The Iconic Journey of the Thar
The New Mahindra Thar isn’t just an SUV—it’s an emotion for many Indians. Since its launch in 2010, the Thar has carved a niche for itself as a rugged off-roader that still appeals to urban buyers. Its design draws heavy inspiration from classic military jeeps, giving it a raw, adventurous aura. Over the years, it evolved with modern touches while still holding onto its old-school charm. The 2020 model, in particular, transformed the Thar into a mainstream lifestyle SUV with modern features, comfort upgrades, and powerful engine options. With the upcoming facelift, Mahindra aims to build upon this legacy and make the Thar more refined, feature-packed, and versatile.
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Why Thar Became a Cult SUV in India
What sets the New Mahindra Thar apart is its dual identity—it’s both a hardcore off-roader and a lifestyle statement. Youngsters love it for its adventurous image, while seasoned SUV lovers admire its capability. Whether it’s conquering mountain trails, driving through beaches, or cruising in the city, the Thar adapts to different personalities with ease. Its massive fan following is also driven by the “open-top” experience and rugged stance. Unlike other SUVs, the New Mahindra Thar carries a strong aspirational value. Owning one isn’t just about transportation—it’s about freedom, thrill, and individuality. This is why every update to the Thar creates a huge buzz in the market.
What to Expect from the New Mahindra Thar Facelift
Design Upgrades and Exterior Changes
Front Fascia Redesign
One of the biggest expectations from the upcoming facelift is a refreshed front fascia. Mahindra is likely to tweak the signature seven-slot grille, introduce sharper headlamps with LED DRLs, and refine the bumper for a bolder look. These changes won’t dilute the New Mahindra Thar rugged DNA but will give it a more modern stance.
Alloy Wheels and Body Styling
The facelift could introduce new alloy wheel designs, possibly larger in size, to enhance road presence. Expect sportier wheel arches, tweaked side cladding, and subtle cosmetic upgrades. Mahindra might also refine the rear with redesigned tail lamps and bumper styling for a premium touch.
New Color Options
To attract younger buyers, Mahindra may launch new, vibrant color shades along with matte finish options. Current popular shades like Red Rage, Napoli Black, and Aquamarine could be retained, while new dual-tone finishes might be introduced.
Interior Revamp and Comfort Enhancements
Infotainment and Connectivity Features
Inside, the New Mahindra Thar facelift is expected to bring a more advanced infotainment system. Rumors suggest a larger touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support. Mahindra may also add connected car features like remote engine start, vehicle tracking, and live diagnostics, making the Thar more tech-savvy.
Cabin Comfort and Premium Touches
Comfort has been one of the New Mahindra Thar weaker points compared to rivals. The facelift could address this by adding more premium upholstery, improved seat cushioning, and better sound insulation. Features like automatic climate control, a digital instrument cluster, and wireless charging may also find their way into the cabin.
Engine and Performance Updates
Petrol and Diesel Engine Options
The current Thar comes with two engine choices—a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol and a 2.2-liter diesel. For the facelift, Mahindra may retain these engines but tune them for better efficiency and refinement. Hybrid or mild-hybrid technology could also be considered to meet upcoming emission norms.
Transmission and Drivetrain Choices
Both manual and automatic transmissions will likely continue, with improved calibration for smoother performance. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) options are expected to stay, catering to both urban commuters and hardcore off-roaders.
Off-Roading Capabilities and Enhancements
The Thar is known for its off-road prowess, and Mahindra won’t compromise on this. Expect enhanced 4×4 modes, better approach and departure angles, and possibly even advanced terrain response systems. This facelift could make the Thar an even more formidable beast on challenging terrains.
Technology and Safety Features
Advanced Infotainment System
One of the most talked-about upgrades for the upcoming New Mahindra Thar facelift is its infotainment system. The current generation already offers a 7-inch touchscreen, but the facelift is expected to raise the game with a larger, high-resolution display. This new system is likely to come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity. Navigation, voice commands, and improved audio quality could also be part of the package. With buyers increasingly prioritizing tech features, Mahindra knows it must deliver a system that rivals premium SUVs, not just competitors like the Jimny or Gurkha.
Another key highlight could be OTA (Over-the-Air) updates, allowing the SUV to receive software improvements and feature enhancements remotely. This future-proofs the New Mahindra Thar and keeps it relevant without frequent physical updates. In a world where technology defines user experience, these improvements can make the New Mahindra Thar stand out in its segment.
Connected Car Technology
Connected car features are no longer limited to luxury vehicles, and Mahindra seems determined to offer them in the Thar facelift. Buyers can expect features like remote engine start/stop, door lock/unlock, vehicle tracking, geo-fencing, and even driver behavior analytics. Such features are extremely handy for urban users who want the convenience of controlling their SUV through a smartphone app.
Imagine being able to pre-cool your Thar before stepping inside on a hot day or tracking its location during an off-road expedition—it’s these little things that enhance ownership experience. If Mahindra equips the Thar with 4G/5G compatibility and AI-based assistance, it could easily become one of the smartest SUVs in its segment.
Safety Enhancements and Driver Assistance Features
Safety is another area where the Thar facelift is expected to improve significantly. While the current model already offers dual airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP, and hill hold control, the facelift might bring in additional safety measures. Features like six airbags, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning could make their way to higher trims.
Another major expectation is improved crash-test ratings. The existing Thar scored well at Global NCAP, but with Bharat NCAP norms coming into effect, Mahindra may strengthen the structure further. A safer Thar won’t just appeal to enthusiasts but also to families considering it as a second or even primary car.
Expected Variants and Pricing
Different Trim Levels
Mahindra has always offered the Thar in multiple variants to suit different buyer preferences. The facelift will likely continue this approach with both petrol and diesel options, manual and automatic transmissions, as well as 2WD and 4WD configurations. We could also see the introduction of new lifestyle-oriented trims that focus on creature comforts rather than hardcore off-roading.
Expect the base variant to remain a no-nonsense SUV for enthusiasts, while the top-end trim might feature luxury touches like leatherette upholstery, advanced tech features, and premium audio. Mahindra may also launch a limited-edition version with unique colors and accessories to celebrate the facelift’s arrival.
Price Range Expectations
Currently, the New Mahindra Thar starts around ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹17 lakh. With the facelift bringing in new features and safety enhancements, a price hike is almost certain. Industry experts predict a ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh increase depending on the variant.
While this may push the Thar closer to premium rivals, its value proposition will still remain strong. Buyers looking for an affordable lifestyle SUV with genuine off-road capabilities will still find it difficult to resist.
Comparison with Current Model
The facelifted Thar is expected to be more than just a cosmetic upgrade. Compared to the current model, it should offer:
- A more premium cabin with added comfort.
- Better safety and modern driver-assistance features.
- Enhanced infotainment and connectivity options.
- Slightly improved fuel efficiency with engine tweaks.
All these upgrades combined will make the Thar facelift a much more rounded package—something that appeals not only to hardcore enthusiasts but also to a broader urban audience.
Competitors in the Segment
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
One of the strongest rivals to the New Mahindra Thar facelift is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Launched in 2023, the Jimny has already captured attention with its compact size, affordability, and off-road capabilities. However, compared to the Thar, it lacks a powerful engine and rugged road presence. Mahindra’s facelifted Thar will aim to maintain its dominance by offering a more powerful, feature-loaded, and lifestyle-driven product.
Force Gurkha
The Force Gurkha, though less popular than the New Mahindra Thar, is another competitor in the off-road SUV space. Known for its simple yet extremely capable off-road DNA, the Gurkha appeals to purists who value function over form. However, its lack of modern features and premium touches puts it at a disadvantage. The Thar facelift’s upgrades in comfort and technology could widen this gap further.
Jeep Wrangler (as a premium rival)
Though in a completely different price bracket, the Jeep Wrangler is often seen as a benchmark for off-road lifestyle SUVs. Many Thar owners consider it a “budget Wrangler” due to its styling and capabilities. With the facelift, Mahindra might push this resemblance even further while ensuring affordability.
Market Expectations and Consumer Demand
Young Buyers and Adventure Enthusiasts
The New Mahindra Thar has always been a dream SUV for young buyers who want adventure, style, and individuality. The facelifted version will likely target the same audience but with added comfort and modern features. Mahindra is well aware that Gen-Z and millennials want more than just ruggedness—they also want connected tech, safety, and daily usability.
Urban vs. Rural Demand
Interestingly, the New Mahindra Thar is equally popular in both urban and rural markets, but for different reasons. In urban areas, it’s seen as a lifestyle SUV and a status symbol. In rural markets, it’s appreciated for its durability and capability on rough terrains. The facelift will need to balance these two audiences carefully—adding premium features without compromising the rugged DNA.
Resale Value and Ownership Experience
The New Mahindra Thar already enjoys strong resale value, and with the facelift bringing modern enhancements, this will only get better. Owners can expect a better ownership experience thanks to improved cabin comfort, tech features, and safety upgrades. This makes the Thar facelift not just a fun buy but also a smart investment.
Launch Timeline and Availability
Mahindra has commenced testing the facelifted version of the three-door New Mahindra Thar. It is expected to be launched in India by the end of 2025.
Pre-Booking and Waiting Period
Given the demand for the current New Mahindra Thar, it’s safe to assume that the facelifted version will attract huge pre-bookings. Buyers may face waiting periods ranging from a few months to even half a year, depending on the variant. Mahindra will likely ramp up production to meet this demand, but supply chain challenges may still play a role.