Mahindra’s Thar has long been an icon of off-road adventure — a rugged machine built for the wild, with bold looks and a legendary legacy. But as Indian lifestyles evolve, even the toughest vehicles must adapt. Enter the latest edition of the Mahindra Thar: a version that retains its go-anywhere DNA while embracing a more comfortable, feature-rich, and city-friendly character.
This refined Thar is no longer just a weekend warrior. It’s an everyday SUV — one that blends utility with urban luxury. Let’s explore how Mahindra has masterfully updated this legend for the modern Indian customer.
1. A Fresh Identity: Rugged Roots, Urban Soul
The new Thar doesn’t try to hide its heritage — instead, it adds sophistication to its already iconic persona.
Bold Yet Balanced Design
- The signature boxy silhouette remains, complete with round headlamps and vertical slats on the grille.
- Subtle refinements in body lines, fender flares, and bumper design add finesse without diluting its macho appeal.
- New dual-tone color options (with contrast roof choices) make the Thar more visually appealing to urban buyers.
Convertible & Hardtop Options
- Buyers can now choose between a removable soft top, convertible top, or a fixed hardtop, based on their lifestyle needs.
- The hardtop, in particular, provides improved noise insulation, thermal comfort, and better weather protection — crucial for city use.
2. Interior Revamp: From Spartan to Sophisticated
Stepping into the new Thar feels like a shift in universe — it’s no longer just about ruggedness. Now, it’s about refinement.
Premium Materials and Finishes
- The cabin features weather-resistant upholstery, but with improved texture and comfort.
- Black and silver trim on the dashboard, center console, and door panels bring an air of modernity.
- All switches and controls are now more tactile and ergonomically positioned.
More Space, Better Ergonomics
- The latest edition features improved front-seat comfort, with added bolstering and better cushioning.
- Rear-seat accessibility has been enhanced with forward-folding front seats and larger door openings.
- New front-facing rear seats in select variants provide comfort for rear passengers, a feature previously absent.
3. Technology Upgrade: The Connected Thar
The Thar isn’t just about brawn anymore — it now packs brains too.
Touchscreen Infotainment
- A new 7-inch touchscreen system sits prominently on the dash, offering:
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Navigation support
- Vehicle info and off-road telemetry
Improved Sound System
- 4 or 6-speaker setups, depending on variant
- Roof-mounted speakers ensure clarity even when doors are off or the top is down
Connected Features
- Remote start/stop (for automatic variants)
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- USB charging ports for front and rear occupants
4. Engine Options: Urban Efficiency Meets Off-Road Muscle
Mahindra continues to offer powerful engine options, now tuned for both off-road capability and daily drivability.
Petrol: mStallion 150 Turbo
- 2.0L, 150 PS power output
- Refined and responsive — perfect for city traffic and expressway cruising
- Available with 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Diesel: mHawk 130
- 2.2L, 130 PS power output
- Excellent low-end torque for off-roading
- Fuel-efficient and robust — ideal for long-distance touring
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Option
- Introduced for the first time to make Thar more accessible for urban users
- Available in both petrol and diesel, this variant is more affordable and practical for daily city use
5. Ride and Handling: More Tamed, Still Tough
Mahindra has fine-tuned the Thar’s ride quality to appeal to urban buyers without compromising off-road integrity.
Suspension Tweaks
- Softer spring rates for better comfort on city roads
- Independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup
- Reduced body roll and improved ride quality over speed bumps and potholes
Improved Steering and NVH Levels
- Lighter steering at low speeds makes it easier to drive in traffic
- Enhanced NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) insulation for quieter cabin experiences
6. Safety Reinforced: Everyday Confidence
The Thar continues its safety-first approach, now with more urban-friendly features and a 4-star Global NCAP crash test rating.
Standard Safety Features
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Roll cage (integrated into chassis)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
Advanced Safety (Top Variants)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- Rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines
Mahindra’s robust ladder-frame chassis adds another layer of protection, especially in challenging conditions.
7. Fuel Economy: More Range, Less Spend
Fuel efficiency was never the Thar’s strongest suit, but with the latest updates:
- Petrol RWD Automatic offers up to 13 km/l
- Diesel RWD Manual can deliver up to 15.2 km/l, making it more viable as a daily driver
These figures might not match compact crossovers, but they’re significant improvements for a true SUV of this caliber.
8. Urban Practicality: A Day in the City with Thar
Thanks to the new updates, the Thar is no longer confined to mountain trails or desert dunes. Here’s how it performs in a daily routine:
Morning Commute
- Light steering and auto transmission simplify bumper-to-bumper traffic
- High driving position offers great visibility
Parking Ease
- Now available with a rear camera and sensors, making urban parking more manageable
Errand Runs
- Rear seats can fold flat to create space for luggage or shopping bags
- Rugged floor mats and washable interiors make cleanup easy
Weekend Getaway
- Ready to escape the city on a whim — switch to 4×4, lower tyre pressure, and hit the trail
- Built-in adventure with roof carriers and modular accessories
9. Customization & Lifestyle Accessories
Mahindra knows Thar buyers love to personalize. The company offers:
- Alloy wheels, side steps, roof carriers, and tow hooks
- Lifestyle kits for overlanding and camping
- Snorkels, LED light bars, and custom decals
This makes the Thar more than a car — it becomes a statement of identity.
10. Pricing and Variants: Something for Everyone
The new Thar is available in multiple configurations:
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AX (RWD) | Diesel | RWD | Manual | ₹11.35 lakh |
| AX(O) | Petrol | 4WD | Manual | ₹14.03 lakh |
| LX (RWD) | Petrol | RWD | Automatic | ₹13.49 lakh |
| LX (4WD) | Diesel | 4WD | Manual/Auto | ₹15.49 lakh–₹17.60 lakh |
By offering RWD options, Mahindra has widened the Thar’s appeal, making it affordable without sacrificing image or presence.
11. Comparison with Rivals
Though the Thar has few true competitors, here’s how it stacks up against lifestyle SUVs like the Force Gurkha and Maruti Jimny:
| Feature | Mahindra Thar | Maruti Jimny | Force Gurkha |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 4WD System | Yes (manual selector) | Yes (AllGrip Pro) | Yes (manual selector) |
| Sunroof | No | No | No |
| Infotainment | 7” Touchscreen | 9” Touchscreen | 7” Touchscreen |
| Urban Appeal | High | Moderate | Low |
The Thar stands out in terms of road presence, comfort, and brand legacy, making it a top pick among urban off-roaders.
Final Verdict: Still a Thar, But Smarter
The latest Mahindra Thar retains its identity as a true-blue off-roader. But now, it welcomes city dwellers with open arms — offering comfort, technology, and safety in a stylish, premium package.
Why the New Thar Is Worth Considering:
- RWD variants bring affordability
- Interiors are now comfort-focused
- Retains iconic design with added flair
- Still one of the best off-roaders under ₹20 lakh
12. City vs Off-Road Usability: Bridging Two Worlds
The new Thar is unique because it blends two often conflicting roles — that of a rugged off-roader and a comfortable city SUV.
City Life Compatibility
- Short wheelbase and high ground clearance make it surprisingly good over potholes and speed breakers.
- Its upright stance helps in negotiating traffic, while the compact footprint makes it more maneuverable than full-size SUVs like the Scorpio-N or Toyota Fortuner.
- The automatic gearbox in petrol and diesel RWD versions adds much-needed ease in traffic.
Off-Road Excellence Intact
- With 4×4, a low-range transfer case, and mechanical locking differentials, the Thar continues to be one of the best budget-friendly off-roaders.
- Water-wading capacity of 650 mm, and approach, departure, and ramp-over angles make it capable in extreme terrains.
- Even the RWD diesel variant retains a mechanical locking rear differential, offering mild off-road capability for soft-roading or rural terrains.
13. Practical Challenges Still Present
Despite the upgrades, the Thar still carries certain limitations — though they’re less severe now.
Boot Space
- Boot space is still limited with the rear seats up (~84 liters).
- Folding rear seats helps, but long road trips with four adults might require a roof-mounted storage solution.
Ingress & Egress
- Being a high-riding SUV with no side step as standard, elderly passengers may find it difficult to get in and out.
- The 3-door configuration limits rear seat access — especially for families with small kids or elderly members.
14. Future Developments: The 5-Door Thar
Mahindra has confirmed a 5-door version of the Thar, expected to debut by late 2025.
What to Expect:
- Longer wheelbase, allowing for better rear legroom and larger boot space.
- Same engine options, but possibly with additional tuning for comfort.
- More premium features like a larger touchscreen, sunroof, auto climate control, and maybe even ADAS features.
- Designed specifically to cater to family buyers who want the Thar’s appeal with more practicality.
15. Ownership Experience and After-Sales Support
Mahindra is working aggressively to improve the customer experience.
Service Network
- Over 1000+ service centers across India.
- Mobile service units available in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Mahindra offers the ‘With You Hamesha’ app for easy service bookings and vehicle tracking.
Community Support
- Active owner communities on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
- Organized off-road events and “Thar Trail Challenges” allow owners to connect and test their SUVs in real conditions.
16. Real Customer Feedback: Why Buyers Love the New Thar
Here’s what actual Thar owners and prospective buyers are saying:
Pros Loved by Users:
- “I bought the RWD diesel variant — perfect for my daily use in Mumbai, and it still looks like a beast!”
- “Seats are surprisingly comfortable, and the AC chills in seconds.”
- “It’s a head-turner. Every time I park at a café, someone stops to ask about it.”
Common Complaints:
- “Boot space is barely usable unless you fold the rear seats.”
- “Wish there was a 5-door version right now — I’d pick it in a heartbeat.”
- “Engine refinement is great, but fuel economy could be better in city driving.”
17. Urban Buyers vs Enthusiasts: Two Types of Thar Lovers
The Thar’s popularity has broadened across demographics:
Urban Professionals
- Opting for RWD variants.
- Use it primarily for city driving and occasional trips.
- Value the looks, height, and tech features.
Adventure Enthusiasts
- Stick with the 4WD manual variants.
- Regularly use the off-road capabilities for travel and trails.
- Add accessories like snorkels, recovery gear, and roof racks.
18. Market Positioning: Lifestyle vs Utility
Mahindra has smartly repositioned the Thar from a niche off-roader to a lifestyle vehicle.
- Competes indirectly with:
- Maruti Jimny: Lighter and more practical, but less powerful and premium.
- Hyundai Creta/Venue N Line: More refined for city use, but lacks off-road ability.
- Used Jeep Compass or Classic SUVs: But Thar has better resale and newer tech.
This move places it in a new segment altogether: urban adventure SUVs — perfect for aspirational, experience-seeking youth.
19. Environment-Friendly Efforts
While not electric yet, Mahindra is:
- Working on a Thar EV Concept (showcased briefly in early 2024).
- The diesel engines are BS6 Stage 2 compliant.
- Thar RWD helps reduce emissions by removing the heavy 4WD hardware, improving efficiency.
20. Final Thoughts: A Balanced Beast
The 2025 Mahindra Thar proves that an SUV can stay true to its roots while evolving. It’s still a beast in the wild but tamed just enough to enjoy a cappuccino downtown without breaking a sweat.
For buyers who want a versatile, statement-making SUV that turns heads in the city and conquers hills on weekends, the new Thar is more than just an upgrade — it’s a whole new breed.
Conclusion: Thar for the Urban Explorer
Mahindra has done what many thought impossible — made the Thar a viable daily SUV without diluting its off-road spirit. Whether you’re navigating weekday traffic or crossing rocky streams on the weekend, the new Thar is up for the job.
It’s no longer just a machine for the brave. It’s a vehicle for everyone who wants bold style, everyday comfort, and weekend adventure — all wrapped in one.