Thar Roxx vs Jimny, Scorpio N, Gurkha: off-road tech comparison

The Roxx, Jimny, Scorpio N, and Gurkha 5-door all boast proper go-anywhere capability. We find out which offers more, on paper.

Published On Sep 27, 2024 02:17:00 PM

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Thar Roxx vs Jimny, Scorpio N, Gurkha: off-road tech comparison

Prices for the Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 have been announced, with 4WD variants ranging from Rs 18.79 lakh to Rs 22.49 lakh. In the 4WD, 5-door, ladder-frame SUV space, the Roxx competes with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Force Gurkha 5-door, and Mahindra's own Scorpio N. We’ve brought the four SUVs together, on paper, to find out which could be the most capable off-roader.

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: Powertrain

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: Powertrain
	Thar Roxx	Jimny	Gurkha 5-door	Scorpio N
Fuel	Diesel	Petrol	Diesel	Diesel
Engine	2.2-litre, 4-cyl, turbo	1.5-litre, 4-cyl, NA	2.6-litre, 4-cyl, turbo	2.2-litre, 4-cyl, turbo
Power	152hp/175hp	105hp	140hp	175hp
Torque	330Nm/370Nm	134Nm	320Nm	370Nm/400Nm
Gearbox	6MT/6AT	5MT/4AT	5MT	6MT/6AT

The Roxx's 4WD variants come only with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, whose power figure varies based on whether it is paired with the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed torque converter automatic. This diesel engine is shared with the Scorpio N, which has a higher state of tune, making it the most powerful of the lot here. The Jimny's naturally aspirated petrol engine has the lowest output but comes with both manual and automatic gearbox options. Meanwhile, the Gurkha's diesel unit has the largest displacement, but it sits on the median in terms of output and only comes with a manual gearbox.

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: Off-road specs

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs rivals: off-road stats
Model	Thar Roxx	Gurkha 5-door	Jimny	Scorpio N
Approach angle	41.7 degree	39 degrees	36 degrees	NA
Departure angle	36.1 degree	37 degrees	46 degrees	NA
Ramp over angle	23.9 degree	28 degrees	24 degrees	NA
Ground clearance	NA	233mm	210mm	187mm
Water wading	650mm	700 mm	310mm	500mm

While the Thar Roxx boasts the best approach angle, the Jimny has the highest departure angle, and the Gurkha 5-door excels with the highest water-wading capability and ground clearance. While Mahindra hasn't revealed the ground clearance for the 5-door Thar Roxx, the 3-door version's 226mm could be used as a reference point. In addition, Mahindra has not stated the Scorpio N's off-road specs, but it's unlikely to be better than the other off-roaders here.

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: 4WD features

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: 4WD features
	Thar Roxx	Jimny	Gurkha 5-door	Scorpio N
4L (Low range gear)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
4H (High range gear)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
2H (RWD)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Front diff lock	No	No	Manual	No
Rear diff lock	Electronic	No	Manual	No
Brake limited slip diff	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Terrain modes	Snow, Sand, Mud	No	No	Snow, Sand, Mud

In terms of off-road features, the Gurkha, Roxx, Jimny and Scorpio N come with both high and low transfer cases. Both Mahindra models get terrain modes for specific off-roading scenarios, but the Roxx is the only one equipped with a rear electronic differential. Meanwhile, the Gurkha stands out with front and rear manual locking differentials, enhancing its capability to tackle tough terrain.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Scorpio N: Price

Mahindra Thar Roxx 4x4 vs rivals: price (ex-showroom)
	Thar Roxx	Jimny	Gurkha 5-door	Scorpio N
MT (Rs, lakh)	18.79-20.99	12.74-13.69	18.00	21.37-22.98
AT (Rs, lakh)	20.99-22.49	13.84-14.79	-	23.09-24.54

Whether you opt for the manual or the automatic, the Maruti Jimny is the most affordable 5-door off-roader here. On paper, it appears just shy of its rivals' capabilities, but considering its more attractive pricing, the Maruti makes a compelling case for itself. The Gurkha 5-door is only Rs 79,000 more affordable than the entry-level Thar Roxx, and while the Force SUV seems to be more capable on paper, it does lack certain feel-good 4WD features like terrain modes and an e-diff.

The two Mahindras are definitely the more expensive models here, with the 7-seater Scorpio N topping out at Rs 24.54 lakh. Both are more feature-rich than their rivals, and between the two, the Roxx outshines the Scorpio N to a degree. Given its shape, wheelbase, and overhangs, it's highly likely that the Roxx will also be a more capable off-roader than the Scorpio N.

Also see:

Mahindra Thar Roxx booking amount set at Rs 21,000

Mahindra Thar Roxx: why there's no 1.5-litre diesel at launch

Mahindra Thar Roxx review: An SUV that does it all?