Jeep Compass Vs Mahindra Thar In a CLASSIC Tug Of War

The Jeep Compass is the entry-level offering in the US-based automaker’s portfolio in India, the other one being the Wrangler. The Compass is one of the few SUVs under Rs 30 lakh that is available with an AWD system and is hugely capable when the terrain starts getting rough. The Compass also received a mid-life refresh earlier this year, which gives the SUV a new subtly revised front-end and more importantly a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Today we came across this video of the Compass competing in a tug of war with a second-generation Mahindra Thar.

The video has been uploaded by Heat17 on YouTube where a pre-facelift Jeep Compass and a second-gen Mahindra Thar are pitted against each other in a tug of war. In the first round, both SUVs have their traction controls on and the Thar slowly but surely tugs the compass across the line to win. The second round also goes similarly, but traction control is switched off this time. The Thar manages to gain better traction in the slippery condition and wins again quite easily. Though both vehicles were kept in two-wheel-drive mode, the Thar’s rear-wheel-drive system coupled with wider tyres makes it easier for the Mahindra to power through. This drivetrain system is better especially in a tug of war situation where the front wheels aren’t able to gain enough traction as weight distribution is centred towards the rear, making the front-end light.

Prices for the updated Jeep Compass price range from Rs 16.99 lakh – Rs 28.29 lakh, ex-showroom. The Compass has a choice of 1 diesel and 1 petrol engine. The 2-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel churns out peak power and torque figures of 170 PS/350 Nm and it can be optioned with either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed auto, or a newer 9-speed auto transmission. The petrol engine option is a 1.4-litre 4-pot turbo unit which makes 161 PS/250 Nm of peak power and torque which is paired to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic.

Prices for the new Mahindra Thar range between Rs 12.10 lakh – Rs 14.15 lakh, ex-showroom. The new Thar comes with 2 engine options, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel, and a 2-litre turbo-petrol. The oil-burner makes 130 PS/320 Nm of peak figures while the petrol makes 150 PS/320 Nm of max figures. Transmission options for both the powertrains are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic with a low range box. You also get a transfer case and a mechanically locking centre differential for serious off-roading.