Complete Guide to Buying a Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar has gained massive popularity since its debut in India, primarily due to its distinctive, rugged look that evokes old-school Jeeps. The Thar comes with incredible off-road capabilities and can traverse any terrain; however, it lacks some modern features, such as a rear parking camera, 6 airbags, an ADAS system, wireless chargers and many more. Where it lacks features, it makes up for raw power, delivering unparalleled adventure capabilities due to its massive ground clearance of 226mm, robust 4x4 system and excellent approach/departure angles that allow it to tackle challenging terrain easily. 

The second-generation Mahindra Thar, launched in 2020, brought changes such as a new ladder-on-frame chassis, which improved the crash safety, as the new chassis is much wider and stiffer. Also, this ladder frame is optimised to handle extreme articulations, climbs, and water wading, which helps a lot in extreme off-road conditions. A brand new 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine was also introduced, capable of producing 150 bhp, enhancing the power and allowing the Thar to tackle steep gradients, dunes and water crossings more confidently. It has been a consistent bestseller and provides a complete package because of its powerful engine options and better off-road capabilities that beat its competitors, like the Jimny. If you are looking for a true-blue go-anywhere SUV, the Thar is definitely a good option. Here is a complete buying guide to help you understand everything about the Mahindra Thar.

Mahindra Thar Specification

Designed to be a tough, rugged, reliable and affordable SUV, the Mahindra Thar has since then evolved as one of India’s most favourite off-road SUVs. Locking horns with long-term rival Force Gurkha as well as new-age competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, what makes the Mahindra Thar a class apart is its off-roading performance, massive popularity, along with better resale value and the most powerful engine amongst its rivals. Despite the segment’s aggressive competition, the Thar, with its affordable price tag, manages to win the hearts of adventure lovers. Here’s what the Thar packs in:

Why you should consider the Mahindra Thar

Although it is a fact that there are not many off-road SUVs available in the market, it is also a fact that the Mahindra Thar is not only an off-road SUV, but it is also an SUV that comes with some affordable Rear Wheel Drive variants, which produce 117 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque with a 1.5L diesel engine. On the other hand, the 2.0L petrol engine delivers 150 bhp and 300 Nm torque, making the Mahindra Thar a true leader in every sense. Providing its customers with a holistic experience, the Mahindra Thar offers many benefits that make it different from its competitors. Here are a few reasons to choose the Mahindra Thar over other competitors in the same price bracket.

Modern Elegance with Toughness

When it comes to design, its rugged lineage with modernity gives the SUV a commanding yet modern look. Unlike the boxy shape of typical off-road vehicles, the Thar has a sculpted stance that gives it character without looking too loud with its high wheel arches and prominent bumpers. When compared to its peers like the Force Gurkha and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the Thar’s design language appears more mature and well thought out, as it was introduced with features like LED DRLs & tail lamps along with 18-inch alloy wheels. It is a rare breed that strikes the perfect balance between being bold and elegant, and rugged and refined, making it one of the most desirable looking SUV in its class.

It proudly flaunts its off-road character with bulging wheel arches, aggressive bumpers, and a rear-mounted spare wheel and that massive ground clearance of 226mm. This gives the Mahindra Thar a tough yet attractive look.

The interior of the Mahindra Thar appears modern and contemporary with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, steering-mounted controls, connected car features, and keyless entry. At the same time, it retains its off-road credentials with useful features such as removable doors, washable interiors, roof-mounted speakers, and a washable floor.

Thrilling Off-Road Performance

When it comes to off-road performance, the Mahindra Thar is tough to beat, one of the most capable vehicles in the market. After all, it has been designed to perform in tough terrain conditions and outshines other vehicles in this aspect. When compared to rivals such as the Gurkha and Jimny, the Mahindra Thar offers best in class approach (41.2 mm) and break-over angles (26.2 mm), which helps the SUV take on any terrain without breaking a sweat. Based on the variant chosen, the Mahindra Thar also offers both mechanical and brake locking differentials to help you tackle tough situations without any difficulty, along with features like a 4x4 powertrain with mechanical locking differentials, 226mm ground clearance, and specialised off-road data displays (Adventure Stats). 

Being a true off-road vehicle, the Thar also offers 600 mm of water-wading capacity without any external snorkel, which gives the Mahindra Thar an advantage over other vehicles like the Jimny. No matter what the situation is, the Thar’s all-terrain suspension system is designed to provide a smooth ride, which is difficult to match even by lifestyle SUVs such as the Venue, Brezza, and Fronx. With a manual low-ratio 4x4 transfer case and best-in-segment ground clearance of 226 mm, the Mahindra Thar is ready for every challenge, making it one of the best off-road SUVs in the Indian market.

Exceptional Handling and Versatile Performance

One of the major reasons for the unparalleled popularity of the Mahindra Thar is its diverse and potent engine range, which is engineered to ensure that every drive is both exhilarating and effortless. With three powerful engine variants, the Thar has something for every kind of driver. Even with the BS6 norms in action, it is one of the few SUVs in the Indian market that offers two diesel engine variants and a petrol engine option. The 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine delivers a smooth, peppy driving experience, while the 2.2-litre diesel engine is a powerhouse, making it one of the most exciting engines in its class. The 1.5-litre diesel engine provides the perfect blend of power and torque, especially in the rear-wheel-drive model. To make it even more convenient for the driver, the 6-speed automatic transmission is available with the two larger engines, ensuring a seamless and effortless driving experience.

Safety is another area where the Mahindra Thar scores well. With a 4-star crash test rating and a host of essential safety features, the Thar combines performance with peace of mind. In short, whether it is the engine or the drivetrain, the Mahindra Thar delivers a ride that is powerful, smooth, and full of excitement, which allows it to truly stand out in its class.

Why you should not consider the Mahindra Thar

While the Thar offers some extra advantages over competitors, there are still a few compromises that must be considered before making a decision, especially when the competition is diverse and the market is filled with great options. Here’s where the Thar lacks when compared to competitors in the same price bracket.

Cramped Interiors 

While the Mahindra Thar appeals to both off-road enthusiasts and lifestyle SUV fans, its interior space does have some limitations:

• The current 2-door, 4-seat configuration is cramped, especially for families and is not a practical daily SUV. 
• The rear seats can only be accessed by folding the front seats, which is a bit of a hassle and uncomfortable for both front and rear occupants, especially on long drives.
• The rear occupants, once seated, may find the headroom and legroom a bit inadequate, considering that the space is meant for only two people. 
• The boot space is also small, with little room for luggage when all four seats are in use. 

Although these problems were resolved with the 5-door version of the Thar, i.e. Thar Roxx, this particular version of the Mahindra Thar does have some practicality and space issues.

Bumpy Ride and Lack of Features

Though the Mahindra Thar performs admirably in off-road conditions, its stiff road suspension makes it a bumpy ride on regular roads. Irrespective of the speed at which the Thar is driven, it has a tendency to be slightly bouncy. Taking into consideration other compact SUVs in the same price segment, there is scope for improvement in terms of overall ride quality.

The Mahindra Thar can also improve its list of in-car features. Though it has all the necessary features, such as cruise control, a touchscreen infotainment system, and steering-mounted controls, it still lacks some necessary features, such as automatic climate control, a rear parking camera, headlight washers, and LED headlamps, which are available in its competitors, like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.

Mahindra Thar Variants

Best Variant for You

• If you are looking for the best value for money and ease of use, the LXT RWD (Diesel) is a great option offering a smooth ride, fuel efficiency, and easy on the pocket. 
• If you are looking for an automatic transmission for an easy city drive, the LXT RWD AT (Petrol) is a great option, offering a smoother driving experience with slightly higher operating costs. 

• If you are looking for an off-road vehicle or driving in harsh terrain/monsoon conditions, opt for the 4WD variant of these. The LXT 4WD Diesel AT (Diesel) is a great option, offering a great balance of low-end torque, off-road readiness, and the convenience of an automatic transmission.

   

Mahindra Thar Warranty and Service Costs

Mahindra has always been the benchmark in the SUV category, having created some of the toughest and most reliable SUVs in India since 1945. The Thar, being a part of the Mahindra range, comes with a 2-year/1,00,000 km warranty and roadside assistance. In terms of maintenance, the Thar is available in both petrol and diesel versions. The annual maintenance cost for the diesel version is expected to be between ₹8,000 and ₹10,000, while for the petrol version, it is slightly lower at ₹6,000 to ₹8,000. Over a period of 5 years, the maintenance cost is expected to be between ₹40,000 and ₹50,000.

In A Nutshell

Since its launch, the second-generation Mahindra Thar has sold over 1.2 lakh units, making it a cult favourite. The Mahindra Thar is the company’s flagship off-roader, and it attracts buyers due to its competitive pricing, impressive performance, robust off-road capabilities, rugged design, and reliable engines. It is a monthly bestseller and the perfect vehicle for those who want to experience adventures beyond roads.