Mahindra Thar Petrol vs Diesel: Shocking Differences You Must Know Before Buying

Home » Mahindra Thar Petrol vs Diesel: Shocking Differences You Must Know Before Buying

The Mahindra Thar has always been that one SUV people dream of. Whether it is off-road fun, highway cruising, or just that rugged look on city streets, Thar pulls it off in style. But here’s the real question many are stuck with right now — should you go for the petrol or the diesel version?

It may look like both models are nearly the same, but trust me, they feel very different once you start driving. And if you are planning to buy the Thar soon, knowing the real-world difference between the petrol and diesel options is very important.

Table of Contents

I’ve taken a close look at both, and in this article I’ll break everything down in simple words. No technical confusion, no robotic talk. Just what you need to know before making a big decision.

Mahindra Thar Petrol vs Diesel

Let’s start with the engines. The petrol Thar comes with a 2 liter turbocharged engine while the diesel one gets a 2.2 liter unit. Both are powerful, no doubt. But they give very different driving experiences.

The petrol engine feels smoother. It’s quick to respond and more fun when you want that sudden burst of speed. On highways and in cities, the petrol Thar feels lighter and more playful. If you like a refined and silent drive, this one will make you smile.

Now the diesel. This one is all about low end torque. You press the pedal and it pulls hard even at lower speeds. For off road driving or hilly roads, diesel Thar feels like a beast. It has that classic heavy SUV feel, and it sounds like it means business.

The choice here depends on what kind of driver you are. If you’re into calm highway drives and smooth power, petrol is great. If you love adventure, off road trails, and tough road trips, diesel is the one to pick.

Fuel Efficiency

Now here’s where things get even more real. The diesel Thar gives better mileage. Not by a small amount either. On average, the diesel version can offer between 13 to 15 kilometers per liter depending on how and where you drive.

The petrol version will give you around 9 to 11 kilometers per liter. In cities with traffic, it can be even lower. So if you plan on driving long distances regularly or want to save on fuel costs, diesel clearly has the edge.

But here’s a small catch. Diesel prices are going up in many countries and some cities are planning to limit the life of diesel vehicles in the future. So it’s worth checking what the rules are in your area.

Ride Feel and Maintenance

Another big difference you’ll feel is in how both versions ride. The petrol Thar is quieter. You don’t feel much vibration and the engine stays calm. That makes it a better choice if comfort is your priority.

Diesel, on the other hand, feels more raw. You feel more engine noise inside the cabin and that may not be for everyone. But for people who love the rugged experience of driving an SUV, it actually adds to the charm.

When it comes to maintenance, both petrol and diesel versions are built tough. But over the long term, diesel engines need a little more care. Their parts can be costlier to replace and repairs may take more time if anything goes wrong. Petrol engines are easier to maintain and usually have fewer issues.

Price Difference and Value

When you check the price list, diesel variants of the Thar are slightly more expensive than petrol. But here’s where you need to think long term.

Diesel offers more mileage and has better resale value in many markets. So even if you pay a little more today, it might balance out over time. Petrol is cheaper to buy and maintain, so it works better for short term usage or if you’re not planning to drive too often.

Also think about how long you’re planning to keep the car. If you switch cars every three or four years, petrol is fine. But if you want to hold on to the Thar for the next decade, diesel might give better returns.

Author’s Take

If you are someone who loves comfort, smooth driving, and mostly uses the car in cities or for weekend getaways, go for the petrol Thar. It’s easier to handle and gives a more relaxed driving feel.

But if you’re into long drives, off road trips, camping, or even driving through rural or hilly areas, then the diesel version is the real deal. The power, the control, and the strong pull on rough roads make it feel more capable.

In the end, there’s no wrong choice. It all depends on how you plan to use your car. Test drive both if you can. Feel how they drive. Listen to how they sound. And pick the one that makes you feel excited. Because at the end of the day, that’s what the Thar is all about. It’s more than just a car. It’s an experience.

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