Ahead of it, in this article let’s take a look at the comparison between the Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar. The Thar gets multiple engine, 2WD, and automatic gearbox options. The Gurkha is only available in a single diesel-manual format with 4WD as standard. But the Gurkha gets both 3-door and 5-door versions whereas the Mahindra Thar is only available in three-door form.
Comparing the pricing first, the Gurkha 3-door model is priced at Rs 16.75 lakh and the 5-door version is priced at Rs 18 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). The prices for the Thar range from Rs 11.25 lakh to Rs 17.6 lakh (both prices ex-showroom). Thar’s shorter length (under 4m), smaller sub-1.5-litre diesel engine gets tax benefits and also the absence of 4×4 hardware results in a competitive price tag compared to its rival.
In terms of dimensions, the Thar measures 3985 mm in length, 1855 mm in width, and 1855 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2450 mm. It has a ground clearance of 226 mm, an approach angle of 41.8 degrees, a departure angle of 36.8 degrees and a water-wading capacity of 650 mm. The Gurkha 3-door measures 3965 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, 2089 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2400 mm. It has a ground clearance of 233 mm, an approach angle of 39 degrees, a departure angle of 37 degrees and a water-wading capacity of 700mm. The Gurkha 5-door measures 4,390 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 2,095 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,825 mm.
Done with pricing and dimensions, now let’s talk about the engine and gearbox. The Gurkha is offered with a single engine and transmission option – a Mercedes-derived FM2.6 CR, 4-cylinder, turbo diesel engine. The engine has now been re-tuned to produce 138 bhp of power and 320 nm torque. It comes paired only with a 5-speed manual and it also gets a 4×4 as standard with a low-range transfer case along with manually locking front and rear differentials.
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The Thar is offered with three engine options – 130 hp, 300 nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel, 150 hp, 300 nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol. Both engines are offered with 4×4 as standard and with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The third engine option is the 1.5-litre turbo diesel paired only with a 6-speed manual and RWD. The Mahindra Thar 4×4 variant gets an ESC-based brake lock differential at the front and an auto mechanical locking differential at the rear. The Gurkha gets manual front and rear lock differentials.
In terms of features, the Gurkha gets a nine-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital instrument cluster, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, manual AC with roof-mounted rear vents, all four power windows, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, TPMS, and a shift-on-fly 4×4 system. Talking about the features in Thar, the Thar gets halogen headlamps with LED DRLs, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto, Automatic climate control, a semi-digital cluster, a lockable glovebox and many more.
