The Mahindra Thar and Hyundai Creta are the two most popular SUV rentals at Rideez. Both cost ₹2,799-3,499/day. Both are comfortable on highways. But they serve very different types of trips. Here is when to rent each one.

The Thar: Built for Adventure

The Thar is a true 4×4 off-road vehicle. Diesel engine with strong low-end torque. High ground clearance that handles forest tracks, river crossings, and broken roads without flinching. Removable hardtop for open-air driving on coastal roads.

Rent the Thar for:

• Simlipal National Park — forest roads with gravel stretches
• Daringbadi — mountain hairpins and steep gradients
• Deomali — serious off-road in tribal Odisha
• Beach drives where you want to go off the paved path
• Any trip where the drive itself is the experience

The Creta: Comfort for Highways

The Creta is a premium compact SUV designed for highway comfort. Smooth petrol engine, excellent AC, comfortable rear seats, and a large boot. It handles city traffic and long highway drives effortlessly.

Rent the Creta for:

• Puri and Konark — smooth highways, no off-road needed
• Gopalpur — 3.5 hour highway drive where comfort matters
• Golden Triangle circuit — multi-day trip with lots of driving
• Family trips where rear seat comfort is priority
• Corporate travel where you need a polished, premium vehicle

Head-to-Head Comparison

• Daily rate: Thar ₹3,499 vs Creta ₹2,799 — Creta is ₹700/day cheaper
• Fuel efficiency: Creta ~15 km/l petrol vs Thar ~12 km/l diesel. Diesel is cheaper per litre, so fuel costs are similar
• Seating: Both seat 4-5, but Creta rear seats are significantly more comfortable
• Boot space: Creta wins — larger, easier to load luggage
• Off-road: Thar wins decisively — it is the only true 4×4 in our fleet
• Highway comfort: Creta wins — smoother ride, quieter cabin, better AC reach
• Cool factor: Thar wins — it turns heads everywhere in Odisha

Our Recommendation

If your route stays on paved roads, the Creta gives you more comfort for less money. If your route includes any unpaved, forest, or mountain stretches — or if you want the open-top adventure experience — the Thar is irreplaceable. There is no wrong choice; they just serve different trip styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the Creta to Simlipal?

The main road to Baripada (the entry town) is fine for any car. But the forest roads inside Simlipal can be rough, especially after rain. We strongly recommend the Thar for Simlipal’s interior routes.

Is the Thar comfortable for long highway drives?

The Thar is comfortable for 3-4 hour drives. For 6+ hour highway trips (like Gopalpur or Kolkata), the Creta’s smoother ride and quieter cabin make a noticeable difference, especially for passengers.