Mahindra Thar Hard Top vs Soft Top: Which is Better for a Used Buy?

Few SUVs in India command the kind of cult status the Mahindra Thar enjoys. Since its re-launch in 2020, the new-gen Mahindra Thar has sold over 2.5 lakh units in India, making it one of the most successful lifestyle SUVs in the country. Its appeal has carried straight into the pre-owned market, where demand often outstrips supply. But if you’re browsing listings, one question will come up again and again: used Mahindra Thar hard top vs soft top, which one makes sense for you?

It is not simply a matter of choosing between better comfort and open-air fun. Real-world ownership stories, maintenance experiences, and long-term usability show that the two options can feel like entirely different SUVs. This blog brings together expert insights and community feedback to help you make the right call in a used Thar comparison.

Variants and Availability

In 2020, the second-gen Thar was introduced and offered buyers two roof formats.

• AX: Entry-level trim, which is only offered with a fixed soft top.
• AX Optional: This optional trim opens up the choice between a convertible soft top alongside the hard top option.
• LX: The lifestyle-oriented trim, which is also available in tard top and a convertible soft top.

If you are considering pre-2020 Thar models, remember that they were sold exclusively with factory-fitted soft tops. Older Thars almost always had hard tops added aftermarket, and their quality varied depending on the installer. Moreover, as of mid-2025, the convertible soft top variants have been discontinued. 

This implies that in today’s used market, when comparing a used Mahindra Thar hard top vs soft top, you will mostly find LX versions of the new-gen Thar in both formats, with older-gen Thars remaining in soft tops unless they were later modified.

Why the Hard Top Still Wins on Practicality

Most city buyers choose a used Mahindra Thar hard top. Here are some of the common benefits that owners usually highlight: 

• Comfort & Insulation: The cabin is well sealed by the hard top. It translates to less noise, superior air-conditioning, and reduced exhaustion during long trips.
• Weatherproofing: The hard top keeps the cabin safe in case of heavy rains, dust or strong winds.
• Safety & Security: The structure is locked and the glass is fixed, which makes theft harder than a soft canvas roof.
• Better Visibility:  Hard-top models have the advantage of having proper glass windows, which do not haze or scratch like the plastic panels on older soft tops.

The trade-off? You miss the open air experience and the hard top is heavier and more expensive to repair in case of damage, which is rare to happen. However, to the majority of practical buyers doing a used Thar comparison, the hard top is the safer and more comfortable option.

Why Enthusiasts Still Love the Soft Top

A used Mahindra Thar soft top is not simply about covering the cabin but ensuring the old-school Mahindra DNA of the Thar continues to exist.

• Convertible Charm: The factory-fitted convertible soft top folds away in minutes, giving you a true open-air drive.
• Lower Cost: Soft-top Thars usually come cheaper in the used market than equivalent hard-top LX trims.
• Classic Appeal: For many enthusiasts, the Thar without a soft top doesn’t feel like a Thar at all.
   

But soft tops do demand compromises:

• More cabin noise at highway speeds.
• AC has to work harder in peak summers.
• Weather sealing can deteriorate with age, letting in water or dust.
• Security risk because unzipping or cutting the canvas is easier than breaking into a hard top.

So while the soft top offers character, the practicality gap is real in the used Mahindra Thar hard top vs soft top debate.

Hidden Costs That Catch Buyers Out

Buying a used Thar means looking beyond the sticker price. Some costs show up only after ownership:

• Soft Top Wear: Zippers, buckles, and canvas sections often need replacement after a few years.
• Noise Insulation Mods: Many soft-top owners spend extra on aftermarket insulation to make highway drives bearable.
• Hard Top Repairs: Rare, but if the roof cracks in an accident, replacement can be expensive.
• Insurance Premiums: Hard-top LX variants often have slightly higher premiums because of higher ex-showroom value.

When doing a used Thar comparison, factor these ownership costs in. They’re easy to overlook when you’re only browsing ads.

Which One Works Better for a Used Buy?

• Choose Hard Top if: You’ll drive the Thar daily in the city or on highways. It’s quieter, safer, and more comfortable.
• Choose Soft Top if: You are making a purchase based on lifestyle reasons, such as weekend driving, off-roading, or you want the open-air, vintage jeep vibe.

Enthusiast polls and buyer debates tend to lean towards the hard top as it is the more useful option in everyday life. But you will also come across long-time soft-top owners who claim they would never change, just because the open-air experience is what makes the Thar so special to them. Ultimately, the used Mahindra Thar hard top vs soft top debate is not about which one is better or worse on paper but rather which one suits the type of life you want with the SUV.

Quick Checklist for Used Buyers

• Confirm whether it’s AX (fixed soft top only) or AX/LX (convertible soft top/hard top).
• Inspect the roof for leaks (soft) or cracks (hard).
• Test AC performance and cabin noise at highway speeds.
• Check if the soft top has been replaced or repaired.
• Compare prices with equivalent hard-top models to ensure fair value.

These checks make sure your used Mahindra Thar hard top vs soft top decision is based on condition, not assumptions.

Summary

The Mahindra Thar in the used market remains one of the most distinctive SUVs you can buy. Choosing between the used Mahindra Thar Hard Top and the used Mahindra Thar Soft Top really comes down to your priorities.

If comfort, security, and ease of living with the SUV every day are important, the hard top makes more sense. If your idea of the Thar is weekend drives with the roof down and a more old-school vibe, the soft top will deliver that experience like nothing else.

Whichever way you go, the Thar continues to stand apart as a vehicle that offers more personality than most SUVs on the road today.