Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Grand Vitara Comparison 2026: Price, Mileage, Features

Comparison overview: The Mahindra Thar starts at ₹10.32 L and the Maruti Grand Vitara at ₹10.77 L, a difference of ₹45.00 K ex-showroom. On-road in New Delhi that gap becomes roughly ₹49.95 K. Here is what the extra money actually buys.

Engine and performance: The Mahindra Thar uses a 2,184cc Diesel/Petrol making 130bhp@3750rpm, 150.19bhp@5000rpm and listed torque with Automatic/Manual. The Maruti Grand Vitara uses a 1,462cc Petrol/CNG making 87 - 114 bhp and listed torque with Automatic/Manual.

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

Only the Maruti Grand Vitara comes with a factory CNG option at 27.97 kmpl,26.6 km/kg, which is the cheapest way to run either car in the city.

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

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Mahindra Thar if you drive mostly in the city, you want the lower running cost, and you would rather keep the ₹45.00 K for your down payment than spend it on features.

Buy the Maruti Grand Vitara 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: Mahindra Thar offers Hill Descent Control.

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.