Mahindra Thar 2025 is more than just a vehicle in the Indian automotive market; it’s a symbol of freedom, adventure, and rugged utility. From its humble origins as a utilitarian off-roader to its current status as a lifestyle SUV, the Thar has seen a significant evolution over the years. With its latest generation, Mahindra has managed to retain the raw, adventurous spirit of the Thar while integrating modern features and comforts that today’s SUV buyers demand.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore every aspect of the Mahindra Thar, including its history, design, engine performance, off-roading capabilities, comfort and features, safety, variants, pricing, and its standing against rivals in the Indian automotive market.
Mahindra Thar 2025: A Journey Through Time: The Evolution of Mahindra Thar
The Mahindra Thar’s roots can be traced back to the Mahindra CJ series, which were essentially Jeep-based models produced under license from Willys. These vehicles were built for functionality, with minimal emphasis on comfort. The Thar, as a distinct model, was introduced in 2010, offering a retro-styled SUV that appealed to hardcore off-roaders and enthusiasts. It inherited the legacy of ruggedness from Mahindra’s earlier models, especially the MM540 and MM550, which were well-known in the Indian Army and rural applications.
The first-generation Thar was basic but capable. Its spartan interiors, leaf spring suspension at the rear, and lack of creature comforts made it a niche product. However, its ability to tackle difficult terrain earned it a loyal fan base. Over the years, customer feedback and growing demand for a more refined experience led Mahindra to reimagine the Thar for a broader audience.
The second-generation Thar, launched in October 2020, marked a revolutionary leap in terms of design, engineering, and market positioning. It wasn’t just an off-roader anymore; it was a lifestyle statement, appealing to urban customers, weekend explorers, and even families seeking a stylish, fun vehicle.
Mahindra Thar 2025: Bold and Muscular Design That Stands Out
The new Mahindra Thar’s design is both a tribute to its heritage and a leap into modern automotive styling. It retains the classic Jeep-inspired shape with its round headlamps, seven-slot grille, upright stance, flared wheel arches, and tailgate-mounted spare wheel. However, everything from the sheet metal to the detailing has been modernized.
The proportions are more balanced, and the Thar now comes in both hard-top and convertible soft-top variants, offering a mix of practicality and fun. The hard-top version adds to the Thar’s everyday usability and gives it a more urban SUV appeal, while the convertible top adds to the rugged, open-air off-roading experience. The wheelbase has been increased, and the vehicle is now wider, giving it better road presence and improved interior space.
The sculpted bumper, LED DRLs, and optional alloy wheels add to the visual appeal. It is available in a range of vibrant colors like Red Rage, Napoli Black, Aquamarine, and Galaxy Grey, each of which enhances the vehicle’s bold presence on the road.
Mahindra Thar 2025: Performance-Driven Engine Options for Every Terrain
One of the biggest upgrades in the new Mahindra Thar is its engine lineup. The SUV is now available with both petrol and diesel engines, catering to a wider audience.
The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces around 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque (300 Nm in manual). This engine is smooth, responsive, and powerful enough for city driving as well as highway cruising. For those who prefer the torquey nature of a diesel engine, the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine is the perfect fit, delivering 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines are refined and offer a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The Thar comes with two transmission options: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The automatic variants make the Thar more appealing to urban drivers who may not want the hassle of constant gear shifts in traffic.
The engine performance is complemented by a robust 4×4 drivetrain that includes a shift-on-fly transfer case, low-range gearbox, and mechanical locking rear differential. These features, combined with a ladder-on-frame chassis, make the Thar an immensely capable off-roader.
Mahindra Thar 2025 : Uncompromised Off-Roading Capabilities
Off-roading is where the Mahindra Thar truly shines. It is built to tackle the toughest terrains India has to offer, from sand dunes in Rajasthan to the rocky trails of the Himalayas. The new Thar is equipped with a true 4×4 system, and its high ground clearance of around 226 mm ensures that it can glide over rough patches with ease.
The SUV boasts impressive approach, departure, and break-over angles, which are critical for tackling inclines and obstacles. The suspension setup has also been vastly improved from the previous generation. It now features an independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multi-link coil spring suspension at the rear, offering better articulation and ride quality.
In real-world conditions, the Thar can ford water, climb steep gradients, and crawl over rocks with remarkable ease. The 4H and 4L modes allow the driver to choose between high-speed traction and low-speed torque for various terrains. Whether it’s mud, snow, or sand, the Thar is ready for the challenge.
Mahindra Thar 2025: Interior Comfort and Practicality for Daily Use
The older Thar was a bare-bones vehicle with minimal creature comforts, but the new version changes that drastically. Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that is both functional and well-appointed. The interiors are water-resistant, making them easy to clean after an off-road adventure. The dashboard has a rugged design but incorporates modern touches like a touchscreen infotainment system, multi-function steering wheel, and digital-analog instrument cluster.
The seats are supportive and come with washable upholstery. In the hard-top variant, the Thar offers better NVH levels, making highway journeys much more pleasant. There is ample headroom and legroom for front occupants, while the rear seats are suitable for two adults on short to medium trips.
The convertible soft-top variant is ideal for those who love the open-air driving experience. It can be folded down quickly to enjoy a beach drive or a scenic mountain road. Boot space is limited when the rear seats are up, but with them folded, there’s enough room for camping gear or weekend luggage.
Mahindra Thar 2025: Technology and Features for the Modern Driver
The Mahindra Thar 2025 may be an off-roader at heart, but it doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless smartphone connectivity. The infotainment system also displays off-road information like tilt angles, compass, and drive modes, making it useful during adventures.
Other features include steering-mounted controls, cruise control, USB charging ports, manual AC with heater, and power windows. The MID in the instrument cluster provides vital information and is easy to read even under direct sunlight.
Though it doesn’t offer features like panoramic sunroofs or ventilated seats found in urban SUVs, it covers all essentials needed for comfortable driving and off-roading.
Mahindra Thar 2025: safety That Inspires Confidence
Mahindra Thar 2025 has made significant strides in the area of safety with the new Thar. It has been crash-tested by Global NCAP and received a commendable 4-star safety rating for adult protection. This marks a substantial improvement over older models and underlines Mahindra’s commitment to safety.
Standard safety features include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP with roll-over mitigation, hill-hold and hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and a roll cage. The strong body structure and new crash protection zones further enhance the vehicle’s ability to keep occupants safe in case of an accident.
Mahindra Thar 2025: Variants and Pricing to Suit Different Buyers
The Mahindra Thar 2025 is available in two primary trims – AX (Adventure Series) and LX (Lifestyle Series). The AX variant is aimed at hardcore off-roaders and is more utilitarian, with features like side-facing rear seats, steel wheels, and basic interiors. The LX variant is the more premium offering, with alloy wheels, front-facing rear seats, infotainment system, and more creature comforts.
The Thar’s pricing starts from around ₹11 lakh and goes up to ₹17 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the variant and configuration. While it may seem steep compared to earlier models, the value offered in terms of features, safety, and performance justifies the price tag. Moreover, it remains one of the most affordable true 4×4 SUVs in India.
Mahindra Thar 2025: The Thar vs. Rivals How It Stands Out
While the Thar currently enjoys a niche market with minimal direct competition, models like the Force Gurkha and upcoming Maruti Jimny offer some rivalry. The Force Gurkha is more purpose-built for off-roading, with its snorkel and solid-axle design, but it lacks the finesse and comfort of the Thar. The Jimny, though smaller, brings the Suzuki badge and reliability into play.
Despite this, the Thar remains the most balanced package. It’s not only capable off the road but also practical enough to use in daily urban commutes. Its stylish looks, modern features, and solid brand legacy give it an edge over rivals.
Mahindra Thar 2025 Conclusion: A New Chapter for a Legendary Name
The Mahindra 2025 Thar has successfully transitioned from being a purely rugged off-roader to a versatile lifestyle SUV. It is a perfect blend of old-school charm and new-age practicality. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a city dweller looking for something unique, or someone who appreciates the heritage of Indian automotive engineering, the Thar delivers on all fronts.
Its broad appeal now spans across age groups, from millennials seeking weekend getaways to veterans who remember the classic Jeeps of yesteryear. By offering multiple powertrains, transmission options, and roof styles, Mahindra has ensured there’s a Thar for everyone.
The Thar is no longer just a niche off-roader; it’s a bold expression of freedom on four wheels. With its unbeatable combination of performance, design, and emotion, the Mahindra Thar is truly an icon reborn for a new generation