- Mahindra is all set to bring the 4X2 variant of the Thar
- Expected to launch in January 2023
- To get a smaller 1.5-litre diesel powertrain, will be more affordable than the 4X4 variant
Since the launch of the Mahindra Thar facelift in 2020, the vehicle has greatly increased in popularity in India. Now that there is more competition coming in the market, the brand is prepared to release a less expensive version of the Thar to attract potential customers. The Thar has only ever been offered in a single 4X4 variant, but the company is getting ready to introduce a 4X2 version of the vehicle. The brand will reportedly introduce the Mahindra Thar 4X2 model on January 26, 2023. The details and images of the upcoming Thar 4X2 appeared online earlier this week. Now, a YouTube user named Yash9w has posted a comparison video of the Thar 4X2 and 4X4 variants. In this article, we'll compare Mahindra Thar 4X4 vs Thar 4X2 and examine their differences.
Also Read: Why Does 2023 Mahindra Thar 2WD 1.5 Diesel Make Sense?
Mahindra Thar 4X4 Vs Thar 4X2 - Design & Dimensions
On the exterior both the variant look similar and feature same exterior details. The overall dimensions of both are also similar. The 4X4 variant gets 4X4 badging above the rear wheel arch and engine badging on the front fender, however the 4X2 variant didn't get any badging on the body panel apart from Thar badging on the front fender. The ground clearance, tyre size and other exterior details are identical in both variants.
Both the variants get an 18-inch chunky tyre which continues to offer the same stance to the lower variant.
Mahindra Thar 4X4 Vs Thar 4X2 - Engine & Drivetrain
The engine parameters for the upcoming Mahindra Thar 4X2 have undergone a significant revision. A 1.5-liter diesel engine will be available in the upcoming 4X2 model. The Thar's 4X4 version comes with a 2.2-liter diesel engine. A further important difference to the 4X2 model is that it will be available in RWD (rear-wheel drive) form.
| Specifications | Mahindra Thar 4X4 | Mahindra Thar 4X2 |
| Engine | 2.2-litre Diesel / 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol | 1.5-litre Diesel / 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol |
| Max. Power | 130 bhp / 150 bhp | 115 bhp / 150 bhp |
| Max. Torque | 300 Nm / 300 Nm (MT), 320 Nm (AT) | 300 Nm / 300 Nm (MT), 320 Nm (AT) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD |
The diesel engine and drivetrain are the primary differences between the two versions. The 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 15 bhp less power than the 4X4's 2.2-liter diesel engine. The torque output, which is the same for both engines, is what's interesting. Additionally, the 4X4 and 4X2 versions gets the same 2.0-liter mStallion turbo petrol engine. The drivetrain is another significant distinction; the 4X4 variant, as its name suggests, has a 4WD drivetrain, while the 4X2 variant has a RWD drivetrain. While the 4X2 variant just has a rough road option, the 4X4 variant has a full off-road mode.
Also Read: New Mahindra XUV500 On Its Way - Possible Debut In 2023
Mahindra Thar 4X4 vs Thar 4X2 - Interior & Features
Both models' interiors are similar, and the seating arrangement and overall dashboard layout are the same as in the standard Thar. The few aircraft-style buttons have been given new purposes, and the 4WD gear shift lever has been replaced by a cubby hole. Overall features such as the touchscreen infotainment system, aircon vents design and controls are same along with other things.
On the safety front, both Thar versions will have the same safety measures. Follow-me-home and lead-me-to-Thar lighting, a tyre pressure monitoring system, rear parking sensors, dual airbags, ESP with roll-over mitigation, a panic brake signal, and a vehicle over-speed alert are all included in the safety kit.
Mahindra Thar 4X4 Vs Thar 4X2 - Pricing
The upcoming Thar 4X2 will be less expensive than the 4X4 version in terms of price. The brand will be able to drastically lower the price due to the removal of the 4X4 drivetrain and the installation of a 1.5-liter diesel engine. We anticipate that the Thar 4X2 would start at Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). The Thar 4X2 will be a strong rival to the upcoming Maruti Suzuki Jimny given its starting pricing.
However, the Thar 4X4 model continues to be sold for between Rs. 13.59 lakh (ex-showroom) and Rs. 16.29 lakh (ex-showroom). Both a hard top and a soft top are available in the 4X4 version.
Verdict
For people who live in cities, the new Mahindra Thar 4X2 model would be a smart choice. With the diesel powertrain, the vehicle will be able to offer good fuel efficiency because of the smaller engine. The owners will also be able to drive it on minor off-road trails and uneven areas thanks to the RWD drivetrain. Both a hard top and a soft top version of the Thar 4X2 are anticipated.
