FJ vs Jimny vs Thar Comparison | Detailed Analysis
The global comeback of Toyota’s iconic Land Cruiser FJ has recharged the compact off-road segment. With a retro boxy theme, powerful hybrid drivetrain expectations, and serious 4×4 hardware, the FJ is seen as a strong competitor to two well-known adventure SUVs already ruling the Indian market— Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Thar. times.motormitra.in
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!While the Jimny excels as an ultra-light, nimble mountain climber, the Thar offers a broader lifestyle appeal with strong torque, diesel muscle, and AT options. The upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser FJ appears ready to bridge luxury + heritage with modern-day off-road engineering.
Here is a complete 1,000+ word, on-paper comparison of Toyota Land Cruiser FJ vs Maruti Jimny vs Mahindra Thar — covering engine, performance, size, off-road hardware, features, expected pricing, and overall positioning.motor mitra
Quick Comparison Summary Table
| Specification | Toyota FJ (Expected) | Maruti Jimny | Mahindra Thar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | TNGA-F Ladder Frame | Ladder Frame | Ladder Frame |
| Engine | 2.5L Hybrid / 2.7 NA Petrol times.motormitra.in | 1.5L NA Petrol | 2.0L Petrol / 2.2L Diesel |
| Power (hp) | 180–250 (Est.) | 103 | 150 (P) / 130 (D) |
| Torque (Nm) | 270–350 (Est.) | 134 | 300–320 times.motormitra.in |
| Gearbox | 6AT / 8AT | 5MT | 6MT / 6AT |
| 4×4 | Yes (Low Range)motor mitra | Yes (Low Range) | Yes (Low Range) |
| Approach Angle | 32–37° Est. | 36° times.motormitra.in | 41.2° |
| Departure Angle | 28–32° Est. | 50° | 36° |
| Ground Clearance | 220–240 mm | 210 mm | 226 mmmotor mitra |
| Length | 4300–4500 mm | 3985 mm | 3985 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2550–2650 mm | 2590 mmmotor mitra | 2450 mm |
| Seating | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Price (Estimated) | ₹28–35 lakh | ₹12–15 lakh | ₹12–17 lakh |
Exterior & Design — Retro Icons Reimagined
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ

Maruti Jimny

Mahindra Thar

Thar blends old-school Willys DNA with modern touches—wide stance, bulging wheel arches, LED lights, removable roof, and lifestyle-oriented ruggedness. More aggressive than Jimny; more lifestyle than FJ.
✔ Verdict — Design
FJ = Most premium, heritage-rich
Thar = Most muscular
Jimny = Most compact, adventure-cute.motor mitra
Dimensions & Road Presence
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota FJ (Exp.) | 4300–4500 mm | 1850–1900 mm | 1830–1870 mm | 2550–2650 mm |
| Jimny | 3985 mm | 1645 mm | 1720 mm | 2590 mm |
| Thar | 3985 mm | 1820 mm | 1895 mm | 2450 mm |
FJ will be the largest, offering the best road presence
Jimny remains the narrowest + most maneuverable
That has chunky dimensions but a smaller footprint than FJ. times.motormitra.in
Engine, Power & Performance
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ (Expected)
- 2.5L Hybrid or 2.7L Petrol
- Power: 180–250 hp
- Torque: ~350 Nm
- Auto gearbox expected
Hybrid gives refined + torquey driving, especially off-road. Expected to balance capability + efficiency.motor mitra
Maruti Jimny
- 1.5L NA Petrol
- 103 hp / 134 Nm
- 5-MT + 4AT
Smooth, but weak in highway performance. Best suited for controlled trail driving.
Mahindra Thar
- 2.0L Turbo-Petrol (150 hp, 300 Nm)
- 2.2L Diesel (130 hp, 300–320 Nm)
- 6MT + 6AT
That gives strong torque + effortless power—best among present models. times.motormitra.in
✔ Verdict — Power
FJ (expected hybrid) ≈ Thar > Jimny
Off-Road Capability & Hardware
All three offer:
Low-range transfer case
4×4 drivetrain
Ladder-frame toughness
But the equipment hierarchy differs.motor mitra
Toyota FJ
Expected to include:
- Low-range 4WD
- Rear locking differential
- Multi-terrain modes
- Crawl control
- 230mm+ clearance
- 32°–37° approach
- 28°–32° departure
Highly capable in rough terrain. times.motormitra.in
Jimny
- 36° approach
- 50° departure
- Super lightweight advantage
- Soft power delivery
- Limited by engine output
Best suited for technical slow trails.motor mitra
Thar
- 41° approach
- 36° departure
- High torque + AT helps.
- Strong all-rounder
More powerful than Jimny, more accessible than FJ. times.motormitra.in
✔ Verdict — Off-Road
Thar + FJ strongest
Jimny is best for narrow trails
Interiors & Features
Toyota FJ
Expected:
- Practical + tech-rich cabin
- Mid-size touchscreen. times.motormitra.in
- Digital instrument cluster
- Premium rugged trim
- Wash-friendly panels
Best mix of modern + tough.
Jimny
Simple cabin:
- Basic touchscreen. times.motormitra.in
- Narrow interior
- Thin seats
- Entry-grade practicality
Thar
- Better equipment
- Waterproof interiors.motor mitra
- Touchscreen + MID
- Convertible tops
✔ Verdict — Cabin Space + Comfort
FJ >> Thar > Jimny
Safety & Tech
Toyota FJ (Expected)
- ADAS Level-2
- 360-camera
- 6–8 airbags. times.motormitra.in
Likely the most advanced.
Jimny
- 6 airbags
- ESC.motor mitra
- Basic ADAS absent
Thar
- Dual airbags (earlier), 6 in latest update. times.motormitra.in
- ESP
- Rear camera
✔ Verdict — Safety Tech
FJ > Thar > Jimny
Pricing & Value
| Model | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Toyota FJ | ₹28–₹35 lakh.motor mitra |
| Jimny | ₹12–₹15 lakh |
| Thar | ₹12–₹17 lakh |
Jimny = Most affordable.motor mitra
Thar = Most value in performance
FJ = Most premium
But FJ pricing stands justified due to hybrid power, Toyota badge prestige, and heritage appeal. times.motormitra.in
Pros & Cons
Toyota FJ
✔ Hybrid + torque
✔ Feature-rich
✔ Strong off-road
✘ Expensive
✘ Limited India availability (TBD). times.motormitra.in
Jimny
✔ Lightweight capability
✔ Affordable.motor mitra
✔ Easy to drive
✘ Weak performance
✘ Narrow footprint
Thar
✔ Torque monster
✔ AWD + AT. times.motormitra.in
✔ Lifestyle appeal
✘ Bouncy ride
✘ Fuel efficiency
Final Verdict — Who Should Buy What?
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Best for:
- Those wanting heritage luxury + hybrid practicality
- Long trips + tough terrain. times.motormitra.in
- Off-road enthusiasts with a big budget
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
Best for:
- Weekend explorers + beginners
- Budget seekers
- Mountain drivers, narrow trails.motor mitra
Mahindra Thar
Best for:
- Power lovers
- Lifestyle + hardcore blend
- Every day + adventure balance
Final Thoughts
On paper, the upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser FJ positions itself above both Jimny and Thar, especially due to its hybrid powertrain, safety tech, and larger dimensions. While the Jimny remains the most affordable and nimble, the Thar continues to dominate in torque and lifestyle appeal. times.motormitra.in
If Toyota prices the FJ competitively and launches it in India, the off-road segment will witness its most interesting competition yet.
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