SUVs have become one of the most sought segments of cars, all thanks to the increase in the number of compact and sub-compact SUVs in the segment. Hyundai Creta, the compact SUV that can be credited with making the segment popular. Or the Mahindra Thar, an offroader with its own cult. If you are out there with ₹18,00,000 in your pocket, you might come across the question, Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra Thar, which one should you choose? And why? Let’s find out.
First questions first, what exactly are you going to get by spending ₹18,00,000?
Now, for the price mentioned, which variants are on the offer. Let’s see. Mahindra Thar LX Hard Top Diesel AT, which is the top model, comes at a price of ₹17,80,935 (On-road price, Bangalore). As for the Hyundai Creta, you will have to settle for SX Petrol which comes at a price of ₹17,54,567. The next closest model, SX Diesel would cross our budget by ₹78,0000. So, we’ll have to settle for the SX Petrol. So, for our comparison, we’ll be considering these variants only.
Do looks matter?
Looks are totally subjective. One might like the mighty looking Mahindra Thar with the huge road presence. Or one might like the timeless silhouette in a whole new avatar. Or one might like the Wrangler inspired design. But there are still a few people that may say that Hyundai Creta 2020 looks good. (NOT ME). Do let us know in the comments section below about your choice of SUV. But as said, Mahindra Thar surely stands apart due to the design and the unmatched road presence.
What about utility? Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra Thar
Are you looking for proper seating capacity, boot space, seating comfort and a panoramic sunroof? Hyundai Creta is best suited for those who are looking for a daily drive car with an SUV stance. Be it the front row occupants or the rear ones, everyone will love the comfort Hyundai has added in the SUV. That does not mean that Mahindra Thar is not good when it comes to utility. It’s just that either you can seat people in the second row or have a boot space, both are not possible. Driving dynamics have been improved but the massive stance does mean that Thar is going to be a bit of a hassle in daily use.
Dimensions | We know which one’s winning this one!
| Dimensions | Hyundai Creta | Mahindra Thar |
| Length (mm) | 4,300 | 3,985 |
| Width (mm) | 1,790 | 1,855 |
| Height (mm) | 1,635 | 1,844 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 190 | 226 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,610 | 2,450 |
Mahindra Thar is taller and wider when compared to Hyundai Creta, which results in a massive road presence. But Hyundai Creta has a longer wheelbase and overall length. This results in a boot capacity of 433 litres in Creta. Mahindra Thar misses on that. Also, Hyundai Creta is a 5-seater while Mahindra Thar can only seat 4.
Powertrain Comparison | Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra Thar
We’ll be comparing the powertrain options available in the particular variants we started with, i.e. Hyundai Creta SX and Mahindra Thar LX Diesel AT.
| Specifications | Hyundai Creta | Mahindra Thar |
| Engine | 1.5-litre MPI Petrol | mHawk 130 |
| Power | 113.4hp@6,300rpm | 130hp@3,750rpm |
| Torque | 144.5Nm@4,500rpm | 300Nm@1,600-2,800rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel-Drive | 4X4 |
We have a clear winner in this section. Mahindra Thar has got a much powerful diesel engine with automatic transmission on offer. And not to forget, Mahindra Thar is a 4X4 SUV!
Offroading Capabilities!
| Specifications | Hyundai Creta | Mahindra Thar |
| Water Wading Depth | NA | 650 |
| Approach Angle | NA | 41.8deg |
| Departure Angle | NA | 36.8deg |
| Rampover Angle | NA | 27deg |
Now, if you love offroading and always like to travel the roads less travelled, Mahindra Thar is surely an option that suits you best. Mahindra Thar has ultimate offroading capabilities for sure, especially when there is none in the market to take on the goliath.
Safety Features Comparison | Other Features Can Wait!
| Features | Hyundai Creta | Mahindra Thar |
| ESP with Rollover Mitigation | Yes | Yes |
| Dual Front Airbags | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Panic Braking Signal | Yes | Yes |
| ABS with EBD & Brake Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera & Sensors | Yes | Yes |
Both SUVs offer a good deal of safety features. Mahindra Thar has scored a 4 stars rating at the Global NCAP for the child as well as adult occupancy. Whereas Hyundai Creta has not been tested yet. Although, Kia Seltos built on the same platform scored a 3-star rating for adult occupancy and 2-star for the child. So, Mahindra Thar is surely a safer SUV here.
Verdict | Hyundai Creta vs Mahindra Thar
We won’t be comparing the features list as well all know that Hyundai Creta has a list of comfort and convenience features that Mahindra Thar will not have. But still, it makes a better decision to choose a car that is more powerful and offroad capable when you are a lone-wanderer. But Hyundai Creta will make a better option if you have a family and are not much interested in travelling the roads less travelled. What do you think? Do let us know in the comments section below.
