The Mahindra Thar 2025 facelift has arrived with significant updates while maintaining the rugged character that made it a cult favorite among Indian SUV enthusiasts. Priced from 9.99 lakh rupees to 16.99 lakh rupees ex-showroom, the updated Thar brings a modernized cabin, improved features, and enhanced connectivity while retaining its legendary off-road capability. The 2025 update addresses customer feedback about interior quality and features while keeping the iconic boxy design and serious 4×4 hardware that define the Thar experience.
Mahindra offers the Thar with multiple powertrain options including a 1.5-liter diesel, 2.0-liter turbo-petrol, and 2.2-liter diesel engine, paired with both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations. The introduction of more affordable RWD variants has broadened the Thar’s appeal beyond hardcore off-roaders to lifestyle buyers who appreciate its distinctive design and road presence. The 2025 facelift makes the Thar more family-friendly and daily-usable without compromising the off-road prowess that built its reputation.
Design and Exterior Updates
The Mahindra Thar 2025 retains its iconic boxy silhouette and vertical grille that pay homage to classic off-roaders while incorporating modern design elements. The front fascia features circular LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, and a seven-slat grille that’s instantly recognizable. The muscular hood with prominent bulges, high ground clearance, and short overhangs create an aggressive stance that announces the Thar’s off-road intentions.
The 2025 facelift introduces subtle exterior refinements including new color options, updated graphics, and improved paint quality. The Thar is available in both soft-top convertible and hard-top configurations, with the convertible version offering the classic open-air driving experience that enthusiasts love. The hard-top variant provides better weather protection and security for daily use. Both body styles feature removable doors and fold-down windshield for extreme off-road adventures.
The Thar rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires that provide excellent grip on and off the road. The high ground clearance of 226mm, short overhangs, and approach and departure angles of 41.8 and 36.8 degrees respectively enable the Thar to tackle extreme terrain that would stop conventional SUVs. The side-mounted spare wheel, roof rails, and exposed hinges add to the rugged aesthetic while serving functional purposes.
Interior Transformation and Features
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift brings a significantly upgraded interior that addresses the biggest criticism of the previous model. The new all-black cabin features improved materials, better fit and finish, and a more modern design that makes the Thar suitable for daily family use. The dashboard incorporates a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the largest ever in a Thar, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
The instrument cluster combines analog dials with a digital display showing essential off-road information including pitch and roll angles, altitude, and 4×4 system status. The steering wheel is new with mounted controls for audio, phone, and cruise control. The center console houses the manual gear shifter or automatic selector along with the transfer case lever for engaging four-wheel drive and low-range gearing.
Comfort features include rear AC vents, a significant addition that makes the Thar more practical for family trips in Indian weather. The front seats offer good support and adjustment range, while the rear bench can accommodate two adults comfortably, though the upright seating position and limited legroom reflect the Thar’s compact dimensions. The hard-top variant includes a removable hardtop panel above the rear seats that adds an open-air feel when desired.
Engine Options and Performance
The Mahindra Thar 2025 offers three engine choices to suit different buyer preferences and budgets. The entry-level 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 117 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, available only with rear-wheel drive and manual transmission. This engine provides adequate performance for daily driving while delivering excellent fuel efficiency of around 15-16 kmpl, making it the most economical Thar variant.
The 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine generates 150 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, offering smooth, refined performance with a distinctive exhaust note. Available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, the petrol Thar appeals to buyers who prefer gasoline engines and want a more refined driving experience. Fuel efficiency ranges from 10-12 kmpl depending on driving conditions and transmission choice.
The flagship 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine delivers 130 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end grunt ideal for off-road driving and towing. Available with manual and automatic transmission options, the diesel engine offers the best balance of performance and efficiency with fuel economy of 12-14 kmpl. All engines meet BS6 Phase 2 emission standards while maintaining strong performance characteristics.
Off-Road Capability and 4×4 Systems
The Mahindra Thar’s off-road capability is its defining characteristic, with serious hardware that enables it to tackle terrain that would challenge vehicles costing twice as much. The 4×4 variants feature a shift-on-fly transfer case that allows switching between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive at speeds up to 60 kmph. The low-range gearing provides a 2.48:1 reduction ratio that multiplies torque for crawling over rocks, climbing steep inclines, and navigating deep mud or sand.
The mechanical locking rear differential, available on higher variants, ensures both rear wheels receive power even when one loses traction, crucial for extreme off-road situations. The independent front suspension with double wishbones and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs provide excellent wheel articulation, allowing the Thar to maintain traction over highly uneven terrain. The suspension travel and geometry are optimized for off-road performance rather than on-road comfort.
The Thar’s body-on-frame construction with a ladder chassis provides the strength and rigidity needed for serious off-roading. The high ground clearance, water wading depth of 650mm, and underbody protection plates allow the Thar to ford rivers, navigate rocky trails, and handle obstacles that would damage conventional SUVs. The electronic brake-locking differential on RWD variants provides some off-road capability by braking spinning wheels and transferring power to wheels with traction.
On-Road Driving Experience
While designed primarily for off-road adventures, the Mahindra Thar 2025 is surprisingly capable on paved roads. The steering is direct and communicative, providing good feedback about road conditions and tire grip. The ride quality is firm due to the off-road-oriented suspension, with noticeable body movement over bumps and undulations. The Thar handles city traffic reasonably well despite its size, with good visibility and manageable dimensions for parking.
Highway cruising is comfortable at speeds up to 100-110 kmph, though wind noise from the boxy shape and soft-top configuration becomes noticeable at higher speeds. The hard-top variant offers better refinement and lower noise levels for daily commuting. The automatic transmission variants provide easier driving in stop-and-go traffic, though the manual transmission offers more control for off-road driving and better fuel efficiency.
The Thar’s character is best experienced on challenging roads where its suspension travel, ground clearance, and robust construction shine. Broken roads, deep potholes, and rough trails that would slow conventional vehicles are handled with ease. The Thar inspires confidence in conditions where other vehicles would struggle, making it ideal for buyers who frequently travel to remote areas or enjoy adventure activities.
Ownership Costs and Practicality
The Mahindra Thar’s ownership costs are reasonable considering its capabilities and build quality. Service intervals are every 10,000 kilometers or 12 months, with typical service costs ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 rupees depending on the service type and engine variant. The diesel engines generally have slightly higher maintenance costs than the petrol engine due to more complex emission control systems.
Fuel costs vary significantly based on engine choice and driving style. The 1.5-liter diesel RWD variant offers the lowest running costs at around 6-7 rupees per kilometer. The 2.2-liter diesel 4×4 variants cost 8-10 rupees per kilometer, while the petrol variants range from 10-12 rupees per kilometer. Off-road driving and aggressive use increase fuel consumption significantly across all variants.
Resale value is exceptionally strong due to the Thar’s cult following and limited competition in the lifestyle off-roader segment. Well-maintained Thars retain 60-65 percent of their value after three years, among the highest in the SUV segment. The strong demand in the used market means Thar owners can sell quickly at fair prices. Insurance costs are moderate, and the robust construction minimizes repair costs from minor accidents or off-road damage.
Competition and Market Position
The Mahindra Thar occupies a unique position in the Indian market with limited direct competition. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny, priced from 12.74 lakh rupees, offers similar off-road capability in a more compact package but lacks the Thar’s road presence and power. The Force Gurkha, starting at 16.75 lakh rupees, provides comparable off-road hardware but with less refinement and a smaller dealer network.
The Thar’s advantages include iconic design, proven off-road capability, multiple engine and configuration options, strong brand heritage, and extensive dealer and service network. The 2025 facelift’s improved interior and features address previous weaknesses while maintaining the core strengths. The introduction of affordable RWD variants has expanded the Thar’s appeal to lifestyle buyers who want the distinctive design without paying for 4×4 hardware they may not use.
Who Should Consider the Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who regularly drive off-road, whether for recreation or necessity. Buyers who frequently travel to remote areas, hill stations, or challenging terrain will appreciate the Thar’s capability and confidence-inspiring nature. The Thar suits buyers who value distinctive design and are willing to accept some compromises in on-road refinement and rear-seat space for off-road prowess.
The 4×4 variants are essential for serious off-roading, while the RWD variants work well for lifestyle buyers who primarily drive on paved roads but want the Thar’s iconic design. The hard-top variants are more practical for daily family use, while the convertible soft-top appeals to enthusiasts who want the classic open-air experience. The Thar is not ideal for buyers prioritizing rear-seat comfort, fuel efficiency, or on-road refinement over capability and character.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mahindra Thar
What is the difference between Thar RWD and 4×4 variants?
The Mahindra Thar RWD variants use rear-wheel drive only and lack the transfer case, low-range gearing, and mechanical locking differential of 4×4 variants. RWD Thars are more affordable, lighter, and more fuel-efficient but have limited off-road capability compared to 4×4 models. The 4×4 variants can tackle extreme terrain with low-range gearing and locking differential, essential for serious off-roading. Buyers who primarily drive on paved roads can save money with RWD variants, while off-road enthusiasts should choose 4×4.
Which engine is best for Mahindra Thar?
The best engine depends on usage and priorities. The 1.5-liter diesel offers the best fuel efficiency and lowest running costs, ideal for daily commuting. The 2.2-liter diesel provides the best low-end torque for off-roading and towing, making it the choice for serious off-road use. The 2.0-liter petrol offers the smoothest, most refined driving experience with good performance, suitable for buyers who prefer gasoline engines and don’t need maximum fuel efficiency.
Is Mahindra Thar suitable for daily use?
The Mahindra Thar 2025 facelift is more suitable for daily use than previous versions thanks to improved interior quality, rear AC vents, and better features. The hard-top variant with automatic transmission works well for daily commuting, though the firm ride and limited rear-seat space may not suit all families. The Thar is best for buyers who can accept some compromises in comfort and refinement for distinctive design and off-road capability. It works well as a primary vehicle for singles or couples, or as a second vehicle for families.
What is the maintenance cost of Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar has moderate maintenance costs with service intervals of 10,000 kilometers or 12 months. Typical service costs range from 4,000 to 8,000 rupees depending on the service type. Annual maintenance costs typically range from 15,000 to 25,000 rupees for average usage of 12,000-15,000 kilometers per year. The robust construction and simple mechanical systems minimize unexpected repair costs. Diesel variants have slightly higher maintenance costs than petrol variants due to emission control systems.
Important Official Links and Resources
Mahindra Thar Official Product Page | https://www.mahindra.com/thar
Mahindra SUV Website | https://www.mahindra.com/suv
Mahindra Dealer Locator | https://www.mahindra.com/dealer-locator
Mahindra Adventure Community | https://www.mahindraadventure.com/
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