Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Maruti Jimny vs Force Gurkha: Compare Features, Specs, Price, and Other Differences

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, Maruti Jimny, and Force Gurkha are three of India’s most popular off-road SUVs, each offering distinct capabilities and designs. As off-roaders continue to grow in popularity, choosing between these models can be challenging. Each SUV brings unique strengths in performance, features, and price. In this comparison, we’ll break down the specifications, key features, and pricing of the Mahindra Thar Roxx, Maruti Jimny, and Force Gurkha, offering insights into their differences to help buyers make an informed decision.

Design and Exterior

Mahindra Thar Roxx:
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is based on the iconic Thar, but with an enhanced rugged design tailored for extreme off-roading. Its aggressive stance, blacked-out bumpers, and steel underbody protection scream durability. The lifted suspension, off-road tires, and roof rails give the Roxx a distinctive appearance. The wide grille and signature round headlamps add to its classic Jeep-like look while incorporating a modern twist.

Maruti Jimny:
The Maruti Jimny is a compact off-roader with a boxy and functional design. Its compact dimensions make it nimble in urban settings as well as on rugged terrain. The Jimny features round headlamps, a five-slot grille, and a vertical windshield, reminiscent of classic off-road vehicles. Its short overhangs and large wheel arches further highlight its capability.

Force Gurkha:
The Force Gurkha boasts a robust and utilitarian design. Built with a tough body-on-frame structure, the Gurkha’s rugged design is accentuated by its snorkel, square headlights, and pronounced front grille. The high ground clearance and all-terrain tires are standard, ensuring that it can handle the toughest off-road challenges.

Interior and Comfort

Mahindra Thar Roxx:
Inside, the Thar Roxx offers a no-nonsense cabin with practical features like washable floors and drain plugs, essential for off-road enthusiasts. It includes a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, manual air conditioning, and durable materials that can withstand rough use. Seating is spacious for four passengers, with ample headroom and legroom.

Maruti Jimny:
The Jimny’s interior is simplistic but functional. It offers a modern dashboard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The high-seating position provides good visibility, and its upright design allows for easy maneuverability in tight spots. Although smaller in size, the Jimny’s seats are comfortable for up to four passengers.

Force Gurkha:
The Force Gurkha’s cabin is designed with a utilitarian mindset. It features a basic yet durable interior that emphasizes functionality. The higher variants come equipped with an infotainment system, and the seats are well-cushioned for long journeys. The cabin space is impressive, providing generous legroom and headroom for all occupants.

Engine and Performance

Mahindra Thar Roxx:
The 2024 Thar Roxx is expected to come with a powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that delivers 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The Roxx also offers a four-wheel-drive system with low-range gearing and mechanical locking differentials, making it an exceptional off-roader.

Maruti Jimny:
Under the hood, the Maruti Jimny is powered by a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, producing 103 bhp and 134 Nm of torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Jimny comes with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro four-wheel-drive system, complete with a low-range transfer case, making it an agile off-road machine.

Force Gurkha:
The Force Gurkha houses a 2.6-liter diesel engine producing 90 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. While not as powerful as its competitors, the Gurkha’s torque-rich engine, coupled with a 4×4 system and front and rear differential locks, ensures that it can tackle difficult off-road terrains with ease.

Off-Road Capabilities

Mahindra Thar Roxx:
The Thar Roxx is engineered for hardcore off-roading. Its lifted suspension, 4×4 capabilities, high approach and departure angles, and reinforced body make it a champion on rocky terrains and steep slopes. The Roxx also features water wading capability, ensuring it performs well in wet conditions.

Maruti Jimny:
The Jimny’s small size works to its advantage in tight off-road environments. It features a 210mm ground clearance and a 37-degree approach angle, making it a nimble and capable off-roader. Its ladder-frame chassis and lightweight design allow the Jimny to handle steep climbs and descents with ease.

Force Gurkha:
The Gurkha is built for the toughest trails, offering excellent off-road credentials thanks to its front and rear locking differentials, a snorkel for deep-water wading, and high ground clearance. The Gurkha’s 4×4 system and rugged construction make it an ideal choice for extreme off-roading enthusiasts.

Pricing and Variants

Mahindra Thar Roxx:
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is expected to be priced around ₹18-20 lakh, given its specialized off-road enhancements. The price may vary based on additional customization options available.

Maruti Jimny:
The Maruti Jimny is more affordable, priced between ₹12.74 lakh and ₹13.85 lakh (ex-showroom). It offers two variants – Zeta and Alpha – with both manual and automatic transmission options.

Force Gurkha:
The Force Gurkha is priced at ₹15.10 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in a single variant but offers a wide range of aftermarket modifications that enhance its off-road capabilities.

Key Differences

1. Engine Power: The Thar Roxx offers the most powerful engine, followed by the Jimny and then the Gurkha.
2. Price: The Jimny is the most affordable option, while the Thar Roxx is likely to be the priciest due to its specialized design.
3. Off-Road Capabilities: While all three are built for off-road adventures, the Thar Roxx and Gurkha offer superior off-road hardware compared to the Jimny.
4. Size and Maneuverability: The Jimny’s compact size makes it more agile in tight off-road environments, whereas the Thar Roxx and Gurkha are larger and more robust.

Conclusion

The 2024 Mahindra Thar Roxx, Maruti Jimny, and Force Gurkha each offer unique strengths, catering to different kinds of off-road enthusiasts. If budget is a primary concern, the Maruti Jimny provides a compact and affordable solution. For those seeking extreme off-road performance, the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Force Gurkha present themselves as more rugged, heavy-duty choices. Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, off-roading needs, and preferred design.