Off-road vehicles can be the ultimate flex. Whether it's fording through a small river or climbing up a set of boulders, hardcore off-road SUVs can do it all with ease. Off-roading has been an important part of the car culture for a long time now, with modern research & development helping these SUVs become better and better with every generation.

The first mass-produced four-wheel drive car was the Willys Jeep CJ-2A back in 1945, and an off-road car used to be just that—an off-road car. They came with a bunch of sacrifices that made them quite harsh to live with on regular roads. Newer cars like the Jeep Wrangler, Mahindra Thar, and Ford Bronco, or even trucks like the Ford F-150 Raptor and RAM TRX have perfected the balance between capability and comfort. Even the off-road-only Mahindra Roxor is a surprisingly good car.

Today, let us compare two of the most popular off-road vehicles in the market, the Jeep Wrangler and the Mahindra Thar.

Wrangler vs. Thar: Prices, Trims, And Body Styles

The Wrangler is synonymous with off-roading and is offered with a choice of two or four doors. Buyers are spoiled for choice with several body styles available, and a choice between three soft-tops and three hard-tops. For those looking for fuel economy or eco-friendliness, there is a plug-in hybrid on offer as well, called the Wrangler 4xe. Pick-up truck enthusiasts can also look at the Jeep Gladiator, which is essentially a Wrangler with a pick-up bed.

Buyers will have no problem in finding their perfect Wrangler, since Jeep offers many engine options, too. Those focused on economy can pick the plug-in hybrid the 2.0-liter turbo petrol or a 3.0-liter diesel. Those wanting more oomph can consider the 392, which has a mighty 6.4-liter HEMI V8 under the hood.

The Mahindra Thar does not have nearly as many engine and body style options as the Wrangler, but the options that are offered make it very easy to configure your perfect car. The base variant, a rear-wheel drive diesel, starts at just $15,400. Buyers then have a choice between multiple trims that add useful features, and they can also choose between a soft top and a hard top. All engine choices can be had with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. While the Thar is only available as a two-door, a four-door version will be available soon.

Wrangler vs. Thar: Engine Specs And Fuel Economy

Wrangler buyers can pick from a host of different engines depending on what they require. All are powerful enough and are quite efficient for what is ultimately a purebred off-road SUV. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 has been around for years and is a proven choice for those looking for a reliable engine. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine is celebrated, too. And while Jeep is not the first name in reliability, Wranglers are quite niggle-free. For those looking for a fuel-efficient SUV, the Wrangler 4xe could be a worthy contender.

Mahindra offers the Thar with a choice of three engines: two diesels and one gasoline. All three motors are proven and reliable, with sufficient power for most owners. There are no high-performance powertrain options on offer, but at the end of the day, this is meant to be a serious urban off-roader, and the engine options work very well in those settings.

Related: 5 Most Fuel-Efficient New SUVs (5 That Are Massive Gas-Guzzlers)

Wrangler vs. Thar: Off-Road Performance

The Wrangler is a proven off-roading beast. It has been the go-to choice for most gearheads looking for a potent off-roader. Jeep offers various packages like the Xtreme Recon Package that further enhance the car's capabilities, but even the base variant can handle most trails quite well. There are countless high-performance aftermarket parts easily available for gearheads looking to personalize their Wrangler.

The Thar holds its ground quite well when it comes to off-roading. However, Mahindra's efforts to urbanize the car are evident. This makes the Thar a lot more livable when you are not on the off-road track, and is also one of the main reasons behind its popularity. The similarities between the Wrangler and the Thar become increasingly evident when it comes to performance upgrades since owners of both will have an abundance of options to choose from.

Related: 10 Best Off-Road Vehicles For Adventure Seekers

Wrangler vs. Thar: Speed & Performance

Naturally, being an off-road SUV, the Wrangler is not the first car one would think of when it comes to speed and performance. However, the Wrangler is surprisingly swift for what it is. Pick any powertrain, and it should do the 0-60 mph sprint in under 8 seconds. And if it's performance you're after, the Rubicon 392 can crack 60 mph in just 4 seconds! Jeep has restricted the top speed of all Wranglers at 112 mph, but let's be honest, that is fast enough for an off-roader.

The Thar is not as quick as the Wrangler. Even the quicker 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine goes from 0-60 mph in 10 seconds. However, it is spirited enough for everyday use.

Wrangler vs. Thar: Interior Design, Dimensions, Cargo Space, And Towing Capacity

The Wrangler is quite spacious on the inside, and comfortable seats mean that all passengers should be satisfied even on longer journeys. However, at the end of the day, it is an off-road SUV, so it is not a luxury car by any means. As such, the cabin has all the features one may require, but few luxuries.

The Thar follows the same no-frills approach as the Wrangler and offers everything one may require. The infotainment display offers a lot of useful data for off-roaders, along with Apple Car Play and Android Auto. The cabin is spacious for a two-door SUV, and the rear seats are quite usable, too. The overall size is smaller since it is only available as a two-door SUV for now. This also results in a smaller cargo volume.

It is easy to call the Mahindra Thar a baby Jeep Wrangler, however, that would be a disservice to the simple brilliance of the Thar. Both cars are very similar, but they also have a fair few differences. For instance, the Thar has a smaller overall footprint and is a lot more city-friendly, while the Wrangler is a better full-size large off-roader. Ultimately, both offer a great canvas for off-road enthusiasts to build their perfect SUV!