Mahindra & Mahindra recently introduced the second-generation Thar at a super aggressive price of Rs 9.80 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV took a big leap in terms of design and features along with the more powerful engines and improved off-road capabilities. The 2020 Mahindra Thar continues to take on the Force Gurkha that’s set for a generation change during this festive season (October or November, 2020). Just so you know, the all-new Gurkha made its first public appearance at this year’s Auto Expo in February. Let’s take a look which one of them has more to offer.
2020 Mahindra Thar Vs Force Gurkha Prices
As mentioned above, the new Thar comes at a starting price of Rs 9.80 lakh (for the entry-level AX petrol, soft-top variant). The model lineup comes in three trims – AX, AX (O) and LX – and two seating configurations (4 and 6-seater) and three roof top options (Soft top, Hard top and Convertible top). Prices of the petrol models start from Rs 9.80 and go up to Rs 12.49 lakh. The diesel models, on the other hand, come in the price range of Rs 10.85 lakh – Rs 12.95 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Pan India.
Prices of the new Force Gurkha are yet to be revealed by the carmaker. Though, it’s likely to be priced from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom). At present, the off-road SUV is available in the price range of Rs 9.75 lakh – Rs 13.3 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
2020 Mahindra Thar Vs Force Gurkha Exterior
The new-generation Thar stays true to its retro, 2-door silhouette, but features several new and modern design elements. While the circular headlamps have been carried over from the previous generation, the SUV receives new LED DRLs (daytime running lights). The dual-tone bumpers, front fog lamps, R18 off-road alloy wheels (largest in the segment) in deep silver shade and LED taillamps further distinguish it from the old model. The new Thar has been offered with three roof options – Manual convertible top (for the first time), a hard top and a fixed soft top.
Similarly the 2020 Force Gurkha retains the upright retro look. Design bits such as newly-designed front grille, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, revised bumpers and light clusters at both ends give it a refreshing look. The flared wheel arches and cladding with 16-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/70 tubeless tyres add more to its rugged appearance.
2020 Mahindra Thar Vs Force Gurkha Interior/Features
Interior of the new-generation Thar is surely more upmarket than the old model. It has all-black theme with silver accents and faux carbon-fibre detailing around the AC vents and centre bezel. The SUV’s new model has several new and segment-first features to offer. The major attractions are its 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and front facing rear seats with 50:50 split. The infotainment unit supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with navigation and USB connectivity.
Some of its other key highlights include TFT multi information display in instrument cluster, roof mounted speakers, front seats with height and lumbar adjustment, power windows, one-touch tip and slide mechanism on the co-driver seat, adventure statistics display on the infotainment system, smart watch and phone connectivity with Blue sense app, steering mounted control and more.
The new Thar is a lot safer than the outgoing model, thanks to its updated safety feature list that includes ESP with rollover mitigation (first-in-class), built-in roll-cage with 3-point seat belts for all passengers (first-in-class), hill hold and hill descent control, Isofix child seat mounts, rear parking sensors, dual airbags and ABS.
The 2020 Force Gurkha takes a big leap in terms of features as well. The off-road SUV gets the centre console integrated a new touchscreen infotainment system flanked by circular air-con vents. The other updates include a new instrument cluster, digital MID sitting between the tacho and speedometer, power windows, and four forward facing seats. For the safety provision, the new Gurkha offers dual airbags, rear parking sensors and ABS (anti-lock braking system).
2020 Mahindra Thar Vs Force Gurkha Off-road Capabilities
With an aim to improve performance of the new Thar, the carmaker has equipped it with several advanced off-road hardware. It’s the first car in its segment to offer electromechanical driveline disconnect and brake lock differential. The carmaker has confirmed that the 2020 Mahindra Thar has a water wading capacity of 650mm and offers a ground clearance of 226mm in unladen condition.
The SUV rides on the segment’s largest 255/65 R18 terrain tyres. Features such as independent front and multi-link rear suspension, mechanical locking differential on the rear axle, class leading approach, departure and ramp over angles further enhance its off-road performance.
The new-generation Force Gurkha comes with an Air Snorkel that ensures better combustion and lower strain on the air cleaning system by providing clear air to the engine. The SUV has a high water wading ability of up to 550mm. It’s the first vehicle in its category to feature coil spring suspension on four wheels along with the multi-link setup at the rear axle.
The new Gurkha also gets differential locks at both axles, a new transfer case offering and better approach, departure and ramp over angles. Its 210mm of ground clearance and new metal skid plates underneath, toe bars on the front and back and 215/70 section tubeless tyres add more its off-road capabilities.
2020 Mahindra Thar Vs Force Gurkha Specs
Engine setup of the second-generation Thar includes a 2.0L turbo mStallion petrol and a 2.2L mHawk diesel unit. While the former is good enough for 150bhp and 320Nm, the latter one offers 130bhp with 320Nm. For the first time, the Thar is offered with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox along with the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
Powering the new Gurkha is the updated BS6-compliant 2.6L diesel engine delivering power worth 90bhp. The SUV comes with 4WD system and a 5-speed manual gearbox only.
