Mahindra Thar: The Perfect Blend of Adventure and Everyday Practicality

The 2025 Mahindra Thar continues to reign as India’s most iconic SUV — now more refined, feature-packed, and versatile than ever. It carries forward the legendary off-road DNA that made it an enthusiast’s favourite, while adding new technology, safety upgrades, and comfort features that make it easier to live with every day.

Designed for explorers, yet built for modern life, the latest Mahindra Thar perfectly balances rugged capability with everyday practicality.

Design: Classic Form, Contemporary Details

Ask anyone to sketch a rugged SUV, and chances are it’ll look like the Thar. The 2025 model preserves its timeless silhouette — boxy stance, upright posture, and high ground clearance — while introducing thoughtful enhancements for modern appeal.

The new Mahindra Thar sports a body-coloured grille, LED tail-lamps, and fender-mounted LED DRLs. The bumpers now feature dual-tone finishes, while the 18-inch alloy wheels (R18 255/65 tyres) give it a purposeful look. A new hard-top design has been refined for noise insulation, described as “smooth as a knife sliding through butter”.

Colour options have also expanded — the 2025 palette includes Everest White, Battleship Grey, Galaxy Grey, Deep Forest, Tango Red, and the new Stealth Black.

The Thar’s design remains unmistakable, but subtle updates have made it sleeker, stronger, and more polished without losing its tough identity.

Powertrains: Proven Diesel, Turbo-Petrol Punch

The 2025 Thar continues with three engine options, all tuned for better drivability and compliance with the latest emission norms:

Engine Displacement Power Torque Transmission Drivetrain

1.5 L D117 CRDe Diesel 1497 cc 87 kW (117 PS) @ 3500 rpm 300 Nm @ 1750–2500 rpm 6-MT RWD

2.2 L mHawk 130 Diesel 2184 cc 97 kW (130 PS) @ 3750 rpm 300 Nm @ 1600–2800 rpm 6-MT / 6-AT 4WD / RWD

2.0 L mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol 1997 cc 112 kW (150 PS) @ 5000 rpm 300 Nm (MT) / 320 Nm (AT) 6-MT / 6-AT 4WD / RWD

The 4WD variants use a manual shift transfer case with a low ratio and a segment-first electric driveline disconnect for seamless switching between 2H and 4H modes (page 8).

The Thar’s updated powertrain lineup ensures there’s something for everyone — from city commuters to hard-core off-roaders.

Off-Road Engineering

Built on a 3rd-generation body-on-frame chassis, the Thar continues to be the benchmark for off-road strength.

● Approach angle: 41.2°

● Departure angle: 36°

● Ramp-over angle: 26.2°

● Ground clearance: 226 mm

● Water-wading depth: 650 mm

The independent front suspension and multi-link rear setup deliver improved comfort and control. It now features an Advanced Electronic Brake-Locking Differential for RWD and 4WD models, ensuring traction on slippery surfaces, alongside a mechanical locking differential for serious trail work.

The Thar’s authentic 4x4 construction, off-road geometry, and suspension tuning make it one of the most capable production SUVs sold in India today.

Interior and Comfort

The interior upgrade for 2025 is significant. The cockpit has been redesigned with a bold new dashboard layout, larger touchscreen, and soft-touch inserts. Highlights include:

● 26.03 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto (wired + wireless) and Apple CarPlay (wired).

● Adventure Statistics Gen II with altimeter, compass, and pitch and roll meters.

● Roof-mounted speakers, waterproof switches, and a washable floor with drain plugs.

● Height-adjustable driver’s seat, 50:50 split rear seat, and rear AC vents.

● Tyretronics TPMS with Tyre Direction Monitor.

The roof-mounted audio setup keeps entertainment going even when crossing streams — literally “party on the roof.”

The Thar now offers a premium, feature-loaded cabin without sacrificing durability, comfort, or its go-anywhere personality.

Safety Upgrades

Mahindra has covered all aspects in terms of safety. Standard features include:

● Dual airbags and ABS with EBD + Brake Assist.

● ESP with roll-over mitigation.

● Hill-hold and hill-descent control.

● ISOFIX child-seat mounts.

● Built-in roll cage and 3-point seatbelts for all occupants.

● Crash-safety-compliant bodyshell meeting global norms.

● Rear-view camera and rear parking sensors.

The addition of electronic brake-locking differential for RWD variants ensures improved grip even in adverse weather, while the 4WD models retain the mechanical diff-lock.

The 2025 Thar sets new safety benchmarks for ladder-frame SUVs, combining rugged design with contemporary protection technology.

Technology and Connectivity

Modern tech meets old-school spirit. Alongside its infotainment upgrade, the new Thar includes:

● Coloured MID in the instrument cluster.

● Follow-me-home and lead-me-to-Thar lamps.

● One-touch lane-change indicators.

● Remote keyless entry and central locking.

● Cruise control and tilt-adjustable steering wheel.

All models also get LED tail-lamps and front fog lamps as standard.

Price and Variants

The new Thar is offered in AXT and LXT trims in Petrol RWD, Diesel RWD, and 4WD formats. While prices vary by configuration, the range starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base diesel RWD and goes up to ₹16.91 lakh for the top diesel-automatic 4WD variant.

With more features, tech, and drivetrain options, the 2025 Thar continues to offer unmatched value for an authentic, go-anywhere SUV.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mahindra Thar builds on an icon’s legacy by adding sophistication without sacrificing soul. Its bold design, powerful engines, advanced safety systems, and tech-rich interior make it equally enjoyable in city commutes and weekend adventures.

If you want an SUV that captures freedom, resilience, and everyday practicality in one irresistible package, the Mahindra Thar remains the benchmark — an adventure machine that’s ready for anything India’s roads (and off-roads) can throw at it.