New Mahindra Thar vs Jeep Compass | 4x4 SUV Comparison

New Mahindra Thar vs Jeep Compass 4x4 Off-Road SUV Comparison 

If you want a proper SUV and do not want to buy the front wheel drive crossovers, then you are surely looking at the new Mahindra Thar as it will have 4x4 standard even from the base variant while you can also look at the Jeep Compass as it is also a lot more luxurious and a proper 4x4 SUV. So which is better? Let us see.

Comparison : Dimensions and Styling

The Thar is a shorter car being a 3-door while the Compass is a proper 4 door SUV. Thus the Compass is longer at a length of 4395mm while the Thar is 3985mm. However the Thar is wider at 1855mm and the Compass being at 1818mm. The Thar also has a bigger ground clearance at 226mm which is way more than the Compass at 178mm. In terms of design both are attractive SUVs. Both have the slot like grille but Mahindra has changed the design and made it different from the earlier Thar. The new Thar looks superb with the round headlamps and the iconic styling. The Compass is more of a modern SUV and is not as boxy as the Thar and nor as attractive but holds its own. Both have big alloys and tyres.

Comparison on Interior and Features

Inside is also a bigger difference. The Compass is a premium SUV with focus on comfort and luxury more. The new Thar is much better than the previous one when it comes to features but a luxurious cabin it is not. However the new Thar interior looks good and is given an all black look along with the fact that you wash down the interior plus the touch-screen along with other controls are resistant to water. You can remove the doors and also have it as a convertible. The Compass does not do that but instead it has space for four along with more cabin space and more features.

The Thar is a 3-door and space in the second seats are not great plus luggage space is also less. The Compass is a lot more practical with rear doors! The new Thar does get a good amount of features like a touchscreen, smartphone connectivity, rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, twin airbag, powered mirrors are more. The Compass of course gets a panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, a larger touchscreen, leather and more.

Comparison on Engine and Driving Experience

Both the Compass and Thar offer you turbo petrol and a diesel but the Thar has the bigger engine. In the Thar you get a 2.0 turbo petrol with 152 bhp and 320Nm. The diesel is a 2.2 unit with 132 bhp and 300Nm. You get a 6-speed torque converter automatic and a 6-speed manual in both. The Compass meanwhile gets a  1.4 turbo petrol with 162 bhp and 250Nm while the 2.0 diesel gets 173 bhp and 350Nm. The petrol gets a manual and a dual clutch while the diesel also gets a manual and a 9-speed auto. Both have BS6 diesels and both are refined plus the automatic on both are smooth. The Compass feels quicker and rides better with more car like dynamics while the new Thar though better is still more like an old school SUV with a heavy steering and a large turning circle plus the ride is a bit bouncy. However both have good stability and cruise well but the Compass is better for the road.

Comparison on Off-Road Performance

The Thar is king here as its get a proper 4x4 with a low-range and mechanical ‘Shift-on-the-fly’ feature via the 4x4 gear lever. You can disconnect the front axle plus mechanically lock the rear differential plus it has a body on frame construction. The 226mm ground clearance and proper tyres also help.

The standard Compass does not get the low-range and we are comparing with that for price reasons. The Compass also has less ground clearance and cannot match the approach/departure angles or the sheer off-road toughness that the Thar has. The Compass has a selec-terrain system though that looks after the performance on various terrain.
 

Also read- New Thar review
 

Best 4x4 Off-Road Verdict

The Compass is worth the buy if you want a family premium SUV but also 4x4. It looks good, has really good quality and it is also competent off-road. A family SUV that does it all. However it cannot match the Thar for looks, presence or the off-road ability also the fun factor. The Thar is less of a family SUV and more of a lifestyle statement so if you want a proper 4x4 with cool looks, the Thar it is.
 

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