Since its relaunch in 2020, the Mahindra Thar has grown beyond being just an SUV. It has become a cultural statement — a symbol of freedom, exploration, and individuality. Yet, for all its charm, customers were quick to point out that it wasn’t the easiest vehicle to live with on a daily basis. Mahindra has been listening, and the 2025 Thar arrives as the most practical and well-rounded version yet, without compromising on the rugged DNA that made it such a success.
Visually, Mahindra hasn’t tampered with the formula too much. The Thar retains its classic, boxy silhouette but gains a few tweaks that elevate its presence. A new front grille now blends neatly with a dual-tone bumper, while R18 alloy wheels add a touch of sophistication. Two fresh colours join the palette — Tango Red and Battleship Grey — ensuring the Thar stands out even in a sea of SUVs. Inside, the black-themed dashboard feels more premium, and a redesigned steering wheel adds a contemporary edge. These are small touches, but they go a long way in refreshing the cabin’s look and feel.
With petrol and diesel options, manual or automatic transmissions, and RWD or 4×4 configurations, the Thar suits both city drives and off-road adventures.
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Special Arrangement
The real story,however, lies in comfort and convenience. This is where Mahindra has plugged in all the gaps Thar owners have been asking about for years. The centre console now houses a sliding armrest, complete with a small storage bin, and rear passengers finally get dedicated AC vents. Door-mounted power window switches replace the old centre-console layout, while a remote-operated fuel lid takes care of what was once an oddly manual task. Automatic variants now benefit from a dead pedal, and ingress is made easier with an A-pillar mounted entry assist handle. Everyday practicality is also improved with the inclusion of cupholders, a rear-view camera, and — at long last — a rear wash-and-wipe setup that makes visibility manageable even after a muddy off-road jaunt.
A redesigned dashboard, sliding armrest, and rear AC vents make daily driving far more practical.
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Special Arrangement
Mahindra has also future-proofed the Thar. The SUV now features a 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, backed by a six-speaker setup with tweeters. Type-C USB ports at the front and rear provide modern connectivity, while the Tyre Direction Monitoring System (TDMS) and Tyretronics (TPMS) enhance safety. Adventure seekers will love the Adventure Statistics Gen II system, which displays off-road data like altimeter readings, tyre angles, trip meters, and even a racing tab for more spirited sessions. These features add a smart layer of tech without distracting from the SUV’s no-nonsense nature.
While the updates make the Thar more livable, its off-road prowess remains at the heart of the package. We had the opportunity to experience it at Mahindra’s Igatpuri test track, where it powered through slush, climbed steep gradients, crossed water bodies, and tackled rock-strewn trails with ease. The 2025 Thar is still one of the most capable off-roaders in its class, delivering the sort of confidence that makes adventure feel second nature. On tarmac, it continues to behave much like its predecessor. Ride quality is firm but composed, power delivery is strong across the rev band, and while rear passengers may still feel a little bouncy, the front occupants will appreciate the improvements in comfort and refinement.
The 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen, Tyretronics, and Adventure Statistics Gen II enhance both on- and off-road experiences.
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Special Arrangement
The engine lineup continues with three options, paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic, and available in both RWD and 4×4 configurations. The entry-level 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel produces 117 bhp and 300 Nm, and is available only with RWD and a manual gearbox — a sensible option for those who want the Thar’s appeal without stretching their budget. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel offers 130 bhp and 300 Nm, paired to both MT and AT, and remains the go-to choice for serious off-roaders. Meanwhile, the 2.0-litre mStallion petrol is the most powerful of the lot, producing 150 bhp and up to 320 Nm with the automatic gearbox, giving it a punchy, free-revving character ideal for highways.
What Mahindra has achieved with the 2025 Thar is balance. It still remains the rugged, go-anywhere SUV that can crawl over rocks and wade through streams, but it’s also far easier to live with day in and day out. The SUV feels more complete, more practical, and better equipped to take on not just trails but traffic jams and supermarket runs too. It’s still aspirational, still iconic, but now it feels like a more rational purchase as well.
Tested at Mahindra’s Igatpuri track, the Thar powers through slush, steep gradients, water crossings, and rocky trails with ease.
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Special Arrangement
The new Thar starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 1.5-litre AX RWD variant, going up to ₹16.99 lakh for the top-spec 4×4 automatic. Between these variants and the expanded feature list, Mahindra has ensured that the Thar appeals to both lifestyle buyers and hardcore off-road enthusiasts alike — making it, quite possibly, the most versatile version of the SUV we’ve seen yet.
Prices INR 9.99 lakh – 16.99 lakh
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Published – October 04, 2025 08:01 am IST
