Mahindra Thar 2025-2026

The Thar's engine range is easy enough to understand. The 1.5-litre diesel is offered only with RWD and is the more fuel-efficient choice for regular road use. The 2.2-litre diesel comes only with the 4x4 setup and is better suited to buyers who plan to explore tougher terrain. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is available with both RWD and 4x4, and is the pick for those who want stronger performance. 

2.0-litre Turbo-Petrol

The 2.0-litre petrol is easily the quickest engine in the Thar range. It makes 150 bhp and feels strong when you need to accelerate or overtake on the highway. The automatic version gets 320 Nm, compared with 300 Nm in the manual, and the torque-converter gearbox suits the engine well.

It is also the engine to pick if performance matters more than fuel bills. The petrol Thar can use quite a lot of fuel in city traffic, especially when driven enthusiastically.

1.5-litre Diesel

The smaller diesel is meant mainly to make the Thar more affordable and easier to run. It produces 117 bhp and 300 Nm, which is enough for normal city and highway use. It is available only with RWD and a 6-speed manual.

For someone who wants the Thar's looks and driving position without needing 4x4, this is arguably the most sensible version.

2.2-litre Diesel

The 2.2-litre mHawk is the diesel choice for buyers who want the Thar's full off-road hardware. It produces 130 bhp and 300 Nm, with the torque spread across a useful rev range.

You can have it with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Combined with the low-range transfer case, it gives the Thar plenty of control when climbing, crawling or driving through loose surfaces.

Which Powertrain Should You Choose?

• 1.5L Diesel RWD Manual: Best for buyers who mainly drive in the city and on highways, want better fuel economy and do not need 4x4.
• 2.0L Turbo-Petrol Manual/Automatic: Best for buyers who want stronger performance, quicker acceleration and a more enjoyable highway driving experience.
• 2.2L Diesel 4WD Manual/Automatic: The right choice for serious off-road use, especially if you regularly drive on trails, loose surfaces or steep terrain.

The Thar feels very different from a regular SUV, with its upright seating, sturdy build and old-school off-road character. It is much easier to drive on the road than older Thars, but its firm ride and heavy steering are still part of the experience.

City Driving

The Thar is not the easiest SUV to drive around town, but its compact length helps. The steering feels heavy at low speeds, especially while parking, and the suspension can send sharp bumps into the cabin.

The high seating position gives you a good view of traffic, while the upright shape makes it easy to judge the corners. Its size also helps when you have to squeeze through narrow streets or tight parking areas.

Highway Driving

The newer Thar is much more settled on the highway than its predecessors. At around 100 kmph, it tracks straighter and needs fewer steering corrections than the old model.

The suspension still feels firm, though, and wind noise becomes noticeable as speeds rise. Roof and body rattles can also show up on some cars. The larger petrol and diesel engines have enough power for highway overtakes without much drama.

Off-Road Performance

This is where the Thar makes the most sense. The 4WD versions come with a proper part-time 4x4 system with high- and low-range gearing. They also get a mechanical locking differential at the rear and electronic brake locking assistance.

With 226 mm of ground clearance and 650 mm of water-wading ability, the Thar can tackle rocky sections, slush, sand and steep climbs with ease. The low-range gearing is particularly useful when you need to crawl over difficult terrain without relying heavily on the accelerator.

The Mahindra Thar Variants come in two main trims, AXT and LXT. Both retain the same basic off-road character, but the LXT adds most of the equipment buyers are likely to want for everyday use.

AXT

The AXT is the simpler version and makes sense if you care more about the mechanical package than fancy equipment. It gets 16-inch steel wheels, tubular side steps and a basic cabin with vinyl seats.

The equipment list is fairly straightforward, making it a good starting point for buyers who plan to customise their Thar themselves.

LXT

The LXT gives the Thar a more finished feel. It gets 18-inch alloy wheels, moulded side steps, fog lamps and a dual-tone bumper.

Inside, it adds fabric seats, a height-adjustable driver's seat, steering-mounted controls and cruise control. This is the version that works better if the Thar will also be used regularly on the road.

Which Thar Variant Should You Buy?

• AXT 2WD: Best for buyers who want the Thar's rugged character and plan to customise it with their own accessories.
• LXT 2WD: A good fit for city users who mainly want the Thar's design, road presence and high seating position.
• LXT 4WD Manual: The pick for enthusiasts who want proper off-road ability and prefer having more control over the car.
• LXT 4WD Automatic: The most convenient option if you want to use the Thar in traffic as well as on weekend trails.

The Thar is not a vehicle you buy expecting exceptional fuel economy. Its upright shape, ladder-frame construction and heavy 4WD hardware all have an effect on consumption.

The 1.5-litre diesel is the most economical option and works reasonably well as a daily driver. The 2.2-litre diesel is less efficient in traffic, while the turbo-petrol can easily dip into single-digit figures in heavy city use.

The diesel versions also use a 20-litre DEF tank. The 1.5-litre diesel has a 45-litre fuel tank, while the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol get 57-litre tanks.

These figures can fall further when driving in 4-Low, tackling difficult trails or maintaining high speeds on the highway.

There is little doubt about what the Thar is trying to look like. Its upright body, round headlamps, exposed-looking wheel arches and rear-mounted spare wheel give it the classic off-roader appearance.

Front

The front gets a flat bonnet, vertical grille and round headlamps. The LXT adds fog lamps and a dual-tone bumper, while the AXT keeps things simpler with an all-black bumper.

Side

The wide wheel arches give the Thar plenty of visual bulk and leave room for suspension movement when driving off-road. Black door handles, a fender-mounted antenna and side steps add to its rugged appearance. The AXT uses 16-inch steel wheels, whereas the LXT gets 18-inch alloy wheels.

Rear

The full-size spare wheel sits on the tailgate, as you would expect on an off-roader. The rear door opens in two sections, with the lower section swinging out and the glass section lifting upwards. Vertical LED tail lamps sit towards the corners of the body, keeping them relatively protected from branches and other obstacles while off-roading.

The Thar's cabin has become far more comfortable than before, but it has not tried to turn itself into a luxury SUV. The focus is still on durability and easy cleaning.

Front Seats

The front seats offer decent support and hold you in place when the vehicle is moving over rough terrain. LXT versions get fabric upholstery, while the AXT uses washable vinyl seats.

There is also a grab handle on the passenger side of the dashboard, which comes in handy when the Thar is climbing or descending steep sections.

Rear Seats

There are only two seats in the second row, and both face forward. The passenger-side front seat can be tipped and slid forward to make getting into the back easier.

Once seated, adults get reasonable knee room, helped by the shape of the front seatbacks. The rear seats split 50:50 and can be reclined individually. Getting in and out is still more difficult than in a regular five-door SUV.

Technology & Convenience

The Thar gets a 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired and wireless Android Auto. It also has Adventure Statistics, which is particularly useful when you take the vehicle off-road.

The system can show information such as pitch and roll angle, steering angle, altitude, compass direction and tyre pressures. The display can also tell you where the front wheels are pointing, which is useful when you cannot see the wheels clearly on a trail.

The speakers are mounted high in the cabin, including on the roof structure, to keep them away from water splashes during off-road use.

Boot Space & Storage

Boot space is one of the Thar's weaker points. With both rear seats in use, there is only enough room for a couple of small bags. Folding the 50:50 split rear seats makes a big difference and creates a much larger load area for luggage, camping equipment or recovery gear. There are also bottle holders, door pockets, a lockable glovebox and other small storage spaces around the cabin.

The Thar gets a solid set of safety equipment across both variants, including dual airbags, ESC with rollover mitigation, hill-assist systems and an integrated roll cage. The 3-door Thar has also received a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating in its tested specification. The LXT adds useful features such as a rear camera, TPMS and tyre-direction monitoring.

Passive Safety

The standard safety package includes dual front airbags, 3-point seatbelts for all four occupants, seatbelt reminders, ISOFIX child-seat mounts and an integrated roll cage. The passenger airbag can also be deactivated when required for specific child-seat arrangements.

Active Safety

ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, ESC with rollover mitigation, Hill Hold Control and Hill Descent Control are standard. Rear parking sensors and speed alert warnings are also included. On 4WD versions, the Thar gets a mechanical locking differential and electronic brake-locking assistance, which help maintain traction on uneven and slippery surfaces. Do note that there is no ADAS in the standard Thar.

Mahindra Thar Safety Features Variant-Wise

The core safety package is standard on both trims, while the LXT adds useful monitoring and parking features.

The Thar does not have too many direct rivals because it mixes everyday SUV use with proper off-road hardware. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha are its closest 4x4 alternatives, while the Thar Roxx offers a more practical version of the same formula.

Mahindra Thar vs Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha is built with more extreme off-roading in mind. Its front and rear locking differentials, factory snorkel and high water-wading ability give it an edge when the terrain gets particularly difficult.

The Thar is the better middle ground for most buyers. It is quicker on the road, gets a more polished cabin and offers a 6-speed automatic, making it much easier to live with between off-road trips.

Mahindra Thar vs Thar Roxx

The Thar Roxx is the easier one to recommend if the SUV has to double up as a family car. Its five-door layout, larger cabin and bigger boot make daily use much easier, while higher variants also bring more equipment.

The three-door Thar has a different appeal. It is smaller, easier to squeeze through tight trails and feels more like a dedicated lifestyle off-roader. If rear-seat space is not a priority, the shorter body can actually be an advantage off-road.

Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The Jimny takes a lighter and more compact approach to off-roading. Its smaller size and 5-door body make it easier to use in the city, while its low weight helps when tackling narrow trails.

The Thar feels considerably more powerful, though. Its turbo-petrol and diesel engines offer more punch than the Jimny's 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, particularly when cruising or overtaking on highways.

Which One Should You Consider?

• Mahindra Thar: Go for it if you want a proper 3-door off-roader with strong engines and plenty of road presence.
• Force Gurkha: Pick it if serious off-roading is the main reason for buying the SUV and you want hardware such as locking differentials.
• Mahindra Thar Roxx: The better fit if you want the Thar's character but also need five seats, more cabin room and a useful boot.
• Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Makes more sense if you want a lighter 4x4 that is compact and easier to manage every day.

The Thar has plenty going for it if you want a proper lifestyle SUV, especially its strong 4x4 hardware and powerful engines. But its three-door layout, firm ride and limited boot space can make everyday use less convenient than a regular SUV.

Despite these drawbacks, the Thar still stands out for buyers who want genuine off-road ability, a rugged design and a more engaging driving experience in one package.

The Thar makes the most sense if you really want a rugged SUV that can go off-road. If you need a spacious rear seat, a large boot, easy entry and exit, or a softer ride, there are better SUVs for everyday use. The three-door layout and small boot are things you will have to live with.

What makes the Thar special is that it is not just designed to look like an off-roader. The 4WD versions get low-range gearing, good ground clearance and proper off-road hardware. The bigger petrol and diesel engines also make highway driving easy enough. Add the high seating position and distinctive design, and the Thar has plenty of character even in the city.

For mainly city driving, the 1.5-litre diesel 2WD is the sensible choice. It costs less, uses less fuel than the petrol and gives you the Thar's looks and high driving position without paying extra for 4WD. If you plan to spend most weekends on trails, hills or rough roads, the 2.2-litre diesel 4WD automatic makes more sense. It has good low-speed pulling power, proper 4x4 hardware and an automatic gearbox that makes both traffic and off-roading easier.

There are also a few alternatives worth looking at. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is smaller, lighter and easier to handle, while the Force Gurkha is better suited to buyers looking for more serious off-road hardware. If you like the Thar but need more space and five seats, the Thar Roxx is the more practical option.

Overall, the Thar is not the most practical SUV in its price range, but it offers something most of its rivals don't: a proper off-road experience along with strong road presence and enough comfort for everyday driving.