The Mahindra Thar Roxx, Force Gurkha 3 Door, and Maruti Suzuki Jimny are among the best competitors to the Mahindra Thar in India. The Thar Roxx offers the advantage of five-door practicality and more luxurious features, while the Gurkha 3 Door is built as a dedicated off-road vehicle. On the other hand, the Jimny, light and compact, is first on all four-wheel-drive buyers’ lists.
The 2026 Mahindra Thar is priced from approximately ₹10.32 lakh to ₹18.00 lakh ex-showroom. Its range includes a 1.5-litre diesel for rear-wheel-drive variants, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.2-litre diesel for 4WD versions. Manual and torque-converter automatic gearboxes are available depending on the engine. The refreshed model also adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents, and a rear-view camera while retaining its short-wheelbase off-road character.
Quick Summary
- The Mahindra Thar Roxx is the best alternative for buyers who want Thar styling and capability with five doors, five seats, more luggage space, and additional premium features.
- The Force Gurkha 3 Door suits buyers who prioritise hardcore off-roading, standard 4WD, front and rear locking differentials, and strong water-wading ability.
- The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is ideal for buyers wanting standard 4WD, compact dimensions, better petrol mileage, and easier everyday usability.
- The Mahindra Thar currently costs approximately ₹10.32 lakh to ₹18.00 lakh ex-showroom.
- Its 1.5-litre diesel 2WD is the entry powertrain, while the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel are available with 4WD.
- Petrol and diesel 4WD versions are available with manual or automatic transmissions.
- The Thar remains a four-seater, which makes the five-seat Thar Roxx more practical for family use.
- The right alternative depends on whether you prioritise five-door practicality, serious mechanical off-road hardware, or a smaller and more efficient 4×4.
Table of Contents
Price and Mileage Comparison with Mahindra Thar
The Thar Roxx is in no doubt ahead of the Gurkha because of its five-door structure and luxury features, while the Gurkha is available only as a diesel-manual 4WD. The Jimny runs on petrol only but comes with a 4WD mechanism in all available versions.
| Car | Ex-showroom Price Range | Fuel Type | Claimed Mileage |
| Mahindra Thar | ₹10.32 – ₹18.00 lakh | Petrol, Diesel | Around 12 – 15.2 km/l depending on powertrain |
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | ₹12.52 – ₹23.53 lakh | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol around 12.4 km/l; Diesel around 15.2 km/l |
| Force Gurkha 3 Door | Around ₹16.25 – ₹16.31 lakh | Diesel | Official mileage not disclosed |
| Maruti Suzuki Jimny | ₹12.54 – ₹14.67 lakh | Petrol | 16.94 km/l MT; 16.39 km/l AT |
Top Alternatives of Mahindra Thar in India
Mahindra Thar Roxx
Thar Roxx retains its rugged styling and construction but adds extended rear doors, a longer 2850mm wheelbase, and a spacious cabin, significantly raising the standards for practicality. Prices start from around ₹12.52 lakh to ₹23.53 lakh.
Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol produces up to around 177 PS and 380 Nm in automatic form, while the 2.2-litre diesel develops up to around 175 PS and 370 Nm. It offers a six-speed manual and a torque-converter automatic gearbox, while 4WD is reserved for selected diesel variants. The Roxx also offers 4XPLOR terrain modes, low-range gearing, and electronic locking hardware on relevant versions.
Why it is better than Mahindra Thar
Practicality is an unquestionable edge of the Thar Roxx. The common Thar offers only two side doors and four seats, which means rear access requires folding the front seat. With the Roxx, however, the situation is simpler: two rear doors and a true five-seat arrangement give easy access to the rear seats.
It also offers far more premium equipment. Higher variants add a panoramic sunroof, twin 10.25-inch displays, ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio, a 360-degree camera, connected-car features, and Level 2 ADAS. The regular Thar remains shorter and easier to place on tight trails. Still, the Roxx is considerably better for buyers who need everyday family practicality without giving up genuine off-road ability.
Price Comparison: Mahindra Thar Roxx vs. Mahindra Thar
The Roxx is priced at a mere ₹2 lakh more than the smallest Thar variant, which jumps significantly for 4WD cars and automatic transmissions as you move up the range.
| Variant | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Mahindra Thar |
| Base-variant | Around ₹12.52 lakh | Around ₹10.32 lakh |
| Mid-variant | Around ₹16 – ₹19 lakh | Around ₹13 – ₹16.5 lakh |
| Top-variant | Up to ₹23.53 lakh | Up to ₹18.00 lakh |
Also Read: Complete Guide to Buying a Mahindra Thar Roxx
Force Gurkha 3 Door
Force Gurkha 3 Door is also meant to be considered the most aggressive rival to Thar. This vehicle uses a ladder-frame construction along with a 2.6-litre engine producing about 140 PS and 320 Nm of torque. The only gear option is a 5-speed manual transmission, with 4WD standard.
The Gurkha gets 2H, 4H, and 4L modes, locking differentials, 233mm ground clearance, and 700mm water-wading ability. At 3,965mm long, it remains compact enough for narrow trails, while its tall 2,080mm body gives it distinctive road presence.
Why it is better than Mahindra Thar
An advantage to the Gurkha is its dedicated off-road hardware. The system includes standard 4WD, meaning all buyers get the full mechanical package. Adding front and rear differential locks adds traction value if any wheel starts losing traction. Furthermore, the 700mm of water wading also adds to the Gurkha’s benefit when dealing with deep-water crossings.
The trade-off is everyday convenience. There is no petrol engine, automatic gearbox, or 2WD version, and the cabin is more functional than luxurious. For mixed city and weekend use, the Thar offers more choice. For those who genuinely plan to tackle difficult terrain regularly, the Gurkha’s simpler and more focused approach can be appealing.
Price Comparison: Force Gurkha 3 Door vs. Mahindra Thar
The Gurkha is sold in only one main diesel-manual 4WD specification, so there aren’t variations across base, mid, and top variants.
| Variant | Force Gurkha 3 Door | Mahindra Thar |
| Base-variant | Around ₹16.25 – ₹16.31 lakh | Around ₹10.32 lakh |
| Mid-variant | Single main variant | Around ₹13 – ₹16.5 lakh |
| Top-variant | Same single variant | Up to ₹18.00 lakh |
Also Read: Force Gurkha Launched: Price, Features Detailed
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a smaller, lighter alternative to the Thar. It uses a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine generating around 105 PS and 134.2 Nm, which is coupled to either a five-speed manual or a four-speed torque-converter automatic. Unlike the base Thar, all Jimny cars are equipped with ALLGRIP PRO 4WD, as well as a low-range transfer case.
The Jimny measures 3,985mm long and 1,645mm wide, with 210mm ground clearance. Its narrow body and relatively low weight make it particularly easy to position on tight trails and narrow mountain roads.
Why it is better than Mahindra Thar
The biggest advantage of the Jimny is that it can be bought with an affordable standard 4WD. Buyers do not have to upgrade to expensive variants in order to utilise low-range gearing. In comparison, the cheaper 1.5-litre diesel version of the Thar is only rear-wheel drive, which further makes the Jimny even more appealing to buyers who want a genuine off-road machine without having to spend their bank balance, similar to Thar’s highest-priced offerings.
It is also more fuel-efficient, returning 16.94 km/l with the manual and 16.39 km/l with the automatic. Its smaller dimensions make it easier to drive in crowded cities as well. However, the Thar offers dramatically stronger engines, more torque, a wider cabin, and greater road presence. The Jimny makes more sense when low weight, efficiency, and compact trail ability matter more than outright performance.
Price Comparison: Maruti Suzuki Jimny vs. Mahindra Thar
Though the Jimny might be priced more than the entry-level Thar model, it is still much cheaper than the most premium versions of the Thar, even in loaded automatic form.
| Variant | Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Mahindra Thar |
| Base-variant | Around ₹12.54 lakh | Around ₹10.32 lakh |
| Mid-variant | Around ₹13.46 – ₹13.60 lakh | Around ₹13 – ₹16.5 lakh |
| Top-variant | Up to ₹14.67 lakh | Up to ₹18.00 lakh |
Also Read: Complete Guide to Buying a Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Summary
The Mahindra Thar is one-of-a-kind for being a compact car with powerful engines and automatic options, and it truly is a 4WD vehicle. Its small dimensions and its imposing stature make it an ideal choice both for weekend enthusiasts and for those looking to make a lifestyle statement.
Choose the Thar Roxx for five-door family practicality and premium features, the Force Gurkha 3 Door for focused mechanical off-road capability, or the Maruti Suzuki Jimny for standard 4WD, better petrol mileage, and compact dimensions. The Thar remains the strongest middle ground for buyers who want performance, automatic convenience, and serious off-road ability in a compact three-door package.
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FAQs About Mahindra Thar Alternatives
Q. What are the best alternatives to the Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar Roxx, Force Gurkha 3 Door, and Maruti Suzuki Jimny are three of the strongest alternatives to the Mahindra Thar in India.
Q. Which is better for families, Mahindra Thar or Thar Roxx?
The Thar Roxx is better for families because it has five doors, five seats, more rear-seat accessibility, and a larger, more practical cabin.
Q. Which is better for hardcore off-roading, Thar or Force Gurkha?
Both are capable, but the Gurkha offers standard 4WD, locking differentials, 233mm ground clearance, and 700mm water-wading ability. The Thar provides a wider choice of engines and automatic transmissions.
Q. Is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny cheaper than the Mahindra Thar?
The Jimny starts above the entry Thar, but its entire range stays below the top Thar variants. Importantly, every Jimny includes 4WD as standard.
Q. Which Mahindra Thar alternative offers the best mileage?
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny offers the best official petrol mileage in this comparison, with up to 16.94 km/l for the manual version.
Q. Does the Mahindra Thar have both petrol and diesel engines?
Yes. The current Thar offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel for 2WD versions, and a 2.2-litre diesel for 4WD variants.
