Debuted at the 2023 Auto Expo, the 5-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny has finally been launched in the Indian market. It is another off-roader that is meant for the masses. It competes with Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha, which are established goliaths of the segment. While the Gurkha is available with a diesel engine option, the new Jimny is only available with a single petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options. The Maruti SUV has already been compared to the former, but now it’s time to see how it stacks up against the Force SUV.
Price (Ex-Showroom)
| Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Force Gurkha |
| Rs 12.74 – 15.05 lakh | Rs 14.75 lakh |
Force Motors retails the Gurkha off-roader at Rs 14.75 lakh (ex-showroom). The Jimny is available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha – in manual and automatic avatars. While the manual version is priced in the range of Rs 12.74 lakh to Rs 13.85 lakh, the automatic range starts at Rs 13.94 lakh and goes up to Rs 15.05 lakh.
Dimensions
| Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Force Gurkha | |
| Length | 3,985mm | 4,116mm |
| Width | 1,645mm | 1,812mm |
| Height | 1,720mm | 2,075mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,590mm | 2,400mm |
| Ground Clearance | 210mm | 205mm |
| Boot Space | 208L | – |
| Wheels | 15-inch alloys | 16-inch steel |
| No of Doors | 5 | 3 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
| Approach Angle | 36° | 37° |
| Ramp breakover angle | 24° | 25° |
| Departure angle | 50° | 35° |
| Water-Wading Capacity | – | 700mm |
| Gradeability | – | 35° |
- Compared to the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the Force Gurkha is 131mm longer, 167mm wider, and 355mm taller. This should result in a more spacious cabin.
- A longer wheelbase should, however, improve the stability of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
- As a result of Jimny’s two extra doors, the rear seats are easier to access.
- When it comes to off-road traits, there isn’t much difference. In fact, the Jimny also offers better ground clearance and a more departure angle. As a result, it can negotiate steeper declines without rubbing the vehicle’s underside.
- The Force Gurkha has a water wading capacity of 700mm, which is segment best. On the other hand, the Jimny only has a water wading depth of 300mm. Moreover, the former comes with a factory fitted Snorkel.
Engine Specifications
| Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Force Gurkha | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre petrol | 2.6-litre diesel |
| Max Power | 105PS | 91PS |
| Max Torque | 134.2Nm | 250Nm |
| Transmission | 5-speed MT / 4-speed AT | 5-speed MT |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| MLD | brake limited slip differential only | front and rear (manual) |
– The Maruti Suzuki Jimny only comes with a petrol engine, whereas the Gurkha gets a diesel mill.
– Jimny’s tried & tested 4-cylinder unit makes more power than Gurkha’s Mercedes-sourced oil burner. Also, the Maruti SUV gets the convenience of automatic transmission.
– A 4-wheel-drive system is standard with both SUVs, along with a low-range transfer case that offers 2 High, 4 High and 4 Low.
– The Maruti Jimny has a limited-slip differential that relies on its brakes for optimum traction, while the Gurkha offers both front and rear manual locking differentials (MLDs). There are, however, several electronic aids that are available for Jimny, which are discussed below.
Key Features
| Common | Round LED headlamps with DRLs, touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, power steering, central locking, fabric seats, hardtop roof, dual front airbags, and ABS with EBD. |
| What Jimny offers over the Thar | Automatic LED headlamps, headlamp washer, bigger touchscreen infotainment (9-inch), wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, auto AC, cruise control, steering mounted audio controls, six airbags, push-button start-stop, rear-view camera, rear defogger, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, brake assist, rearview camera, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and 3-point ELR belts for all seats, and near flat reclining front seats. |
| What Thar offers over the Jimny | Captain seats in 2nd row with individual armrests, tyre pressure monitoring system and cornering lamps. |
Conclusion
Our initial impressions of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is overwhelmingly positive. With promising off-roading characteristics, impressive design, and a highly packed cabin, this vehicle seems a good choice for the outdoor enthusiast. Nonetheless, these numbers only divulge half the story, and until we examine it in more depth, we cannot provide you with its final conclusion.
