Introduction
Thar vs Other SUVs – Post-2020, road trips have become the preferred way to travel in India. The open highways, flexibility of exploring hidden destinations, and the assurance of social distancing made self-drive journeys more appealing than ever before. And at the heart of this travel wave lies the SUV—a vehicle that promises freedom, comfort, and capability across India’s diverse terrains.
Among them, the Mahindra Thar has emerged as an icon of this new-age adventurous spirit. With its rugged design and go-anywhere personality, it has won the hearts of countless enthusiasts. But the question remains: Is the Thar the best choice for long-distance journeys, or do other SUVs serve better when comfort and practicality are equally important?
This article dives into a practical comparison of the Thar against other popular SUVs, focusing not just on off-roading, but on the true essentials of long drives: comfort, space, reliability, and overall ownership experience.
Table of Contents
Key Factors That Matter on Long Drives
- Seating comfort & space
- Ride quality & suspension
- Performance on highways
- Fuel efficiency (petrol/diesel/EV)
- Tech & safety features
- Storage & luggage space
- Reliability & after-sales service
- Cost of ownership & resale value
These are the benchmarks against which the SUVs will be compared.
Mahindra Thar long drive review
The Thar isn’t just a car—it’s a lifestyle statement. Designed for those who crave adventure, it blends old-school toughness with modern-day comforts.
Strengths
- All-Terrain Confidence: With its ladder-on-frame chassis, high ground clearance, and shift-on-fly 4×4 system, the Thar feels at home on highways, city potholes, or slushy monsoon backroads. Even when the 4×4 isn’t engaged, its presence provides psychological assurance during unpredictable conditions.
- Road Presence & Style: Few vehicles turn heads like the Thar. Its rugged stance and design make it an instant conversation starter and a status symbol.
- Comfort & Safety: The latest generation is leagues ahead of its predecessor—Global NCAP 4-star safety rating, refined suspension, improved ride quality, and modern infotainment (Android Auto/Apple CarPlay).
- Adventure Ready: Whether it’s a spontaneous hill drive or a long highway stretch, the Thar is built to handle the unexpected.
Considerations
- Boot Space: With the rear seats up, luggage room is minimal. However, solutions like rooftop carriers or smart soft bags can work well.
- Rear Seats: The 2-door setup and upright seating make it less ideal for a family of four on extended trips. It shines more for 2–3 passengers with light luggage.
- Fuel Efficiency: Moderate, but respectable for a vehicle of its size and capability. The diesel variant is particularly efficient for highway runs.
Best Suited For
Solo travelers, couples, or small groups who value style, safety, and all-weather capability over sheer practicality.
Thar vs Other SUVs – Comparison With Popular SUVs
| Feature | Mahindra Thar | Mahindra XUV700 | Mahindra Scorpio-N | Toyota Fortuner | Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating & Comfort | 2+2 seating. Rear seats basic, best for 2. | 5/7 seater. Plush, excellent for families. | 6/7 seater. Tough yet family-friendly. | 7 seater. Spacious, large supportive seats. | 5 seater. Car-like comfort, urban-friendly. |
| Ride Quality | Firm but improved. Absorbs big bumps well. | Exceptional. Stable, sedan-like ride. | Balanced. Rugged but comfortable. | Very stable, tank-like highway feel. | Smooth, refined, quiet. |
| Performance | Strong 2.0L petrol & 2.2L diesel. | Segment leader. Potent petrol & diesel. | Powerful engines with ample torque. | 2.8L diesel powerhouse. | Adequate 1.5L engines, refined. |
| Tech & Features | Basic but modern infotainment. | Feature-rich. ADAS, twin screens. | Good mix, less loaded than XUV700. | Functional, reliable tech. | Tech-laden, panoramic sunroof. |
| Boot Space | Minimal with rear seats. | Decent (5-seater). Tight in 7-seater mode. | Good usable space. | Large, even with all seats. | 433L – practical for families. |
| Best For… | Adventure seekers, style-driven. | Families wanting comfort + tech. | Rugged family SUV. | Premium buyers valuing reliability. | Urban explorers, small families. |
| Cost | Affordable ladder-frame SUV. | Mid-range, value-loaded. | Mid-range all-rounder. | Premium, high ownership cost. | Affordable, strong resale value. |
Practical Case Scenarios
- Weekend Warrior → Winner: Thar – Perfect for short adventure getaways where style and capability matter.
- Family Long Drives → Winner: XUV700 / Scorpio-N / Hector – More space, smoother ride, and advanced driver aids.
- Business + Comfort → Winner: Fortuner / Creta / Seltos – Reliability, comfort, and strong presence.
- Future EV Road Trips → Example: Tata Nexon EV Max – Promising, but charging infra still a limitation.
Cost of Ownership & Value Factor
- Resale Value: Thar and Fortuner hold legendary resale strength.
- Maintenance & Service: Mahindra and Hyundai offer wide service networks. Toyota offers unmatched reliability and low upkeep.
- Fuel Efficiency: Diesels are more efficient for highway trips; petrol engines deliver refinement but at the cost of economy.
Verdict – Which SUV Should You Pick?
| Choice | Best For… | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar | Adventurous solo/couple traveler | Style, capability, and all-weather assurance. |
| Mahindra XUV700 | Tech-savvy family | ADAS, comfort, and powerful engines. |
| Mahindra Scorpio-N | Rugged family SUV | Balanced mix of toughness and family utility. |
| Toyota Fortuner | Premium & reliable traveler | Unmatched reliability and commanding presence. |
| Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos | Urban explorer | Comfort, features, and affordability. |
The road ahead in India is never a single, straight line. It’s a tapestry of smooth highways, broken village roads, steep mountain passes, and sometimes, no roads at all. The car you choose for your long drives should not just be a vehicle; it should be a partner that complements your travel style.
If your idea of a road trip is a carefully planned journey on national highways, with comfortable stops and a focus on serene family time, the Mahindra XUV700, with its plush interiors and a full suite of ADAS safety tech, is arguably the most sensible choice. It’s a modern-day fortress on wheels, built to cocoon your family in comfort and security. Similarly, the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos offer a refined, car-like driving experience with all the bells and whistles, perfect for the traveler who prioritizes convenience and high-tech features on their intercity travels.
For those who view every journey as a potential adventure, where the destination is as important as the detours, the Mahindra Thar is more than just a car—it’s a statement. It’s for the solo adventurer, the couple with a penchant for the unknown, or the small group of friends who want to feel the road beneath them and have the confidence to tackle any terrain. The Thar’s rugged charm and undeniable road presence are a trade-off for its more spartan practicality, but for the right driver, that trade is well worth it. It’s not just a vehicle; it’s a key to unlocking India’s untamed landscapes.
The Toyota Fortuner stands in a league of its own. It’s the choice for those who value proven, unwavering reliability above all else. For the business traveler who clocks lakhs of kilometers, or the family that needs an SUV that will last a decade or more without a hiccup, the Fortuner’s premium price is justified by its legendary bulletproof build and high resale value. It’s the no-compromise, do-it-all machine.
Ultimately, there is no single “best” SUV for long drives in India. The best SUV is the one that aligns with your personality, your passengers, and the kind of memories you want to create on the road. Do you seek comfort and convenience? Power and prestige? Or do you seek the freedom of knowing no road is off-limits? Your answer to that question will reveal which of these incredible machines is the perfect co-pilot for your next great Indian road trip.