Upcoming Mahindra Thar Facelift spied testing — Top things to know!

The Mahindra Thar has always had a loyal following in India. It has been a kind of SUV that people buy with conviction not just convenience. So when a camouflaged test mule of the upcoming Mahindra Thar 3-door was recently spotted on public roads, it grabbed attention. 

The 3-door Thar had already received updates in October 2025. But what has been caught on camera this time around is something more substantial which showed a design direction that draws heavily from its 5-door Thar Roxx sibling. While the recent spy images weren’t the first, they are definitely capturing a lot of attention. Here is a full breakdown of what the upcoming Thar facelift’s new spy shots reveal and what can be reasonably expected when the 2026 Mahindra Thar facelift eventually arrives.

Upcoming Mahindra Thar Facelift exterior — A Roxx-inspired makeover for the 3-Door?

The most obvious change on the Mahindra Thar facelift test mule is at the front. The current model carries recessed circular headlamps with LED DRLs. But the updated version shows a clear shift. The headlamps now sit flush with the front fascia, much like the Thar Roxx. However, it still retain that unmistakable round-light identity.

Other borrowed details from the 5-door include the C-shaped LED DRL signature and a body-colour six-slatted grille. The front bumper and turn indicator housings also seem subtly reworked.

On the sides, the silhouette stays largely familiar. The alloy wheels on the test mule feature a newer design. It is anticipated that the Thar facelift could move up to 19-inch wheels from the Roxx lineup, compared to the current 16- and 18-inch options. At the rear, revised LED tail lamps bring detailing more in line with the Roxx units. The test mule was spotted in what looks like a Galaxy Grey shade, although more colour options are likely at launch.

2026 Mahindra Thar Facelift interior

The upcoming 2026 Thar facelift’s interior hasn’t been captured in detail by the spy shots. Camouflage on a test mule rarely gives away what’s happening inside. That said, based on the pattern Mahindra has followed with the Roxx and what’s needed to keep the Thar competitive, some expectations are reasonable. It wouldn’t be impossible to expect that, similar to the exterior, the interior might also borrow a few elements from the 5-door model.

The cabin is expected to get refreshed upholstery, likely with better material quality on the upper trims. The Thar facelift is likely to retain the existing 10.24-inch infotainment screen, digital cluster, automatic climate control, wireless charging, keyless entry with push-button start, ventilated front seats, an auto-dimming inside rear-view mirror, and auto-folding outside mirrors, among others. These are features the Roxx already carries and are expected here as well. By 2026 standards, they aren’t extravagant additions but they will help keep the Thar competitive.

Upcoming 3-door Mahindra Thar features and safety — Level 2 ADAS could be the headline?

Arguably the most significant update for the upcoming Mahindra Thar is the expected addition of a ADAS suite. This includes lane departure warning, forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Features increasingly expected by highway users.

On the safety front, the facelift is likely to retain the current airbag count and standard features such as ESP with roll-over mitigation, hill hold & descent control, ABS with EBD & brake assist, seat belt reminders, ISOFIX child mounts, roll cage, 3-point rear seat belts, snow chain provision, panic braking signal, vehicle over-speed warning, and passenger airbag deactivation.

Mahindra Thar 2026 Engine Options — No Surprises?

Mechanically, the Thar facelift is expected to carry over the existing engine lineup with no new or hybrid options. The petrol 2.0-litre turbo makes 152PS and 300 Nm, available with a 6-speed manual or automatic, in RWD or 4x4. Diesel buyers get a 1.5-litre 119PS and 300 Nm (6-speed manual, RWD) and a 2.2-litre 132PS and 300 Nm (manual or automatic, 4x4). The 4WD system remains part-time.

2026 Mahindra Thar Facelift launch timeline

Mahindra has not announced a launch date for the Thar facelift, and no official confirmation is expected until closer to its debut. Based on the current stage of testing, the 2026 Thar facelift is likely to arrive in the second half of 2026, with a festive season window between September and November being realistic.

Mahindra Thar 2026 price & rivals

The current Thar 3-door is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh and Rs 17.19 lakh (ex-showroom). With added features like ADAS and a premium interior, the facelift could start around Rs 10 lakh, with top variants approaching or slightly crossing Rs 18 lakh. A modest increase of Rs 50,000 to 1 lakh across variants seems likely.

The Mahindra Thar holds a unique position in the Indian market, with no direct competitor matching its off-road capability at a similar price. The Maruti Jimny is the closest comparison though it has faced sales challenges. The Force Gurkha is another option, now updated and more capable.

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