Mahindra Thar : Ever since it roared back onto Indian roads in 2020, the Mahindra Thar has captured hearts with its rugged charm and unbeatable off-road prowess.
Now, as we hit 2026, fresh updates and buzz around a major facelift keep this icon relevant for adventure seekers and city dwellers alike.
A Bold Refresh That Turns Heads
The 2025 facelift hit showrooms last October, kicking off at just ₹9.99 lakh, making the Thar more accessible without diluting its tough vibe.
Mahindra spruced up the exterior with new colors like Battleship Grey and Tango Red, plus a body-colored grille that gives it a fiercer stance.
At the back, a clever parking camera tucked into the spare wheel hub and a new wiper setup make reversing in muck a breeze—practical touches for real-world use.
Inside, the cabin feels modernized with an all-black dashboard, a redesigned steering wheel, and door-mounted power windows that scream upgrade.
Front seats now boast individual armrests with storage, while rear AC vents ensure everyone stays cool on long hauls. No more fumbling for the fuel lid either; it’s now a simple interior switch away.
Power and Tech That Pack a Punch
Under the hood, the Thar sticks to its reliable roots with a 1.5-litre diesel pumping out 117 bhp or the punchier 2.2-litre mHawk diesel hitting higher tunes, paired with manuals or autos, and RWD or 4WD options.
The star addition is the 10.25-inch HD touchscreen supporting wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, alongside Type-C ports and an upgraded off-road display showing altimeter, trip data, and even tyre direction.
Adventure fans rave about the Gen II stats—racing tabs, outside temp, and steering angle—that turn every trail into a data-driven thrill. Safety gets a nod too, with features like rear-view cams and a 4-star Global NCAP rating, though higher trims whisper Level-2 ADAS for the next big leap.
Dominating Sales and Trails Alike
Sales figures tell the story: the Thar brand, boosted by the 5-door Roxx sibling, moved 30,634 units in Q1 FY2026 alone, with Roxx grabbing 68% of that pie at 20,726 units versus the classic 3-door’s 9,908.
That’s a massive jump, pushing Thar to Mahindra’s second-best seller after the Scorpios.
Owners can’t stop gushing about its off-road chops. “It looks like a lion walking,” one user noted, praising the 4×4 manual for slush-splashing fun, though mileage dips on highways and rear seats feel snug for family trips.
The facelift smooths some bumps, but it’s built for dirt, not daily commutes—perfect for Punjab’s rugged terrains around Mohali.
What’s Brewing for 2026 Facelift
Whispers of a 2026 facelift (codenamed W515) have enthusiasts buzzing, with test mules spotted boasting revised LED headlights, a bolder grille, and chunkier wheels.
Inside, expect ventilated seats, wireless charging, power-folding mirrors, and maybe that Level-2 ADAS for smarter safety.
Mahindra axed the convertible trims last year to streamline to 11 variants, focusing on hardtops from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹16.99 lakh ex-showroom. Top-end LXT 4WD Hard Tops hover around ₹20 lakh on-road, blending value with premium feels.
Why Thar Still Rules the Roost
From urban crawls to Himalayan highs, the Thar blends nostalgia with now. Recent GST tweaks promise price cuts up to ₹1.35 lakh, sweetening the deal amid rising EV chatter—yet its diesel grunt keeps purists loyal.
Competitors like Jimny nibble at edges, but Thar’s price-feature mix, massive community, and modding scene set it apart. Monthly sales held steady around 9,000-12,000 units through late 2025, proving enduring appeal.
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Mahindra Thar : Gear Up for Thar 2.0
The Mahindra Thar isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, evolving from cult off-roader to family hauler with Roxx’s help, all while teasing a 2026 glow-up.
Whether you’re splashing through monsoons or eyeing that next facelift, this beast delivers raw joy that few match. In a world of soft-roaders, Thar stays gloriously hard-core—grab one before the next wave hits.