Hyundai Exter vs Mahindra Thar Comparison 2026: Price, Mileage, Features

Comparison overview: The Hyundai Exter starts at ₹5.80 L and the Mahindra Thar at ₹10.32 L, a difference of ₹4.52 L ex-showroom. On-road in New Delhi that gap becomes roughly ₹5.01 L. Here is what the extra money actually buys.

Engine and performance: The Hyundai Exter uses a 1,197cc Petrol/CNG making 82bhp@6000rpm, 68bhp@6000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual. The Mahindra Thar uses a 2,184cc Diesel/Petrol making 130bhp@3750rpm, 150.19bhp@5000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual.

Mileage and running cost: These two figures are not like for like. The Hyundai Exter number is for the Petrol/CNG Automatic/Manual and the Mahindra Thar number is for the Diesel/Petrol Automatic/Manual, so compare the variants you are actually shortlisting.

Only the Hyundai Exter comes with a factory CNG option at 19.4 kmpl, 27.1 km/kg, which is the cheapest way to run either car in the city.

What one gives that the other does not: The Hyundai Exter adds Child Safety Locks, Anti-Theft Alarm, Side Airbag, Curtain Airbag and Door Ajar Warning. The Mahindra Thar adds Brake Assist, Hill Descent Control, Global NCAP Safety Rating, Global NCAP Child Safety Rating and Side Stepper. The rest of both spec sheets is shared.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Hyundai Exter if you drive mostly in the city, you want the lower running cost, and you would rather keep the ₹4.52 L for your down payment than spend it on features.

Buy the Mahindra Thar if you do regular highway runs, you carry luggage or a pram often, and you want Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) without waiting for the next facelift.

The one thing that settles it: Hyundai Exter offers Child Safety Locks.

Before you sign anything:

Ex-showroom price is not what you pay. Add registration, road tax, insurance and handling, and expect the final figure to land ten to twelve percent higher. Road tax changes state to state, so a car that costs the same in two cities does not cost the same to own.

Ask the dealer four things before you book. What is the current waiting period for the variant you want. What is the on-road figure.

Then drive both cars back to back on the same day, on a road you actually use. Take your family. Put your usual luggage in the boot. Most people decide in the first ten minutes, and it is rarely for the reason they expected.