The Mahindra Thar has always been more than just an SUV – it’s an icon of ruggedness, freedom, and adventure. Since its modern-day revival in 2020, the Thar has become the go-to lifestyle SUV for enthusiasts across India. Now, after five years, Mahindra has given the Thar a significant update, making it even more desirable for both off-road lovers and urban buyers.
Priced from ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the updated Mahindra Thar introduces new variants, additional features, and design enhancements without altering its proven engines and off-road hardware. While this is not a full facelift, the upgrades focus on comfort, convenience, and modern technology, all inspired by Mahindra’s premium SUV design language.
Price & Variants
The updated Thar is now offered in two fresh trims – LXT and AXT – in addition to the existing lineup.
- Starting Price: ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Variants: AX, LXT, AXT
- New Colours: Tango Red, Battleship Grey
With these new variants, Mahindra has ensured that the Thar caters to a wider spectrum of customers – from hardcore off-roaders to urban lifestyle SUV buyers who prefer added comfort and practicality.
Key Highlights
| Category | Updates in the New Thar |
| Exterior | Body-coloured grille, dual-tone bumper, rear camera on spare wheel, new colours |
| Interior | Roxx-inspired cabin, armrest with storage, soft-touch materials, grab handle |
| Technology | 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, wireless charger |
| Convenience | Rear AC vents, Type-C ports, internal fuel-filler switch, window switches on door pads |
| Safety | Rear-view camera, wiper & washer for rear glass, solid build quality |
| Powertrains | 1.5L diesel, 2.2L mHawk diesel, 2.0L turbo-petrol – unchanged |
Exterior Design Changes
From the outside, the updated Thar looks familiar but carries subtle refinements:
- Body-coloured front grille adds a more polished look.
- Dual-tone front bumper design, similar to Mahindra’s premium SUVs, gives it a fresh face.
- Spare wheel-mounted rear camera improves practicality without compromising style.
- Windscreen wiper & washer now available for better visibility in all weather.
- Fuel-filler cap with internal release switch, replacing the older key-based mechanism.
- New paint shades – Tango Red and Battleship Grey – add modern appeal alongside existing colours.
While these changes don’t drastically alter the Thar’s rugged DNA, they refine the SUV for both adventure and everyday use.
Premium Cabin Inspired by Roxx
The biggest transformation is inside the cabin, where the Thar now feels more premium and user-friendly.
- New grab handle on the passenger side makes ingress and off-road rides easier.
- Armrest with integrated storage in the front row, offering more practicality.
- Cupholders on the centre console for added convenience.
- Window switches repositioned to door pads, bringing back a more natural layout.
- Soft-touch door panels for a more premium and comfortable cabin feel.
Technology & Connectivity
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system replaces the old monochrome unit.
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
- Wireless charging pad for hassle-free phone charging.
- 65W USB Type-C port ensures fast charging on the go.
- Rear AC vents & rear USB Type-C port improve comfort for backseat passengers.
With these updates, the Thar no longer feels spartan – it’s now an SUV that blends adventure with comfort.
Safety & Convenience Features
Safety and convenience have also received upgrades:
- Rear-view camera mounted on spare wheel for clear reversing visuals.
- Rear windscreen wiper and washer improve practicality in monsoons and dusty trails.
- Internal fuel-filler cap switch – a small but useful upgrade.
- Solid build quality and crash safety features carried over from the outgoing model.
Though Mahindra hasn’t added advanced ADAS features yet, the Thar continues to offer reassuring safety for its segment.
Powertrain Options – Proven & Reliable
Under the hood, Mahindra has retained all three tried-and-tested powertrains:
- 1.5-litre Diesel Engine – fuel-efficient, suitable for urban and semi-urban buyers.
- 2.2-litre mHawk Diesel Engine – robust and reliable for highway cruising and long trips.
- 2.0-litre Turbo Petrol Engine – powerful, responsive, and paired with automatic options for enthusiasts.
Transmission options include both manual and automatic gearboxes, with 4×2 and 4×4 drive configurations depending on the variant.
Off-road Hardware
True to its legacy, Mahindra hasn’t altered the Thar’s off-road equipment:
- 4×4 transfer case with low-range gearing.
- High ground clearance and excellent approach/departure angles.
- Rugged ladder-frame chassis designed for tough terrains.
This ensures the Thar remains one of the most capable off-road SUVs in its price range.
Who Should Buy the New Mahindra Thar?
The updated Thar is designed for:
- Off-road enthusiasts who want a capable SUV for trails, dunes, and adventures.
- Lifestyle SUV buyers seeking a stylish, premium, and practical 3-door vehicle.
- Young professionals who want an aspirational SUV under ₹15 lakh.
- Families and urban users who now get improved comfort, AC vents, and premium touches.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Updated Roxx-inspired cabin feels premium.
- Wireless tech upgrades make it modern.
- Rear AC vents improve passenger comfort.
- Multiple engine options to suit different buyers.
- Legendary off-road ability remains intact.
Cons
- Still a 3-door layout – limits family practicality.
- No diesel automatic in entry trims.
- Advanced driver-assist features still missing.
Conclusion
The updated Mahindra Thar 2025 successfully bridges the gap between a hardcore off-roader and a comfortable lifestyle SUV. Priced from ₹9.99 lakh, it brings in premium cabin updates, modern features, and new colours while retaining the engines and off-road hardware that enthusiasts love.
For buyers looking for a vehicle that’s as comfortable in city traffic as it is in the wilderness, the new Thar offers the perfect balance of adventure and practicality. Whether it’s weekend getaways, daily commutes, or pure off-road fun, the Thar continues to dominate its segment as the most versatile SUV under ₹15 lakh.
