The Mahindra Thar Facelift has long been an icon in India’s automotive landscape — a symbol of ruggedness, freedom, and adventure. Since its introduction, it has embodied the spirit of exploration like no other. Now, with the Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025, the legendary off-roader is ready to evolve once again, combining its traditional toughness with modern elegance and advanced technology.
This new model isn’t about reinventing the Thar — it’s about refining it. Mahindra’s focus has been clear: retain its go-anywhere capability while making it more usable, comfortable, and connected for today’s generation of drivers.
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 | 4×4 and RWD (Selectable) |
| Power Output | Up to 152 bhp / 320 Nm |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-inch Touchscreen with Wireless Connectivity |
| Safety Features | 6 Airbags, ESC, Hill Descent Assist, 360° Camera |
| Comfort Features | Ventilated Seats, Auto Climate Control, Push Start |
| Expected Price Range | ₹12 – ₹18 Lakh (Ex-showroom) |
| Launch Timeline | Early 2025 |
| Competitors | Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha, Hyundai Creta Adventure Edition |
Exterior Design: Muscular with a Modern Twist
The 2025 Thar stays true to its rugged 4×4 personality, yet subtle modern updates give it a fresh identity. At the front, the traditional seven-slat grille has been updated with wider openings and chrome/satin finishes, improving airflow and enhancing its muscular look.
New LED projector headlamps with integrated DRLs replace the older halogen units, while a re-sculpted bumper with a metallic skid plate adds a more premium touch without compromising approach angles.
On the sides, design improvements are instantly noticeable — redesigned alloy wheels (up to 18-inch), prominent wheel arches with black cladding, and sturdy side steps. The SUV’s proportions are bolder, especially with the anticipated 5-door variant, which offers a longer wheelbase for better practicality and family usage.
At the rear, the facelift introduces new rectangular LED tail lamps and a rugged tailgate with an embossed ‘Thar’ badge. The high-mounted spare wheel retains its iconic look, ensuring that the Thar’s rear profile remains unmistakably classic.
Interior: Functionality Meets Tech-Luxury
While earlier Thar generations focused on utility, the facelift version aims to deliver much more in terms of comfort, design, and technology.
The cabin now houses a dual-tone dashboard, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (wireless), and a semi-digital driver display showing off-road stats such as pitch and roll angles.
The steering wheel is new — flat-bottomed and multi-functional — enhancing driving engagement. Soft-touch materials around frequently used areas and newly contoured seats significantly improve the SUV’s overall comfort quotient.
New features include:
- Ventilated front seats
- Auto climate control
- Cruise control
- Push-button start/stop
- Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- Rear AC vents (in 5-door variant)
The waterproof upholstery from the previous model remains, making it practical for both urban adventurers and hardcore trail enthusiasts.
Performance: Torque, Traction, and Toughness
Under the hood, the Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 retains its proven engine lineup — the robust 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol and the 2.2L mHawk turbo-diesel — both updated for superior refinement and emission compliance (BS6 Phase II).
- Petrol (mStallion): 152 bhp / 320 Nm
- Diesel (mHawk): 132 bhp / 300 Nm
Both engines are offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions.
True to its DNA, 4×4 capability remains standard in higher trims, featuring a manual transfer case with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. Enhanced traction control, an optional rear differential lock, and optimized axle ratios ensure the Thar continues to be unstoppable off the beaten path.
The RWD variants, popular with city buyers, offer improved efficiency while maintaining SUV character. Reports suggest minor tuning updates to make the RWD variant smoother, quieter, and even lighter on fuel.
Off-Road Capability: As Wild as Ever
Few vehicles match the Thar’s legendary off-road prowess. The 2025 update only builds on this heritage.
The SUV continues to feature a ladder-frame chassis with reinforced sections for better rigidity. Combined with its 230 mm ground clearance and approach/departure angles of 41°/36°, it’s ready for serious off-road use.
Other notable upgrades:
- Improved suspension damping for smoother rides on rough terrain
- 4×4 with mechanical locking differential for enhanced grip
- Hill-hold and hill-descent control
- Enhanced articulation for tackling rocky surfaces
The driving experience is further improved through Terrain Assist Modes, accessible from the infotainment screen, allowing drivers to monitor torque distribution and wheel activity in real time.
For off-roaders, the 2025 Thar remains a pure delight — capable, commanding, and utterly dependable.
Ride and Comfort: Highway Maturity Meets Adventure
Mahindra has made sure the Thar Facelift isn’t just a rock crawler but also a comfortable cruiser. Engineers have worked on minimizing vibrations, improving gearbox slickness, and optimizing clutch operation.
The electronic power steering is lighter at low speeds, aiding in city maneuverability, and stiffens on highways for confidence at high speeds. Suspension geometry has been reworked to reduce body roll and enhance ride comfort.
For those long weekend road trips, the 5-door variant offers more boot space and better second-row comfort without compromising the vehicle’s genetic toughness.
Safety Upgrades: Modern Protection for a Modern Off-Roader
Building on Mahindra’s safety-first approach, the Thar Facelift 2025 aims to rank among the safest SUVs in its category.
Safety Equipment Highlights:
- 6 Airbags (Dual front, side, and curtain)
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Hill Descent & Hill Hold Assist
- Reverse Parking Camera with sensors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX Mounts for child seats
While the previous Thar impressed with its build strength, the facelift uses high-tensile steel reinforcements and increased crumple zones, expected to improve its Global NCAP crash safety rating significantly.
The introduction of ADAS-lite features, like forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings in top trims, may also be on the horizon.
Pricing, Variants & Market Positioning
The Mahindra Thar 2025 lineup will cater to both hardcore off-roaders and urban buyers. Variants are anticipated to include:
- AX (Adventure Series) – Built for traditional off-road use
- LX (Lifestyle Series) – More feature-loaded for lifestyle buyers
- 5-Door LX+ – Fully-equipped family SUV with advanced tech
Pricing is expected to start around ₹12 lakh for base RWD variants and go up to about ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully-loaded 4×4 automatic models.
With the 5-door Thar expanding its reach to family buyers and first-time SUV owners, Mahindra positions it not just as an off-roader but as a multi-purpose, emotionally-driven lifestyle vehicle.
The Evolution of an Icon
The Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025 encapsulates everything the brand stands for — toughness, innovation, and unshakable trust. It’s not a radical redesign; it’s a thoughtful upgrade that enhances what people already love while integrating the latest advancements in comfort, safety, and connectivity.
This next-generation Thar is as capable on a mountain pass as it is cruising through the city. It doesn’t just promise adventure — it invites it.
The Thar is more than an SUV; it’s an attitude on wheels. And the 2025 facelift ensures this attitude remains youthful, bold, and ready for whatever lies ahead.
