The Mahindra Thar has long held a cult status in India. More than just an SUV, it’s a lifestyle machine that symbolizes freedom, adventure, and individuality. For younger buyers, it often becomes the second car in the garage—one that is used for weekend getaways, off-road trails, or simply to make a bold statement on the road.
Now, with the 2025 facelift, Mahindra has polished the Thar while keeping its rugged DNA intact. The boxy silhouette, old-school charm, and go-anywhere capability remain, but the updates make the Thar more modern and easier to live with. Importantly, there are no mechanical changes, but cosmetic tweaks and feature upgrades make it a more rounded offering.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of the Mahindra Thar facelift 2025, covering its design, interior, features, powertrain, and practicality.
Exterior Design – Iconic and Familiar
Pros
Some designs don’t need reinvention, and the Mahindra Thar is one of them. The facelift brings subtle tweaks that freshen up the SUV without altering its instantly recognizable presence.
- The new grille design gives it a more refined look.
- Body-colored bumpers add a modern touch.
- The overall boxy silhouette, flared wheel arches, and tailgate-mounted spare wheel remain unchanged, which is exactly what loyal fans want.
The Thar continues to command attention on the road with its macho stance and rugged appeal. It doesn’t need flashy design overhauls to stand out—it’s already an icon.
Cons
For those who expected a bolder design direction, the facelift may feel conservative.
- The boxy styling is unchanged, which may not appeal to everyone.
- Updates are minimal—just enough to refresh, but not enough to surprise.
So, if you were hoping for a dramatic makeover, the Thar facelift might leave you wanting more.
Pros
The cabin of the Thar has been updated with modern touches and practical features that make daily usability better.
- A new 10.25-inch infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto improves the digital experience.
- The steering wheel is borrowed from the Scorpio N, offering a more premium feel.
- Rear AC vents, USB-C charging ports (front and rear), and a rear wiper with washer address many buyer complaints.
- A reverse parking camera, new grab handle for the driver, and a front center armrest further enhance convenience.
Together, these upgrades make the Thar more livable in urban environments without losing its rugged character.
Cons
Mahindra has intentionally reserved premium features for the larger Thar Roxx, keeping the 3-door Thar more basic.
- Still no ventilated seats, 360-degree camera, ADAS, premium sound system, or full-digital driver display.
- Safety features are limited to dual airbags, while many new cars in 2025 offer six airbags as standard.
- The rear seat remains cramped, with poor visibility due to thick B-pillars and non-openable windows.
This means that while the updates improve usability, the Thar remains a lifestyle SUV, not a family-friendly all-rounder.
Powertrain and Off-Road Capability
Pros
The biggest strength of the Thar remains untouched—its powerful engines and off-road credibility.
- Offered with both petrol and diesel options, catering to different buyer needs.
- Choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions for both fuel types.
- Buyers can pick between RWD variants for city use and 4×4 variants for hardcore off-road adventures.
- Off-road hardware includes a shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system with low range, a brake-based differential lock, and an auto-locking rear mechanical differential.
Additionally, Mahindra has worked on refinement, with reduced vibrations and a slightly quieter cabin compared to earlier models.
Cons
While the engines remain capable, the ride quality is still stiff.
- At low speeds, sharp bumps unsettle the cabin.
- The ladder-frame construction, while rugged, contributes to significant body roll on corners and curves.
This makes the Thar less suited for buyers who expect sedan-like smoothness or crossover-like comfort.
Everyday Usability
Pros
The facelift makes the Thar easier to use as a daily driver than before.
- Added convenience features like parking camera, armrest, and better infotainment help in urban conditions.
- The RWD option ensures an affordable entry point for those who want the Thar’s looks without needing hardcore off-road gear.
- Highway performance is decent, and the new steering wheel plus reduced cabin noise improve long-distance comfort.
Cons
Despite improvements, the Thar is still not the most practical SUV for families.
- Boot space is limited when rear seats are up.
- Rear passenger comfort is compromised by cramped space and poor visibility.
- Daily city commuters may find the suspension too stiff for comfort.
| Category | Pros | Cons |
| Exterior | Iconic design, subtle updates, strong presence | Minimal changes, boxy look not for everyone |
| Interior | Bigger screen, new steering, AC vents, USB-C, rear camera | Missing premium features, only 2 airbags, cramped rear |
| Powertrain | Petrol & diesel options, manual/auto, RWD & 4×4, off-road ready | Stiff ride, noticeable body roll |
| Practicality | Improved convenience features, reduced cabin noise, RWD for affordability | Small boot, poor rear comfort, not family-friendly |
Pros and Cons Summary Table
Who Should Buy the Thar Facelift 2025?
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift remains a lifestyle SUV at heart. It is best suited for:
- Young buyers and enthusiasts who want a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle.
- Weekend explorers and outdoor adventurers who value capability over comfort.
- Second-car buyers looking for something exciting and unique.
However, if you are a family-oriented buyer seeking maximum comfort, features, and practicality, you may find compact crossovers and midsize SUVs to be better choices. For those who want a larger and more premium Thar, the Thar Roxx offers a more complete package.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 is a smart, safe update that keeps its iconic DNA alive while polishing rough edges. It offers improved interiors, useful convenience features, and the same mechanical toughness that has made it a legend among SUV buyers.
Yes, it still has flaws—stiff suspension, body roll, limited family practicality—but that’s part of its character. The Thar is not trying to be a soft urban crossover. It’s proud of being a rugged, old-school, lifestyle SUV that can handle mud, rocks, and highways with equal confidence.
If you are looking for a vehicle that reflects individuality, adventure, and rugged charm, the facelifted Thar is still one of the best choices in 2025. But if you want ultimate comfort, space, and features in this price range, you may need to look elsewhere.
