Mahindra Thar vs Mahindra XUV300: The Mahindra Thar has built its reputation as a rugged, go-anywhere SUV, perfect for off-road adventures. Naturally, most comparisons so far have been with its predecessor or other lifestyle SUVs. But what if you’re considering the Thar as a family car for city use? To answer that, we’re comparing it against the Mahindra XUV300, a compact urban SUV designed primarily for daily commuting and family practicality.
Practicality and Boot Space
One of the first factors families look at in an SUV is boot space. The Mahindra XUV300, while compact, offers a 256-litre boot. It can carry one large suitcase and a cabin bag without sacrificing passenger comfort. Most other sub-4-metre SUVs can accommodate more, but for city dwellers who manage with moderate luggage, the XUV300 remains practical.
The Thar, on the other hand, has a far smaller boot. With the rear seats up, luggage space is extremely limited. A couple of small bags might fit, but long trips with family luggage can be inconvenient. Folding the rear seats helps, but then passenger comfort takes a hit. For practicality, the XUV300 has a clear edge.
Seating Comfort and Cabin Space
The XUV300 has been designed with family use in mind. Its cabin offers good space for four adults, with supportive seats and enough legroom in the back for everyday city drives. The wide cabin also gives rear passengers more shoulder room, making it more comfortable for longer journeys.
The Thar, however, prioritises ruggedness and off-road ability over family comfort. Rear passengers get upright seats, limited legroom, and a bouncy ride over uneven roads. The cabin design feels adventurous but not particularly family-friendly. If you’re ferrying kids or elderly family members daily, the XUV300 is far more accommodating.
Driving Experience in the City
When it comes to city driving, the XUV300 shines with its compact dimensions, smooth steering, and relatively comfortable suspension setup. Parking is hassle-free, and the diesel engine delivers strong performance while being fuel-efficient, making it a balanced choice for daily commutes.
The Thar, in contrast, feels larger and heavier to handle in city conditions. While its powerful engine and high driving position are enjoyable, maneuvering in tight traffic or parking in congested areas can be challenging. The suspension, tuned for off-road toughness, often feels stiff on city roads, adding to passenger discomfort.
Features and Technology
The XUV300 is equipped with features that make life easier for city families. It comes with dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, a touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, and a range of safety features including multiple airbags and front parking sensors. These features elevate its appeal as a daily family car.
The Thar is better equipped than ever before, offering a touchscreen system, roof options, and even off-road-specific features. However, its focus is still tilted toward adventure. Families may find the tech package functional, but it doesn’t quite match the XUV300’s family-oriented feature set.
Value for Purpose
If your goal is weekend adventure and serious off-road capability, the Thar is unmatched. It is a lifestyle vehicle that adds excitement to ownership, but compromises practicality for daily family use. On the other hand, the XUV300 is a more conventional urban SUV. It may not turn as many heads, but it strikes a balance between practicality, comfort, and features that families in the city truly need.
Comparing the Mahindra Thar to the Mahindra XUV300 may seem unusual, but it highlights the Thar’s limitations as a family-focused city car. The XUV300 clearly offers better comfort, boot space, and features for urban life, while the Thar remains an aspirational choice for adventure lovers.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are based on available specifications and real-world practicality. Buyers should consider their own usage patterns and test drive both models before making a decision.
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