand how they differ in performance, off-road ability, features, space and pricing. 

Mahindra Thar OG vs Maruti Jimny: Quick Glance

The Thar OG and Jimny differ significantly in their engine choices, dimensions, 4x4 hardware and cabin features. Here is a quick look at their key specifications before we compare them in detail.

Engine And Transmission

The Mahindra Thar OG offers three engine choices, giving buyers more flexibility when choosing the type of performance and gearbox they want. Its larger engine options can be paired with both manual and automatic transmissions, while the smaller diesel is available with a 6 speed manual gearbox.

Meanwhile, the Maruti Jimny uses a single 1.5 litre petrol engine with either a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic transmission. While it offers fewer powertrain choices, its engine is matched with the ALLGRIP PRO four-wheel-drive system and a low range transfer gear for off-road use. The system provides 2H for normal driving, 4H for four-wheel-drive traction and 4L when extra low speed control is needed on difficult terrain.

4x4 Systems And Terrain Features

The Mahindra Thar OG gets a 4WD system with high and low reduction gearing, allowing the driver to select the required drive setting based on the terrain. On applicable 4WD variants, the Mahindra car gets an electronic locking differential, while terrain modes provide dedicated settings for mud, sand and snow. The 232 mm ground clearance, 40-degree approach angle and 650 mm water-wading capacity further help it tackle uneven surfaces and obstacles.

In comparison, the Maruti Jimny uses the ALLGRIP PRO system with a low-range transfer gear and three settings: 2H, 4H and 4L. The 2H mode is suited to regular driving, 4H provides four-wheel drive when additional traction is needed, while 4L reduces the gearing for controlled movement over steep or difficult sections. The Jimny also gets a Brake LSD, along with 210 mm ground clearance, a 36 degree approach angle and a 46 degree departure angle.

Exterior Design And Styling

The Mahindra Thar OG gets a wide and upright body shape with an elevated bonnet and broad shoulders, making it appear bigger than its actual size. The front fascia comes with a body-colored grille, C-shaped DRLs, LED headlamps, and Ice Cube cornering fog lamps. On its sides, it has dual-tone bumpers, side steps and huge alloy wheels, offering a strong 4x4-themed look to the SUV.

On the other hand, the Maruti Jimny comes with a smaller and upright body shape with a flat clamshell bonnet and squared body lines. Its front fascia gets a gunmetal grille, LED headlamps with washers, and optimised bumpers, while its sides get drip rails and trapezoidal wheel-arch extensions for the boxy shape. The rear end gets a tailgate-mounted spare wheel to complete its look, while the upright A-pillars and flat bonnet offer a wider visibility area.

Cabin Features And Technology

The Mahindra Thar OG gets the 26.03 cm HD touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It features a wireless charger and roof-mounted speakers. Along with this, the car has an Adventure Statistics Gen II display that shows such details like altitude, compass direction, and roll/pitch for rough driving.

In comparison, the Maruti Jimny has a 22.86 cm SmartPlay Pro+ touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with the ARKAMYS sound system. Some other features include cruise control, automatic climate control, rear-view camera and colour MID. The above features are related to infotainment, climate control, and daily driving aspects, while the Thar OG adds a dedicated display for off-road information.

Dimension And Storage

The Thar OG has nearly the same length as the Jimny but is significantly broader and tall. Moreover, it comes with higher ground clearance. The dimensions of the Thar OG include 3,995 mm of length, 1,870 mm of width, and 1,855 mm of height, along with 232 mm of ground clearance and a wheelbase of 2,450 mm. In addition, it comes with four seats, foldable flat rear seats, and a luggage compartment with lights.

The Jimny has slightly less length than the Thar OG but has a longer wheelbase than the latter. It has dimensions of 3,985 mm in length, 1,645 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, along with 210 mm of ground clearance and 2,590 mm of wheelbase. Moreover, the Maruti vehicle comes with four seats and has boot space of 219 litres with the rear seats raised, whereas the figure reaches 332 litres with the folding rear seats.

Safety Equipment And Protection

The first safety feature is the six airbags for the occupants of the first and second rows, with the support of a strong body shell and a roll cage. To keep the vehicle in control, it comes with ESP, Rollover Mitigation, and hill hold and hill descent control features that help the driver on uphill and downhill terrain. Other safety features include rear view camera, front sensors, ISOFIX attachments, and three-point seatbelts.

Similarly, the Maruti Jimny also comes with six airbags and Brake LSD that maintains traction if the diagonally positioned two wheels lack traction. Its ESP, Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control work alongside ABS, EBD and brake assist to support vehicle control in different driving situations. The safety package is completed by ISOFIX mounts, seat-belt pretensioners, side-impact beams and a rear camera.

Mahindra Thar OG vs Maruti Jimny: Price Comparison

The Mahindra Thar OG price range is between Rs. 10.32 lakh and Rs. 18.99 lakh (ex showroom). This wide price range covers its different engine, transmission and drivetrain combinations. This starting price allows Thar OG to be a more affordable option compared to the higher variants, which go far up the price range. 

However, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny price range starts from Rs. 12.54 lakh and goes up to Rs. 14.67 lakh (ex showroom). Its price range is narrower, with fewer engine and transmission combinations compared with the Thar. The Jimny has a higher starting price, while its range includes the standard ALLGRIP PRO 4x4 system with a low-range transfer gear.

Which SUV Offers More Space and Comfort for Passengers?

The Thar OG as well as the Maruti Jimny come in 4-seater versions with separate zones in the front and back. Thar OG is equipped with adjustable front seats, rear armrests and folding rear seats, giving extra options in case the back seats are not in use. In addition, the rear zone comes with lights in the luggage compartment.

The Maruti Jimny has reclining front seats and a wider rear door, thus providing easier access to the back seats. Its rear seating zone is designed for two people and has folding rear seats in case the extra space is not needed.

Conclusion

Overall, Mahindra Thar OG vs Maruti Jimny shows clear differences in their engines, transmissions, off-road equipment and cabin features. The Thar OG offers more powertrain choices and higher ground clearance, while the Jimny focuses on a simpler setup with its 1.5 litre petrol engine and ALLGRIP PRO system. Both SUVs have their own set of features, allowing buyers to consider the specifications that matter most to their driving needs. The choice between the two will depend on the type of 4x4 experience and features you want from your SUV.

From variant choices to pricing, discover the Mahindra Thar OG price and variants to get a clearer picture before exploring its 4x4 comparison with the Jimny.

FAQs About Thar OG vs Jimny

Which SUV has more engine options, Thar OG or Jimny?
The Mahindra Thar OG offers three engine options, while the Maruti Jimny gets a single 1.5 litre petrol engine.

Which SUV has higher ground clearance?
The Mahindra Thar OG has 232 mm of ground clearance, compared with 210 mm for the Maruti Jimny.

Does the Maruti Jimny get a 4x4 system?
Yes, the Jimny gets the ALLGRIP PRO 4x4 system with 2H, 4H and 4L modes.

Which SUV offers more touchscreen space?
The Mahindra Thar OG gets a larger 26.03 cm touchscreen, while the Jimny offers a 22.86 cm SmartPlay Pro+ unit on applicable variants.

How many airbags do the Thar OG and Jimny get?
Both the Mahindra Thar OG and Maruti Jimny offer six airbags.