Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny (2026)
Mahindra Thar (₹10.32 Lakh – ₹18.99 Lakh) and Maruti Suzuki Jimny (₹12.54 Lakh – ₹14.67 Lakh) go head-to-head in the lifestyle offroader space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (October 2026).
- The Mahindra Thar is more affordable — it starts ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
- The Mahindra Thar is the more powerful car, with 160 bhp against 104 bhp.
- The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is more efficient on paper — up to 16.94 kmpl vs 15 kmpl.
- Only the Mahindra Thar has a published NCAP crash-test rating (4 stars).
Specification Comparison
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Mahindra Thar in short
The three-door Thar is India's definitive lifestyle off-roader, blending genuine 4x4 hardware with retro-modern Jeep-like styling and cult desirability. The September 2026 facelift, sold as the Thar OG, moves it to a new platform with Pentalink rear suspension, electric power steering and more powerful petrol and diesel engines, and adds a new top ZXT trim with six airbags. Its only like-for-like rival is the Maruti Jimny.
Full Thar prices & variants →Maruti Suzuki Jimny in short
The Jimny is Maruti's ladder-frame lifestyle off-roader, sold in India exclusively as a 5-door with AllGrip Pro low-range 4x4. It is the direct rival to the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha, trading their diesel muscle for lighter weight, easier everyday manners and Nexa polish. Slow initial sales prompted big price cuts, making it a genuine bargain for off-road enthusiasts.
Full Jimny prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Thar or Jimny?
The Mahindra Thar is more affordable — it starts ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. (Ex-showroom prices, October 2026.)
Thar vs Jimny — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Mahindra Thar — 4 stars; Maruti Suzuki Jimny — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Thar or the Jimny?
The Mahindra Thar is more affordable — it starts ₹2.22 Lakh lower than the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The Mahindra Thar is the more powerful car, with 160 bhp against 104 bhp. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is more efficient on paper — up to 16.94 kmpl vs 15 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.