The Indian car market has been swamped with a number of SUV options. From compact SUVs to hardcore off roader, the market has an exciting lineup to offer. While there have been multiple players in the compact SUV segment, Mahindra Thar remained the favourite for off roading enthusiasts. But the dynamics may change with the entry of Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The Thar has also been getting some competition from the Bolero Neo, another Mahindra offering. So which one is better and how does it suit the need of an average buyers. 

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Here we compare everything the SUVs have to offer and leave it to you to take the call.

Price Range

The Mahindra Bolero Neo starts at Rs 9.63 lakh, making it the cheapest option among the three. Maruti Suzuki Jimny, is priced starting at Rs 12.74 lakh. Thar starts at Rs 10.54 lakh with the 4WD variants coming in about Rs 2-3 lakh more expensive. 

Colours and Models

All three cars come in a variety of colours, offering potential buyers a range of options to choose from. As for the models, the entry-level variant for the Bolero Neo is the N4, and for the Thar, it's the AX(O) D RWD. Jimny's base model is the Zeta. Thar and Bolero Neo are sold in six colour trims each while the Jimny is available in 7 different colours. 

Engine, Fuel Type and Mileage

The Jimny is powered by a K15B engine with a displacement of 1462 cc. It has a 1.5-litre NA petrol engine. The Bolero Neo is equipped with the mHAWk100 1493 cc diesel engine and the Thar boasts a 2184 cc diesel engine. The Thar also offers a mStallion 150 TGDi Engine 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine option, and a smaller diesel engine for its entry-level variants. 

In terms of mileage, the Bolero Neo provides 17.29 kmpl, the Thar offers 15.2 kmpl and the Jimny's provides around 16.39 kmpl of mileage across its variants. 

Seating and Storage Capacity

The Thar is wider and taller than the Jimny, potentially offering more cabin space. The Bolero Neo, Thar, and Jimny all vary in seating capacity, with the Bolero Neo offering a larger seating capacity. The Neo Bolero has a boot space of 384 L while the Jimny has a boot space of 208 L

Additional Features of Top Models

All three vehicles are equipped with a plethora of features. The Bolero Neo top model features include X-shaped body-colored bumpers, sporty static bending headlamps, and stylish DRLs. The Thar comes with auto AC, a larger touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a rear camera, and six airbags. The Jimny offers auto LED headlamps, a larger touchscreen, and more advanced connectivity features.

Ground Clearance and Off-road Capabilities

Ground clearance is a vital aspect, especially when it comes to off-road driving. The Thar takes the lead here with 226 mm ground clearance2. While the ground clearance for the Jimny and Bolero Neo is not mentioned in the references, the Jimny is known to have excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its ladder-frame chassis, AllGrip Pro 4x4 system, and low-range transfer gear3.

The Bolero Neo also provides good off-road performance with its rear-wheel drive setup4 and the mHawk diesel engine5. The Thar, with its strong off-roading pedigree and 4x4 capabilities, comes out as a strong contender in this department.

Safety Features

All three vehicles take safety seriously. The Bolero Neo has ABS+EBD, dual airbags, corner braking control and ISOFIX child seat anchors4. The Thar, on the other hand, comes equipped with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Safety features of the Jimny include ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, ESP, hill hold and descent control.

Verdict: Best Buy & Best Value for Money

While all three vehicles offer unique advantages, the Mahindra Thar takes the crown as the best buy because of its superior engine options, off-roading capabilities, safety features, and comfort. Its modern yet rugged look coupled with a comfortable and feature-rich cabin makes it an excellent choice for those who want a vehicle that can handle city commutes as well as weekend off-roading trips.

In terms of value for money, the Bolero Neo might be a good option. With its affordable pricing, the Bolero Neo delivers on features and off-road capabilities, making it a competitive choice for those on a budget. While its smaller size might be a downside for some, it offers better fuel efficiency and is easier to maneuver in city traffic. 

The Jimny is somewhere in the middle of the two with solid off-road performance that still delivers fuel-efficient city-driving. 

Common Features

All three cars, the Mahindra Thar, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, and the Mahindra Bolero Neo, come packed with features that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety. To better compare these features, let's take a look at the table below:

Features/Specifications

Mahindra Thar

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Mahindra Bolero Neo

ABS

Yes

Yes

Yes

Dual Front Airbags

Yes

Yes

Yes

EBD

Yes

Yes

Yes

Seat Belt Warning

Yes

Yes

Yes

Brake Assist

Yes

Yes

No

ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

Yes

Yes

Yes

4X4 Drive

Yes

Yes

No (RWD)

Fog Lights - Front

Yes

Yes

Yes

Engine Displacement

2.0 L

1.5 L

1.5 L

Transmission Type

Manual/Automatic

Manual

Manual

Fuel Type

Diesel/Petrol

Petrol

Diesel

Mileage (approx.)

15 kmpl

17 kmpl

21 kmpl

Seating Capacity

4

4

7

Ground Clearance

219 mm

210 mm

180 mm