Adventure enthusiasts in India have a new reason to get excited about the Mahindra Thar. The beloved off-roader, often seen as a more affordable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler, has received a mid-cycle facelift packed with thoughtful upgrades. These changes aim to make the Thar more appealing, more comfortable, and even more capable, without losing the rugged personality that made it so popular. Borrowing several features from the larger, four-door Thar Roxx launched last year, the updated two-door Thar continues to blend off-road strength with everyday usability.
Visually, Mahindra chose to keep the two-door Thar distinct from its longer sibling. Instead of adopting the Roxx’s redesigned grille and LED headlight setup, the facelifted Thar retains its traditional look but adds some fresh styling touches. The familiar seven-slot grille now features a body-colored finish, complemented by a dual-tone front bumper and new 18-inch dark alloy wheels that add a tougher stance. The overall body design remains faithful to the original, preserving that unmistakable Wrangler-inspired silhouette. However, Mahindra has expanded the color palette with two striking new shades—Tango Red and Battleship Grey—while also adding practical exterior upgrades like a rear windshield washer and wiper for improved visibility.
Inside, the cabin sees the biggest transformation. The dashboard now houses a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, borrowed from the Thar Roxx, which replaces the smaller 7-inch unit from the outgoing model. This new screen isn’t just larger—it’s also smarter, offering real-time off-road performance data, perfect for adventure enthusiasts. Mahindra has also improved cabin ergonomics by relocating the power window switches to the door panels for easier access. Between the front seats sits a sliding armrest, adding extra comfort on long drives. Passengers in the rear now benefit from dedicated air-conditioning vents and entry assist handles mounted on the A-pillars, improving both comfort and convenience. Additional updates include USB-C charging ports at both ends, a rearview camera, and a remote fuel-filler release, bringing the Thar’s cabin experience closer to modern SUV standards.
Underneath, the Thar continues to ride on its robust ladder-frame chassis, maintaining its off-road credibility. While the core platform remains unchanged, Mahindra has fine-tuned the suspension to deliver better on-road comfort without compromising trail performance. The engine lineup carries over unchanged, offering three options: a 1.5-liter diesel producing 117 hp, a 2.2-liter diesel with 130 hp, and a 2.0-liter petrol delivering 150 hp. Depending on the variant, power is sent to either the rear wheels or all four wheels, paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Where the Thar really shines, however, is in its pricing. The base RWD manual model starts at just $11,300, while the fully loaded 4WD automatic version tops out at $19,100. This places it well below the Thar Roxx, priced between $13,800 and $24,900, and leagues more affordable than the Jeep Wrangler, whose only available trim in India, the five-door Unlimited, starts at a staggering $72,200. For Indian buyers seeking adventure, style, and rugged capability without breaking the bank, the updated Mahindra Thar stands out as the perfect sweet spot between affordability and excitement.