In 2025, the Mahindra Thar remains one of the most popular and aspirational SUVs in India — a rugged yet lifestyle-oriented vehicle that balances off-road capability with urban comfort. The Thar’s appeal lies in its strong build, iconic design, and versatility. However, prospective buyers must understand the pricing structure, variants, likely on-road cost, and feature differences before making a decision. This article provides a full overview to help you buy intelligently.
Variants and Ex-Showroom Price Range
Mahindra offers the Thar in several variants, typically differing by trim (base, mid-trim, top-trim), transmission type (manual or automatic), and 4×4/drivetrain configurations. As of early 2025, on-road price guides and auto-industry listings show that ex-showroom prices for Thar typically start from around ₹14-15 lakh for the most basic variant in smaller cities or rural dealerships. Mid-trim variants fall in the ₹17-18 lakh range, while top-trim, feature-rich 4-wheel-drive automatic versions with all bells and whistles can cross ₹20-22 lakh ex-showroom depending on location and dealership.
Depending on the variant you choose — base or top-end — the feature set, comfort, ride quality and off-road readiness vary significantly. Lower trims focus on essential SUV utility while higher trims offer more comfort, convenience, and convenience features, making Thar suitable for both daily commute and weekend adventure trips.
On-Road Cost: What You Should Budget For
While ex-showroom price gives a baseline, actual on-road cost for a Thar — what you pay at delivery — will be higher. On-road cost includes road tax, registration fees, insurance, handling charges, optional accessories, and in many states, luxury/SUV surcharge. For major metro cities, expect the on-road price to be roughly 15-25% higher than ex-showroom. For example, a base model listed at ₹15 lakh might come to around ₹18 lakh on-road; a top-end model at ₹22 lakh could escalate to ₹25–26 lakh or more depending on taxes and add-ons.
Additional costs include optional accessories such as alloy wheels, upgraded tires, seat covers, roof racks, modified lighting — common among Thar owners — which further increase the total cost. If you opt for 4×4 drivetrain and hardtop or convertible configurations, expect the final cost to rise even more.
What You Get: Features, Strengths and Variants Comparison
Mahindra Thar in 2025 offers a balanced mix of ruggedness and comfort depending on the variant. The base variants give you a muscular SUV platform with high ground clearance, off-road capable suspension, basic comfort and practicality. These are ideal for buyers needing a sturdy SUV for both city and rural roads, or those who enjoy occasional off-road drives.
Mid-trim variants add comfort features like better upholstery, enhanced safety features, more convenience equipment and improved finish — making the Thar more livable on daily use while retaining SUV toughness.
Top-trim and 4×4 automatic variants push Thar towards “lifestyle SUV” territory: better interiors, more creature comforts, convenience features such as upgraded infotainment, better suspension tuning, improved ride quality, and suitability for long highway trips or extended family use. This balance of ruggedness and comfort is a key reason for Thar’s enduring popularity.
Who Is Thar Good For — And Who Should Think Carefully
Thar is best suited for buyers who appreciate strong road presence, off-road capability, and don’t mind a bit of trade-off on fuel efficiency or city-car comfort. It’s ideal for people living in mixed terrains: cities, outskirts, rural areas or places with rough roads — and for those who value durability over delicate luxury. For weekend riders, adventure lovers, or those who often travel long distances on mixed terrain, Thar makes sense.
On the other hand, if your priorities are fuel economy, compact size for city traffic, premium luxury SUV comfort or minimal maintenance costs, then a smaller SUV or sedan may serve you better. Thar’s higher maintenance, larger fuel consumption and robust suspension make it less ideal for narrow city streets or frequent stop-go traffic if you are sensitive to running costs.
Buying Tips: How to Choose the Right Thar Variant in 2025
When selecting a Thar variant, consider how you plan to use the SUV. For occasional trips or off-road use, mid-trim or 4×4 manual variants offer a strong balance. If you need comfort for daily commuting, long highway rides or family travel, opt for mid-to-top trims with better finish and features. Always factor in on-road costs: taxes, insurance, accessories, and state-specific charges before finalizing purchase. Also consider resell value — basic trims may have wider appeal for buyers looking for rugged SUVs, while top trims may appeal to those seeking lifestyle SUVs.
If possible, visit multiple dealerships and compare trim levels, optional packages and after-sales support. Check service center availability in your area because consistent maintenance is key to long-term satisfaction and performance of a Thar.
Final Verdict
Mahindra Thar Price in India 2025, when viewed with variants, on-road cost and feature breakdown, demonstrates why Thar continues to enjoy wide popularity. For buyers who want a rugged, off-road ready, yet relatively affordable SUV that can double as a lifestyle vehicle — Thar remains a highly sensible choice. With ex-showroom starting in the mid-teens lakh range and on-road cost crossing low-to-mid twenties lakh (depending on variant and taxes), it offers value, versatility and road presence that’s hard to match in its segment. If you accept its trade-offs and know what you want from your SUV, Thar remains a compelling buy in 2025.
Engine Options and Real-World Performance
Understanding the Mahindra Thar Price in India 2025 becomes much easier when you examine its engine choices and long-term performance characteristics. Thar is available in both petrol and diesel engine options, which makes it flexible for different usage patterns. The petrol engine is generally smoother and quieter in city conditions, making it suitable for buyers who spend more time in urban traffic. It provides responsive acceleration and refined cruising ability, especially when paired with the automatic transmission. The diesel variant carries more torque, which is highly beneficial for highway driving, towing, steep mountain roads and off-road trail driving. Diesel Thar buyers typically enjoy longer engine life and better long-distance fuel efficiency, although maintenance may be slightly higher over extended usage.
In real-world conditions, owners consistently say that the Thar performs at its best on highways and open roads, where its powerful engine and strong chassis give confidence. The steering is slightly heavier compared to smaller SUVs, but that weight provides stability at high speeds. Off-road, the combination of low-range gearbox, high ground clearance and climbing ability makes the Thar a dependable and fun vehicle. Whether tackling sand, slush, rocky surfaces or steep inclines, the Thar maintains traction and control where most passenger cars usually struggle.
Driving Comfort and Ride Quality
One major reason behind the Mahindra Thar price in India 2025 being justified is its improved comfort and suspension refinement over the previous generation. The suspension setup has been improved to reduce harsh impact when crossing potholes, speed breakers, gravel roads or broken terrain. City driving has also become smoother due to better shock absorption and seat support. In long drives, reduced body roll adds to passenger comfort. Hard-top versions provide better insulation against heat and outside noise, which helps make the Thar suitable not only for off-roading but for family travel and long-distance journeys.
Interior comfort has improved significantly compared to older models. Even base variants come with decent seats, while top variants add premium upholstery and enhanced support. The simplicity of the dashboard controls makes driving easier, especially for first-time SUV buyers. A tall driving position gives you a clear view of the road ahead and helps navigate traffic confidently. While Thar is still not like a luxury premium SUV, it has enough improvements to satisfy users planning long trips.
Fuel Economy and Maintenance Reality
When discussing Mahindra Thar price in India 2025, maintenance and running cost must be part of the decision. Real-world fuel economy varies depending on engine type, driving style and terrain. Petrol variants typically offer lower mileage in city conditions, especially with automatic gearbox, but perform well on open roads. Diesel variants provide better efficiency overall. In most metro regions, service centers for Mahindra are widely available, which helps reduce downtime. Thar spare parts are generally priced reasonably because Mahindra produces and supplies components across India, unlike imported SUVs where part availability may be inconsistent.
Maintenance requires attention to basic off-road components like differential oils, suspension points and underbody inspection. Owners who frequently explore rough terrain should ensure periodic maintenance to keep the 4×4 system in optimal condition. Insurance costs may be slightly higher because Thar falls into a higher SUV category, but it still remains manageable and far lower than premium imported SUVs.
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Resale Value and Long-Term Ownership
The Thar continues to hold strong resale value in the Indian SUV market. Used car buyers frequently search for Thar models, particularly diesel 4×4 variants. The demand remains steady because the vehicle’s rugged nature ensures long usable life. Even high-mileage Thars perform well if maintained correctly. When considering Mahindra Thar price in India 2025 and comparing it to ownership over five to seven years, the cost looks justified because of its retained market value. Buyers can recover a significant portion of their initial investment by resale, especially for well-kept vehicles with service history and minimal aftermarket modifications.
Is Mahindra Thar Still Worth Buying in 2025
There is a growing trend among younger buyers who want a vehicle that reflects personality, travel freedom and capability. The Mahindra Thar has successfully positioned itself as a lifestyle SUV rather than just a practical transport option. Its competition includes compact crossovers and entry-level SUVs, but none match its authentic off-road DNA. Even at the higher end of the Mahindra Thar price in India 2025, it continues to offer value because you receive a powerful and reliable vehicle that carries heritage and rugged design. If you plan to use your SUV for weekend trips, hill vacations, camping, long highway driving and occasional city usage, the Thar is among the best choices in this price bracket.
Buyers who need luxury finishes, extra cabin space or big-family convenience may consider larger SUVs, but Thar appeals to those who prefer adventure and durability first. Decision-making becomes easier once you test drive two different variants to feel the difference in manual versus automatic and petrol versus diesel. Understanding how you plan to drive will help you choose the right balance of price, performance and comfort.
