Mahindra Thar 2WD vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: Price and specs comparison

Mahindra recently launched the Thar 2WD (aka Thar RWD) in the Indian market in a bid to expand the off-road SUV's range and attract a wider group of buyers. Slotted below the Thar 4x4, the Thar 2WD serves as a more affordable alternative for buyers that want the appeal of the SUV, but can live without its off-roading capabilities.
While the Mahindra Thar currently faces direct competition from the Force Gurkha only, it also competes against compact SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos - the two-best sellers in the segment. With the introduction of the new 2WD version, the Mahindra Thar's base price is actually lower than the two Korean SUVs.

Here's a specifications and price comparison of the new Thar 2WD with the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos -
Dimensions
The Mahindra Thar measures 3985 mm in length, 1820 mm in width, has a 2450 mm long wheelbase and a height between 1844 - 1855 mm depending on the variant.

This means that the Thar 2WD is shorter than the two Korean SUVs in length, but wider and taller than the two. The Creta and Seltos' 2610 mm long wheelbase is also longer than the Thar's 2450 mm wheelbase. The Creta and Seltos benefit with their larger boot size and rear space over the Mahindra off-roader.
Engine specifications
The Mahindra Thar rear-wheel drive is being offered with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (150 PS/320 Nm) as the Thar 4x4, however, there's a new 1.5-litre diesel engine on offer, making 117 PS and 300 Nm. The petrol version can only be had with an automatic gearbox, while the diesel comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard.


Both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are offered with the same 1.5-litre NA petrol (115 PS/144 Nm), 1.4-litre turbo petrol (140 PS/242 nm), and 1.5-litre diesel (115 PS/250 Nm) engines, with both automatic and manual transmission options.
Price
The Mahindra Thar 2WD diesel variants are priced at Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 10.99 lakh, while the sole petrol variant is priced at Rs 13.49 lakh. The Thar 4x4 is priced from Rs 13.59 lakh to Rs 16.29 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).

The Hyundai Creta petrol is priced from Rs 10.64 lakh to Rs 18.34 lakh, while the Creta diesel is priced between Rs 11.44 lakh and Rs 18.68 lakh. In contrast, the Kia Seltos petrol costs Rs 10.69 lakh - Rs 18.69 lakh, while the diesel variants are priced from Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 19.15 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom).
Would you prefer the new Mahindra Thar 2WD over the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos? Let us know in the comments down below.