I Tested Both the Thar and Jimny in Real Mud : Heres the Shocking Truth!

When it comes to true off-road fun, two names dominate every Indian enthusiast’s mind Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny. Both have die-hard fan bases, both claim to be “built to conquer any terrain.” But those of us who’ve actually gone down into the mud know that company brochures and real-world grit are two very different things.
 

Thar’s Raw Power vs Jimny’s Clever Moves

The Mahindra Thar 4x4 comes with the 2.2L mHawk diesel and 2.0L turbo-petrol both beasts in their own way. The torque hits you instantly; one press of the clutch and you feel that surge it’s no ordinary SUV. But yes, its heavy body and short wheelbase make long drives a bit tiring.

The Maruti Jimny’s 1.5L K15B engine may look weak on paper, but it’s surprisingly capable. Its light body, compact size, and linear power delivery make it agile in the hills. I remember driving one through Himachal’s winding roads — here’s a little story. At one tight turn, the Thar had to reverse twice to fit through, while the Jimny just turned and slipped away effortlessly. That’s when I realized — power isn’t everything, precision matters too.

Gearbox and Drive Feel Who Drives Better?

The Thar’s automatic gearbox is smooth, but that heavy clutch can get tiring in traffic. Sometimes you feel it’s overbuilt for daily life. Jimny’s gearbox isn’t perfect, but the gear ratios are spot on it never feels underpowered even at low speeds.

I once took both the Thar and Jimny to a muddy trail just outside Delhi. The Thar stormed in, flinging mud all over — looked great, no doubt — but the Jimny quietly made its way through without drama. That’s the difference between brute force and finesse.

Handling, Ride and Steering Feel

The Thar’s steering feedback is solid, though a bit jumpy on uneven roads. The suspension has matured a lot compared to the older model, but there’s still body roll. The Jimny also rolls a bit, but its lightness makes it playful. In the city, it feels nimble reminds me of the old Gypsy, but with a touch of modern refinement.

Off-Road Capability The Real Test

The Thar packs serious off-road hardware 4x4 low range, mechanical locking differential, high ground clearance, the works. The Jimny too gets 4x4, but its strength lies in its light weight and compact design. It can squeeze through spots where the Thar’s width becomes a problem.

But to be fair the Thar gives you that adrenaline rush. The climb, the roar, the raw charm. Jimny, on the other hand, wins you over with precision. If you’re a weekend warrior who loves splashing mud, the Thar will make you grin. But if you like quiet, smart off-roading, the Jimny will win your respect.

Fuel Efficiency and Practicality

The Thar diesel gives around 14 kmpl on the highway, dropping to about 9–10 kmpl in city use. The Jimny manages 13–14 kmpl even in urban driving. Its smaller fuel tank isn’t ideal for long hauls, but the lower running cost helps balance it out.

Price and Brand Trust

The Mahindra Thar starts above ₹11 lakh and can stretch beyond ₹17 lakh for the top variant. The Maruti Jimny sits between ₹12–15 lakh. Waiting periods for the Thar have always been long, while Maruti’s service network is a big plus.

As for brand trust Maruti still has that “peace of mind” factor for Indian buyers. Mahindra has improved drastically, but occasional software glitches or sensor issues still pop upespecially among new Thar owners.

Final Verdict – Which One’s Worth It?

To be straight  if you crave raw power and adrenaline, go for the Thar. But if you’re more practical and want a mix of city use and weekend trails, the Jimny makes more sense.

From my personal experience the Thar impresses you, the Jimny earns your respect. The Thar roars; the Jimny thinks. And that’s their true difference.

Data Insight : Around 58% of off-road buyers in recent months have started prioritizing daily usability over pure performance which explains the rising demand for compact off-