In this Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny Comparison and Price, we compare their petrol variants, prices, engine performance, 4×4 capability, mileage, practicality, and everyday usability to help you decide which SUV is the better choice for your needs. If you are looking for a compact SUV that can genuinely handle rough roads, trails and weekend adventures, two names immediately stand out: Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Both have ladder-frame construction, petrol engines, four-wheel-drive capability and a strong off-road character. But they approach the same job very differently.
The Thar is the bigger, more powerful and more aggressive SUV, while the Jimny focuses on compact dimensions, lower weight and easy manoeuvrability.
Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny: Quick Comparison
| Specification | Mahindra Thar ROXX Petrol | Maruti Jimny Petrol |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Naturally Aspirated Petrol |
| Power | 160 hp MT / 175 hp AT | 105 hp |
| Torque | 330 Nm MT / 380 Nm AT | 134 Nm |
| Manual gearbox | 6-speed MT | 5-speed MT |
| Automatic | 6-speed Torque Converter | 4-speed Torque Converter |
| Drive | RWD / 4WD depending on variant | 4WD |
| Seating | 5 | 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Official mileage | — | 16.94 km/l MT, 16.39 km/l AT |
The performance gap is substantial. The Jimny’s 1.5-litre engine makes 105 hp and 134 Nm, while the Thar ROXX’s turbo-petrol produces up to 175 hp and 380 Nm with the automatic.
Mahindra Thar ROXX Petrol Price & Variants
The Thar ROXX petrol range is available with multiple trims, although the exact engine, transmission and drivetrain combination depends on the variant.
The price chart you provided shows these petrol variants:
| Thar ROXX Petrol Variant | Transmission | Drive | Ex-showroom Price* |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX1 P MT | Manual | 2WD | ₹12.52 lakh |
| MX3 P AT | Automatic | 2WD | ₹15.28 lakh |
| MX5 P MT | Manual | 2WD | ₹16.52 lakh |
| AX7L P AT Mocha | Automatic | 2WD | ₹19.99 lakh |
| AX7L P AT | Automatic | 2WD | ₹19.99 lakh |
| Star Edn Petrol 2WD | Automatic | 2WD | ₹18.78 lakh |
However, prices can change with revisions, offers, taxes and variant updates, so buyers should confirm the final price with Mahindra before booking. Mahindra’s current official material confirms that the ROXX petrol engine is offered with a six-speed manual and six-speed torque-converter automatic, with RWD and 4WD configurations available across the broader ROXX range.
For reference, Mahindra’s official ROXX launch announcement originally listed the MX1 petrol at ₹12.99 lakh, so older articles may show different figures from the prices in your supplied chart.
Maruti Jimny Petrol Price & Variants
The Jimny takes a much simpler approach.
It is powered by one 1.5-litre petrol engine and is available with both manual and automatic transmissions. Importantly, 4WD is standard across the Jimny range.
Current ex-showroom prices are approximately:
| Jimny Variant | Transmission | Ex-showroom Price |
|---|---|---|
| Zeta AllGrip Pro | 5-speed Manual | ₹12.39 lakh |
| Alpha AllGrip Pro | 5-speed Manual | ₹13.31 lakh |
| Zeta AllGrip Pro AT | 4-speed Automatic | ₹13.45 lakh |
| Alpha Pro Dual Tone | Manual | ₹13.46 lakh |
| Alpha AllGrip Pro AT | Automatic | ₹14.37 lakh |
| Alpha Dual Tone AT | Automatic | ₹14.52 lakh |
These prices match the June 2026 revision reported for the Jimny range, which took the model from ₹12.39 lakh to ₹14.52 lakh ex-showroom.
So, on price alone, the Jimny is considerably easier to enter than a highly equipped Thar ROXX.
Thar vs Jimny: Engine & Performance
This is where the Thar pulls away dramatically.
The Thar ROXX gets a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The manual version develops 160 hp and 330 Nm, while the automatic gets 175 hp and 380 Nm.
The Jimny uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine producing around 105 hp and 134 Nm.
That means the Thar has roughly:
- 55 hp more than the Jimny in manual form
- 70 hp more with the automatic
- More than twice the Jimny’s torque in automatic form
In everyday driving, this difference is obvious.
The Thar feels stronger when overtaking, climbing steep roads or carrying passengers. Its turbocharged engine also gives it much stronger mid-range punch.
The Jimny isn’t designed to win a drag race. Its relatively low weight and compact dimensions are its advantages.
Autocar’s testing records the Jimny at 14.59 seconds from 0–100 km/h for the manual and 17.47 seconds for the automatic.
Performance winner: Thar ROXX
4WD & Off-Road Performance
This is a more interesting battle.
The Jimny may be smaller, but don’t mistake that for weakness.
Maruti gives the Jimny ALLGRIP PRO 4WD with a low-range transfer gear, along with a ladder frame and three-link rigid-axle suspension.
Its compact body is a genuine advantage on narrow trails. You can place the Jimny into tight spaces where a larger SUV simply won’t fit.
The Thar ROXX, meanwhile, brings considerably more power and sophisticated off-road hardware. Depending on configuration, it offers 4XPLOR terrain modes, electronic locking differential technology and a 650mm water-wading capability.
So the choice isn’t simply:
“Which one has better 4WD?”
It’s more like:
Jimny: small, light and agile.
Thar ROXX: powerful, larger and more capable when the terrain gets demanding.
For serious off-road enthusiasts, the Thar’s additional torque and hardware give it the advantage.
Off-road performance winner: Thar ROXX
Tight-trail agility winner: Jimny
Thar vs Jimny: City Driving
This is where the Jimny makes a surprisingly strong case.
The Jimny measures only 3,985mm long and 1,645mm wide, making it considerably easier to place on crowded Indian roads. Its turning radius is around 5.7 metres.
The Thar ROXX is substantially larger, with a 4,428mm length and 2,850mm wheelbase.
That extra size gives the Thar more road presence and cabin space, but it can make tight parking and narrow streets more stressful.
If your daily routine involves:
- crowded city roads
- small parking spaces
- narrow lanes
- occasional off-roading
the Jimny makes a lot of sense.
City-friendly winner: Jimny
Space & Practicality
There’s another major difference.
The Thar ROXX seats five, while the Jimny is a four-seater.
If this is going to be your family’s primary SUV, that distinction matters.
The ROXX’s longer wheelbase also gives it considerably more cabin space than the Jimny.
The Jimny’s rear seats are best suited to children or occasional adult passengers. For four adults travelling long distances, space can become a limitation.
The Thar ROXX is therefore the more practical choice for a family.
Practicality winner: Thar ROXX
Mileage: Jimny Has the Advantage
The Jimny’s naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine is not particularly powerful, but it is reasonably efficient.
Maruti claims:
- 16.94 km/l — Manual
- 16.39 km/l — Automatic
The Thar ROXX’s turbo-petrol engine prioritizes performance rather than fuel economy.
If fuel costs and frequent city driving are important to you, the Jimny’s smaller engine and lower weight make it the more sensible choice.
Mileage winner: Jimny
Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the Mahindra Thar ROXX if…
You should choose the Thar ROXX if you want:
- Much stronger performance
- More torque
- Better highway performance
- Five-seat practicality
- A larger and more spacious cabin
- Serious off-road capability
- A powerful SUV presence
- Automatic transmission with strong performance
The ROXX is particularly attractive if this is going to be your main family SUV plus adventure vehicle.
Buy the Maruti Jimny if…
The Jimny makes more sense if you want:
- A compact 4×4
- Easier city driving
- Excellent manoeuvrability
- Lower entry price
- Better claimed fuel economy
- A lightweight off-roader
- Occasional trail adventures
- A second car for weekend exploration
The Jimny is almost a specialist tool: small outside, tough underneath and surprisingly capable when the road disappears.
Expert Verdict: Thar or Jimny?
If I had to choose one car without knowing the buyer’s lifestyle, I’d pick the Mahindra Thar ROXX.
Why?
Because it gives you significantly more engine performance, more space, five seats and stronger long-distance usability while retaining genuine off-road ability.
But that doesn’t make the Jimny a bad choice.
In fact, for the right person, the Jimny could be the smarter purchase.
If 90% of your driving is in the city and you want a compact SUV that can take you into the mountains on weekends, the Jimny’s smaller footprint and simpler 4WD package are genuinely appealing.
Think of it this way:
Thar ROXX = performance + space + presence + adventure
Jimny = compact size + efficiency + agility + adventure
The best choice depends less on which SUV is “better” and more on how you actually plan to use it.
ALSO READ : Thar Roxx VS Scorpio N Which Is Better For Family
FAQs
1. Which is more powerful, Thar or Jimny?
The Thar ROXX is substantially more powerful. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol produces 160 hp with the manual and 175 hp with the automatic, compared with about 105 hp from the Jimny’s 1.5-litre petrol engine.
2. Which has better mileage, Thar or Jimny?
The Jimny has the advantage on claimed fuel economy, at 16.94 km/l for the manual and 16.39 km/l for the automatic.
3. Is Jimny a proper 4×4 SUV?
Yes. The Jimny comes with ALLGRIP PRO 4WD and a low-range transfer gear, making it a genuine off-road-focused SUV rather than simply an SUV with cosmetic rugged styling.
4. Which is better for off-roading?
Both are capable, but the Thar ROXX has the advantage in power, torque and available off-road technology. The Jimny counters with its smaller dimensions and agility on narrow trails.
5. Which is better for a family?
The Thar ROXX. It has five seats and substantially more cabin space, while the Jimny is a four-seater.
6. Which is better for city driving?
The Jimny. Its compact dimensions make it easier to drive and park in congested urban areas.
7. Which is cheaper, Thar or Jimny?
The Jimny has a lower entry price. Its current ex-showroom range is approximately ₹12.39–14.52 lakh, while the Thar ROXX petrol range extends significantly higher depending on variant.
8. Should I buy the Jimny automatic or Thar automatic?
If performance is your priority, choose the Thar automatic. If you want a compact 4×4 that is easier to drive around town, the Jimny automatic is the more sensible option. The Jimny’s four-speed automatic, however, is much less performance-oriented than the Thar’s six-speed torque-converter automatic.
Final Scorecard
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Engine performance | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Torque | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Highway driving | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Off-road power | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Tight trails | 🏆 Jimny |
| City manoeuvrability | 🏆 Jimny |
| Fuel economy | 🏆 Jimny |
| Cabin space | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Family practicality | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
| Entry price | 🏆 Jimny |
| Overall versatility | 🏆 Thar ROXX |
Bottom line: If you want a powerful SUV that can comfortably play the role of family car, highway cruiser and serious adventure machine, go for the Mahindra Thar ROXX. If you want a smaller, simpler and more affordable 4×4 that is easy to live with in the city and fun on trails, the Maruti Jimny is the better fit.
Prices are ex-showroom reference figures and can change with manufacturer revisions, taxes, offers and location. Always confirm the final price and variant availability with the manufacturer/dealer before booking.
