Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny Best Buying Comparison in 2025

Buying a car is more than just a financial decision it’s an emotional journey, especially when you’re going to buy your first car. In this detailed blog post, I’ll share exactly why you must chose the Maruti Jimny over the more popular Mahindra Thar, what your buying process should look like, how you should negotiate discounts, and why you should believe the Jimny is a smarter buy for practical users in India.

Let’s dive into the details and explore Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny Best Buying Comparison in 2025

The Problem: You Love Cars, But You Hate Spending on Them

Like many car lovers, you love SUVs right? But here’s the thing you just can’t justify spending ₹18–20 lakhs on a depreciating asset. That’s where the real challenge begins.

So I assume your goal:

• Find a reliable, capable, fun-to-drive vehicle
• Stick to a budget under ₹15 lakhs
• Preferably a 4×4 SUV for occasional adventure trips
• Be cost-effective in the long run

Why Not Thar? A Popular Choice That Doesn’t Fit All

Let’s be honest Mahindra Thar is a beast. It looks big, feels powerful, and has serious road presence. Even everyone love it. Many buyers test drove the Thar and even sat in the back seat, but reality kicked in.

Here’s why I and they ruled out the Thar:

• Poor ride quality in city traffic
• Uncomfortable for daily commutes
• Extremely heavy steering
• Lack of proper boot space (literally none!)
• Rear seats are tight and upright
• Too much car for just a few off-road trips a year

Sure, it’s a great off-roader. But if it’s 95% of its life in the city, It becomes more of a headache than an asset.

Read Also: How to Buy Your First Car: 10 Steps to Make it Easy

New vs Used Cars

Being budget-conscious, You should also explore the used car market. No matter how hard you search, used SUVs are overpriced, won’t suit your needs. Plus, the market has changed drastically deals like old VW Vento, Honda city would be great choice.

Do You Need a 4×4? – The Real Use Case

If you go on multiple mountain and desert trips then having a proper 4×4 is not just about fun, it is about function. But If you don’t want a dedicated off-roader then it’s terrible in the city.

Why You Chose Maruti Jimny – The Smart Middle Ground

After months of research, testing, negotiation, and content watching (yes, I binged dozens of videos), I finally zeroed in on the Maruti Jimny Alpha 4×4 to make this content perfect.

Here’s why it made perfect sense:

1. Dual Purpose SUV:
   Perfect balance between city driving and weekend off-roading.
2. Surprisingly Good Boot Space:
   It may look small from the outside, but the 5-door design gives it a decent boot and seating flexibility. You can manage to fit luggage for three people and a fourth passenger once.
3. Compact Yet Spacious:
   It’s a sub-4-meter SUV, yet offers good headroom and comfort for four people. Rear seats aren’t great for tall folks, but manageable for parents.
4. Great Ride Quality:
   Way better than Thar for city use. Feels lighter, smoother, and much easier to drive in traffic.
5. Proven Off-Roading Capabilities:
   We rented one for a Ladakh trip last year, and we were blown away by how effortlessly it tackled water-logged roads and rough terrain.

The Price Game – How You Can Save Money

Let’s get to the juicy part, the deal.
The official on-road price of the Jimny Alpha was nearly ₹18 lakhs, and are you ready to spend that.

But here’s what worked in your favor:

• Discounts: Maruti is offering ₹1 lakh off on the top variant.
• Loan-linked discount: Additional ₹50,000 off if you finance it.
• Bumper deal with BS number: You can save ₹1 lakh more if eligible.

Ownership Economics – The Bigger Picture

Since You are buying new, you get:

• Manufacturer warranty
• Low maintenance for the next 4–5 years
• Better resale value (Jimny won’t depreciate like sedans)
• Peace of mind during long trips

So overall, cost of ownership will remain low over the next decade.

Read Also: Tata Motors New Strategic Split After 78 Years

Who Should Buy the Jimny?

If you:

• Want a reliable off-roader without sacrificing city usability
• Prefer a compact SUV that doesn’t feel underpowered
• Love weekend getaways and rough roads
• Want lower ownership cost over the long term

Then the Maruti Jimny might be your perfect SUV.

Quick Comparison: Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny Best Buying Comparison

Final Verdict: Jimny is the Underdog That Makes Sense

It may not have Thar’s cult status, but for real-life use, the Jimny is a well-balanced 4×4 SUV that actually makes sense in Indian driving conditions.

If you’re planning to buy a Jimny, check discounts, check BS number eligibility, and negotiate hard with dealerships. Also, avoid unnecessary accessories that jack up the price.