The Mahindra Thar Is a Cute Jeep Wrangler Rip-off
Remember, imitation is the best form of flattery, but it could make the Jeep Wrangler a little angry. The Mahindra Thar is an Indian off-roading SUV that is clearly a Jeep Wrangler rip-off, and Stellantis is trying to stop it from spreading.
What is the Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar is an off-roading SUV with two-door and four-door variants, just like the Jeep Wrangler. It promotes having an iconic front end with a distinctive front grille flanked by round headlights.
It’s a seven-slot grille, just like the one found on the Jeep Wrangler. Also, the Thar has a boxy shape with removable doors and a removable top. It even features square headlights. Everything about it is similar to the Wrangler. Only it looks a bit smaller.
The Mahindra Thar is so similar to the Wrangler that it’s facing legal battles. This off-brand Wrangler will no longer be available in Australia due to a legal case. Drive shared that the Thar won’t be available in any international markets.
For now, the goal of launching the new Mahindra Scorpio in Australia has been scrapped, but the war isn’t over. Mahindra is working on a new rugged off-roading vehicle that doesn’t infringe on the design copyright of the Wrangler.
How capable is the Thar?
Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Mahindra Thar is available with a manual transmission. It also has a rugged body-on-frame build to enhance suspension travel and durability. It has an independent front suspension and rear multi-link suspension.
You can switch to 4×4 with the manual shifter low-range transfer case for old-school charm. The Wrangler has auto 4×4. Also, it features an electronically locking rear differential to prevent slipping and an electronic driveline disconnect in the front.
It features an 8.9-inch ground clearance, while the Wrangler provides between 9.7 to 10.8 inches of ground clearance, depending on the trim.
The Thar is available with a new 2.0-liter mStallion TGDi petrol engine and a 2.2-liter mHawk CRDe diesel engine that’s known as the ‘Bird of Prey.’ Both the manual and automatic setups pair with a six-speed transmission.
With the Jeep Wrangler, there are five engines available, including a diesel option, the 4xe hybrid setup, and a supercharged V8. The Wrangler is available with a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
While the Wrangler offers different driving modes for various terrain conditions, the Thar only has downhill descent control.
Do the Thar and Wrangler have a similar interiors?
The Mahindra Thar and Jeep Wrangler do have similar interiors that promote comfort and durability. However, the materials in the Wrangler are more upscale. The Thar has tons of plastics.
Also, the Wrangler is more modern, with an advanced digital gauge cluster and a larger infotainment screen. But the Thar does display off-roading stats like your pitch and roll, tire pressure, torque gauges, and compass.
The seats look very similar, but the Wrangler offers more adjustment controls. Only two passengers can fit in the rear of the Thar, but the Wrangler provides three back seats. Also, they both have circular air vents.
We’re excited to see what new Mahindra SUV comes out that doesn’t copy the Jeep Wrangler because the Thar is a good start. Plus, this model is limited to India! Stay tuned for the latest updates.
