Mahindra Thar Facelift : Few names in India’s automotive world command as much respect and nostalgia as Mahindra Thar. A symbol of rugged freedom, the Thar has evolved from being a bare-bones off-roader to a lifestyle SUV that appeals equally to adventurers and city dwellers.
Now, the Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 pushes this legacy into a more refined direction — blending timeless toughness with technology-driven modernity. The updates include subtle design tweaks, upgraded interiors, new features, and enhanced safety — ensuring that the Thar not only looks the part but feels it too.
Overview
| Feature Category | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 |
| Body Type | 3-Door & 5-Door Off-Road SUV |
| Engine Options | 2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol / 2.2L mHawk Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Drive Type | RWD / 4×4 with Low-Range Transfer Case |
| Power Output | Up to 152 bhp / 320 Nm (Petrol) |
| Ground Clearance | 230 mm (Estimated) |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-inch Infotainment Screen with Wireless Connectivity |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC, Hill Descent Assist, 360° Camera |
| Expected Price Range | ₹12 – ₹17.5 Lakh (Ex-showroom) |
| Launch Timeline | Early 2025 |
| Competitors | Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha, Toyota Urban Cruiser Taisor AWD |
Design: Classic Character with Modern Edge
Mahindra has retained the Thar’s instantly recognizable boxy silhouette and muscular stance, but the 2025 facelift brings a sharper, more sophisticated aesthetic. The redesigned seven-slat grille sits wider, with thicker chrome or matte-black accents depending on the trim.
New LED headlamps with integrated DRLs replace the halogen units, improving visibility and adding a premium touch. The front bumper is chunkier yet aerodynamically refined, improving airflow and approach angles for better off-road performance.
The sides remain upright and powerful, highlighted by freshly designed 18-inch alloys, squared-off wheel arches, and rugged step-up cladding. At the rear, a new set of LED tail lamps and a streamlined spare-wheel mount complete the transformation.
Body color choices—like Stealth Grey, Deep Forest Green, and Desert Bronze—enhance its adventurous charm while maintaining individuality. Overall, the facelift is evolutionary, not revolutionary, preserving the soul of the original while upgrading its personality.
Interior: Adventure Meets Comfort
Step inside the Thar Facelift 2025, and the cabin feels significantly more modern. The familiar layout remains but gets a premium overhaul. The new dual-tone dashboard features richer materials with metallic and soft-touch inserts.
At the center sits a new 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering crisp graphics and quick response. It’s complemented by a digital instrument cluster with off-road telemetry displaying crucial data such as pitch, roll, compass, and altitude.
New Features Introduced:
- Automatic climate control
- Push-button start and keyless entry
- Type-C fast chargers
- Enhanced seat bolstering with dual-tone upholstery
- Sound system upgrade with roof-mounted speakers
While it remains a practical cabin built for adventure, the overall ambience now feels closer to a premium SUV. Controls are intuitive, and the waterproof cabin materials (especially in hard-top variants) remain a smart functional choice for off-roaders.
Performance: Raw Power, Refined Delivery
Under the hood, the Thar Facelift 2025 continues to offer Mahindra’s celebrated duo — the 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol and 2.2L mHawk turbo-diesel engines.
- Petrol (2.0L mStallion): Produces 152 bhp and 320 Nm.
- Diesel (2.2L mHawk): Generates 132 bhp and 300 Nm.
Both powertrains are mated to 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The petrol offers lively throttle response, while the diesel emphasizes torque-rich, low-end grunt for crawling over boulders or through muddy trails.
Mahindra has retuned the engines to meet stricter BS6 Phase II emission norms, improving efficiency and smoothness. A slight bump in fuel economy and reduced NVH levels make this Thar more livable in everyday conditions.
The suspension setup has been refined too, offering a more composed ride both on highways and broken terrain, addressing one of the few criticisms of its predecessor.
Off-Roading Excellence: Core Strength Intact
The 2025 Thar remains an authentic off-roader at its core. It continues with its ladder-frame chassis, 4×4 drivetrain, and mechanical locking differential. The shift-on-fly transfer system allows seamless transition between 2H, 4H, and 4L.
Key off-road figures:
- Approach angle: 41°
- Departure angle: 36°
- Ground clearance: 230 mm
- Water wading depth: Over 650 mm
Mahindra has enhanced articulation and traction control to handle harsher terrains while ensuring better wheel stability.
For the first time, the 2025 Thar introduces a Terrain Management Display on the infotainment unit, showing real-time wheel torque distribution and slope monitoring. Combined with 360° off-road cameras, the Thar now enables precise navigation even in dense trails.
Few SUVs in India can match its adaptability—city commutes on Monday, muddy inclines on Sunday.
Ride, Handling, and Refinement
While older Thars had a reputation for ruggedness, the facelifted model complements that with comfort and balance. The steering response has been refined to offer heavier inputs at higher speeds and light control in urban traffic.
Noise insulation is improved with better cabin sealing, thicker glass, and underbody damping. Suspension geometry has been tuned for less bounce, ensuring that long highway journeys feel less fatiguing.
Essentially, Mahindra has turned the Thar into a genuine dual-purpose vehicle — perfect for both off-road explorers and everyday family drivers.
Safety and Equipment
Safety has taken a front seat with the Thar Facelift 2025. Expect newly reinforced chassis sections for better crash performance along with Mahindra’s latest active safety tech. The SUV is now equipped with:
- 6 Airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Hold & Hill Descent Control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX mounts (rear seats)
- Rear parking sensors with reverse camera
Additionally, Mahindra has upgraded the structural design to comply with upcoming safety norms, aiming for a 5-star Global NCAP rating, continuing its track record with the Scorpio N and XUV700.
Variants and Market Positioning
The Thar will continue to be available in AX (Adventure) and LX (Lifestyle) trims, while the much-awaited 5-door version could make its debut alongside or shortly after the 3-door facelift.
- AX: Retains a focus on off-road hardware and manual gearboxes.
- LX: Offers automatic transmissions, luxury interiors, and dual-tone finishes.
Pricing is expected to range from ₹12 lakh for the base AX to around ₹17.5 lakh for the top LX diesel automatic variant. The introduction of new connectivity and digital equipment could push higher trims to new audiences beyond hardcore enthusiasts.
Mahindra Thar: The Spirit of Adventure Redefined
The Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 isn’t just an update—it’s a reaffirmation of identity. It manages to preserve the rugged DNA that made it an icon while adapting to the evolving expectations of modern buyers.
This Thar is not content to remain a weekend toy; it’s ready to be your everyday companion. Intelligent, capable, and undeniably stylish—it maintains that adventurous spirit while pushing forward in comfort, technology, and safety.
In short, the Mahindra Thar 2025 represents “Evolution without Compromise”—a reminder that being tough never goes out of style.
