Mahindra & Mahindra have launched the updated version of their popular three-door off-roader, the Mahindra Thar Facelift. Five years after the second-generation debut, the model receives a mid-cycle refresh inspired by its new stablemate, the Thar Roxx. The updates aim to improve everyday usability and address customer feedback while retaining the rugged character central to its appeal. Priced from ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the new Thar brings fresh design elements, added comfort features, and smarter technology to strengthen its position in the lifestyle SUV segment.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Exterior Design
Externally, the Mahindra Thar Facelift features minimal changes, primarily concentrated on the front fascia and the rear parts of the car. The most noticeable revision is the front grille, which is now body coloured. This new grille features the same design as the outgoing model.
The front and rear bumpers remain the same, but Mahindra has re-introduced the silver-finished inserts that were previously deleted from the lineup. For the first time on the three-door model, the rear section sees the addition of a much-requested rear wiper, washer, a functional upgrade that significantly improves visibility in adverse weather conditions.
Furthermore, the spare wheel, which is mounted on the tailgate, re-introduces the full-size alloy, replacing the steel unit previously offered for a short period of time. The inclusion of a rear-view camera, integrated into the spare wheel hub, is another critical addition to the Mahindra Thar Facelift, aiding in parking and low-speed maneuvers. The facelift also introduces two new colour options, Tango Red and Battleship Grey.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Interior Design
The interior of the Mahindra Thar Facelift receives the most comprehensive overhaul, addressing key ergonomic and technological shortcomings of the outgoing model. The cabin retains its durable, all-black theme, but the main dashboard elements have been revised for better functionality.
A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system now occupies the centre console, replacing the smaller 7-inch unit. This new screen is a lift from the Thar ROXX and comes with the similar adventure statistics and features such Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Unlike the Thar ROXX the unit doing duty on the Thar will not feature AdrenoX, Mahindra’s connected car interface.
The older steering wheel has been replaced with a new three-spoke steering wheel, borrowed from the Scorpio N and Thar Roxx, featuring integrated audio, phone controls and cruise control.
Critically, the power window switches, which were previously placed awkwardly on the centre console, have been relocated to the door panels, improving daily usability. Other interior enhancements include rear AC vents for second row passengers, front centre armrest with integrated storage, Integrated grab handle on the A pillar and a wireless charging pad placed in the console area. Another feature update is the inclusion of an internally operated fuel-lid release, previous models had an old-fashioned external fuel-lid release with a physical key.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Powertrain
Under the bonnet, the engine options powering the Mahindra Thar Facelift remain the same with no changes to power outputs, offering a range of diesel and petrol choices. The two diesel options include the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel unit, which is restricted to the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variants, producing approximately 117 PS and 300 Nm of torque. The larger 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, exclusive to the 4×4 variants, generates around 130 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
The petrol offering is the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine, which is capable of 150 PS and 300 Nm of torque (320 Nm when paired with the automatic transmission). All engines are available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines also offer a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
A vital mechanical update that is highly anticipated in the Mahindra Thar Facelift also introduces a much-required Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, replacing the hydraulic unit. This change would result in lighter steering at lower speeds, improving maneuverability and driver fatigue in urban environments.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Safety Features
While the current model holds a commendable 4-star rating in Global NCAP crash tests, The Thar Facelift will continue to feature safety aids such as, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). The addition of the rear-view camera, which provides visual assistance, also contributes to overall driving safety. The inclusion of a robust, factory-fitted interior roll cage is carried forward. To aid driver comfort and safety, the automatic variants now feature a dead pedal.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Pricing and Variants
The updated Mahindra Thar starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the AXT RWD MT with the 1.5 diesel. The LXT RWD MT diesel is priced at ₹12.19 lakh, while the petrol range begins with the LXT RWD AT at ₹13.99 lakh. For 4WD buyers, the 2.2L mHawk diesel variants are priced at ₹15.49 lakh (manual) and ₹16.99 lakh (automatic), while the 2.0L mStallion petrol comes in at ₹14.69 lakh (manual) and ₹16.25 lakh (automatic). To be noted all the variants are hardtop versions, Mahindra had officially discontinued the soft-top Thar a few months ago.
Mahindra Thar Facelift – Market Positioning and Rivals
Thar remains well-positioned in its segment. Its traditional rivals include the five-door Maruti Suzuki Jimny, which caters to practicality-driven buyers, and the niche 3-door Force Gurkha. However, since the launch of the Thar Roxx in 2024, the 3-door Thar now faces stiff competition from within Mahindra’s own stable. Even so, there continues to be a strong enthusiast base that values a purpose-built, short-wheelbase off-roader—something the 3-door Thar has always excelled at.
Customers interested can book the Thar facelift online via the Mahindra website at a booking amount set at ₹21,000 or also by visiting an a official Mahindra dealership. With timely updates such as the larger infotainment screen and added safety features, it continues to reinforce its identity as the go-to lifestyle 4×4 for purists while holding its ground against both external and internal challengers.