The Mahindra Thar is arguably the most impactful lifestyle vehicle launched in India in the last decade. It did more than just replace its venerable predecessor; it birthed an entirely new segment, transforming the utilitarian off-roader into an aspirational, mass-market SUV. The second-generation Thar, particularly in its latest 2025 Facelift avatar, is a masterclass in blending rugged, go-anywhere capability with modern-day refinement and essential comfort features.
Mahindra has strategically broadened the Thar’s appeal by retaining the hardcore 4×4 DNA for the enthusiast while introducing accessible Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) variants. The 2025 refresh, including the new AXT and LXT variant nomenclature and several crucial interior upgrades, addresses nearly all the feedback from initial buyers, making it a more rational and practical daily driver without diluting its iconic, adventurous spirit.
This definitive, 1500-word review provides a complete breakdown of the 2025 Mahindra Thar, covering its latest pricing, a detailed look at its three engine options, its legendary off-road geometry, and the crucial safety and interior enhancements that define its updated package.
Latest Price in India and Variant Strategy
The 2025 Mahindra Thar is available in a seven-variant lineup, carefully segmented to offer the Thar experience across a wide price spectrum, effectively challenging both compact SUVs and dedicated off-road rivals like the Maruti Jimny and Force Gurkha.
The price range for the 3-door Thar is remarkably competitive, starting well under the ₹10 Lakh mark, ex-showroom.
Ex-Showroom Price Breakdown (All India)
| Variant Drivetrain | Engine | Ex-showroom Price (Approx.) | Key Feature |
| AXT RWD (Base) | 1.5L Diesel MT | ₹9.99 Lakh | Most accessible entry point to the Thar lifestyle. |
| LXT RWD (Mid-Range) | 1.5L Diesel MT / 2.0L Petrol AT | ₹12.19 Lakh – ₹13.99 Lakh | Focus on convenience and city/highway usability. |
| LXT 4WD (Top-End) | 2.0L Petrol MT/AT / 2.2L Diesel MT/AT | ₹14.69 Lakh – ₹16.99 Lakh | Full-fat off-roading capability with premium features. |
The RWD Revolution: Expanding the Market
The RWD variants, specifically the 1.5L Diesel model, are the game-changer. By fitting the Thar with a smaller engine ($1497 \text{ cc}$) and restricting the length to under $4 \text{ meters}$, Mahindra secured significant tax benefits, allowing the ₹9.99 Lakh base price. This decision successfully positioned the Thar as a highly aspirational, yet affordable, alternative to conventional compact SUVs, proving that its appeal transcends pure off-roading.
Engine Specifications & Performance: A Trio of Torque
The Thar’s engine bay houses three potent turbocharged engines—two diesels and one petrol—all designed to deliver high torque output, essential for both spirited road driving and serious off-road articulation.
1. The mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol (2.0-litre)
The petrol engine is the performance champion of the lineup, offering impressive power and superior refinement, particularly with the automatic transmission.
| Specification | Details |
| Displacement | $1997 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $150 \text{ PS}$ at $5000 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque | $300 \text{ Nm}$ (MT) / $320 \text{ Nm}$ (AT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (AT only) / 4WD (MT & AT) |
Performance Note: The $320 \text{ Nm}$ delivered by the Automatic variant is noticeably punchy, offering quick acceleration and making it a surprisingly fun-to-drive highway machine.
2. The mHawk 130 CRDe Diesel (2.2-litre)
This is the traditional, go-to engine for the dedicated off-roader, providing massive low-end torque and high tractability for technical terrain.
| Specification | Details |
| Displacement | $2184 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $132 \text{ PS}$ at $3750 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque | $300 \text{ Nm}$ at $1600-2800 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD only |
3. The D117 CRDe Diesel (1.5-litre)
Exclusive to the RWD manual variants, this engine configuration is the most economical and tax-friendly, designed for the urban buyer who prioritises style and efficiency.
| Specification | Details |
| Displacement | $1497 \text{ cc}$ |
| Max Power | $119 \text{ PS}$ at $3500 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Max Torque | $300 \text{ Nm}$ at $1750-2500 \text{ rpm}$ |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD only |
Verdict on Engines: While the 2.0L Petrol AT is the quickest, the 2.2L Diesel MT/AT remains the most balanced and capable all-rounder due to its inherent diesel grunt and mandatory 4WD pairing. The 1.5L Diesel RWD is the most practical for daily city use, offering excellent fuel economy without sacrificing the Thar’s distinctive road presence.
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Mileage and Running Costs
Due to its body-on-frame structure and substantial weight, the Thar’s fuel efficiency is generally lower than its monocoque rivals. However, the introduction of the smaller diesel engine significantly improves its real-world practicality.
| Engine & Transmission | ARAI Claimed Mileage (kmpl) | Real-World Highway Mileage (kmpl) |
| 2.0L Petrol MT/AT (4WD) | $\sim 12.4 \text{ kmpl}$ | $8-11 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 2.2L Diesel MT/AT (4WD) | $\sim 15.2 \text{ kmpl}$ | $11-14 \text{ kmpl}$ |
| 1.5L Diesel MT (RWD) | $\sim 15.2 \text{ kmpl}$ | $14-16 \text{ kmpl}$ |
The 1.5L Diesel RWD variant is the clear winner for running costs, delivering highway mileage figures competitive with mainstream compact SUVs. For high-mileage users, the diesel options are far more sensible than the thirsty petrol.
Off-Road Capability: The Uncompromising DNA
This is where the Thar validates its very existence. Built on an authentic 3rd Generation Body-on-Frame chassis, the 4WD Thar is engineered for extreme abuse and maximum articulation.
Off-Road Geometry: The Benchmark
The Thar’s short wheelbase and high ground clearance provide unmatched physical capability for rock crawling, steep climbs, and deep trench negotiation.
| Parameter | Value | Significance |
| Ground Clearance | $226 \text{ mm}$ (Unladen) | Excellent clearance for passing over large obstacles. |
| Approach Angle | $41.8 \text{ degrees}$ | Allows for tackling extremely steep banks and inclines. |
| Departure Angle | $36.0 \text{ degrees}$ | Prevents scraping the rear when exiting deep dips. |
| Ramp Breakover Angle | $26.2 \text{ degrees}$ | Prevents ‘beaching’ on sharp crests and ridges. |
| Water Wading Depth | $650 \text{ mm}$ | Superior ability to cross deep water bodies and flooded streets. |
Drivetrain Technology
The 4WD variants come equipped with a Manual Shift Part-Time 4×4 Transfer Case offering 2H (Rear-Wheel Drive), 4H (Four-Wheel Drive High), and 4L (Four-Wheel Drive Low).
- Mechanical Locking Differential (MLD): Available on the rear axle of select 4WD variants, the MLD automatically locks the wheels when a speed difference is detected, ensuring power is sent equally, even when one wheel is completely airborne.
- Electronic Brake Locking Differential (BLD): Available across all 4WD variants (including those without MLD), the BLD uses the ABS sensors to brake a spinning wheel, diverting torque to the wheels that still have traction. This system is highly effective and simple to use for the majority of off-road scenarios.
- Suspension: The Independent Front Suspension and Multi-Link Rear Suspension provide a balance of on-road handling and excellent wheel articulation off-road, a major improvement over the older generation.
Interior, Features & Comfort: The 2025 Refinement
Mahindra has clearly listened to customer feedback, introducing key comfort and convenience upgrades in the 2025 facelift to address the Thar’s historical shortcomings as a daily driver.
2025 Interior Upgrades
- New Infotainment System: The most noticeable change is the upgrade to a crisp 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System (in top variants), replacing the smaller $7\text{-inch}$ unit. It includes wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features the Gen II Adventure Statistics system, displaying real-time pitch, roll, and tyre direction monitoring.
- Ergonomic Fixes: Power window switches have been relocated from the centre console to the door panels—a huge relief for drivers. A Sliding Central Armrest with storage and an easily operable Remote Fuel Lid Opener add necessary convenience.1
- Rear Comfort: The addition of Rear AC Vents (in top variants) is a game-changer for rear passenger comfort, mitigating the cabin’s heat soak, especially in the summer.
- Seating: The cabin remains a 4-seater (with front-facing rear seats). While front-seat ingress is easy, access to the rear bench remains cumbersome due to the 3-door layout and the fixed roll cage structure, a characteristic trade-off for its segment.
Feature Highlights
- Technology: Cruise Control, Multi-function Steering Wheel, Electrically Adjustable ORVMs.
- Practicality: All-Black, Washable Interior with Drain Plugs, Hard Top (fixed), Soft Top, or Convertible Top options.
Safety and Security: The 4-Star Assurance
The Mahindra Thar is not just rugged in appearance; its safety credentials are among the best in the segment, built upon its robust, body-on-frame structure.
Global NCAP Rating
The Thar received a strong 4-Star Safety Rating from Global NCAP (2020 test protocol) for both Adult Occupant protection ($12.52 / 17.00$) and Child Occupant protection ($41.11 / 49.00$).
Key Safety and Control Features
- Structure: It features a high-strength chassis and a standard, integrated Roll Cage for structural rigidity in case of a rollover.
- Standard Protection: Dual Front Airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts, and 3-point seatbelts for all four occupants.
- Electronic Aids: The LXT variants are equipped with a full suite of Electronic Stability Program (ESP) features, including:
- Hill Hold Control (HHC)2
- Hill Descent Control (HDC)3
- Roll-over Mitigation (ROM)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
The 4-Star rating instills high confidence in the Thar’s ability to protect its occupants, a major selling point in the Indian market.
Complete Specifications Summary
| Specification | 1.5L Diesel (RWD) | 2.2L Diesel (4WD) | 2.0L Petrol (4WD/RWD) |
| Power/Torque | $119 \text{ PS} / 300 \text{ Nm}$ | $132 \text{ PS} / 300 \text{ Nm}$ | $150 \text{ PS} / 300-320 \text{ Nm}$ |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) | Part-Time $4 \times 4$ | RWD / Part-Time $4 \times 4$ |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-MT / 6-AT | 6-MT / 6-AT |
| Length x Width x Height | $3985 \text{ mm} \times 1820 \text{ mm} \times 1855 \text{ mm}$ (All Variants) | ||
| Wheelbase | $2450 \text{ mm}$ (All Variants) | ||
| Ground Clearance | $226 \text{ mm}$ (All Variants) | ||
| Safety Rating | 4-Star Global NCAP |
Final Verdict: More Than Just a Thrill
The 2025 Mahindra Thar Facelift is the most accomplished version of this iconic SUV to date. Mahindra has brilliantly positioned it as a true dual-purpose vehicle: a fearsome, uncompromising off-road beast for the weekend adventurer, and a surprisingly feature-rich, economical, and stylish daily driver for the urban crowd, thanks to the RWD variants.
The trade-offs—the slightly bouncy ladder-frame ride on the highway, restricted rear access, and limited boot space—are now more forgivable given the substantial gains in interior quality, technology (10.25-inch screen), and vital ergonomic fixes (door-mounted power windows, rear AC vents).
The Thar is for you if:
- You crave the ultimate road presence and iconic design in an affordable package.
- Off-road capability, whether for serious trails or just navigating bad roads, is a priority.
- You are looking for a unique second car for weekend fun (4WD) or a stylish, high-value primary vehicle (RWD).
In its segment, the Mahindra Thar remains the benchmark for capability, character, and sheer desirability, offering an unmatched blend of ruggedness and modern flair that makes every drive an adventure.
