Hey there, adventure seekers! If you have ever dreamed of conquering rugged terrains while turning heads on city streets, the Mahindra Thar has been your go-to icon for years. But now, in 2025, Mahindra has cranked up the dial with a fresh facelift that blends its legendary off-road prowess with modern comforts. Launched just last month on October 3, 2025, the updated 3-door Thar is not just a refresh—it's a full-on evolution that makes it more family-friendly without diluting that raw, Jeep-like thrill. Whether you are a weekend warrior eyeing the best off-road SUV in India or someone upgrading from an older model, this review dives deep into the 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift's features, price, performance, and why it might just steal your heart (and your paycheck).
Why the 2025 Thar Facelift Feels Like a Game-Changer.
let us be real—the original Thar was a beast on dirt tracks but felt a tad prehistoric inside. The 2025 version borrows smart upgrades from its bigger sibling, the Thar Roxx, to fix that. Think sleeker LED headlights with a more aggressive stance, a chunkier grille, and those iconic round taillights that scream "adventure ready." It is still unmistakably Thar, but now it looks like it belongs in 2025, not 2010.
Under the hood, Mahindra has not messed with the winning formula. You get two punchy engine options: a 2.0L turbo-petrol stallion unit pumping out 150hp and 320Nm, or the refined 2.2L hawk diesel with 130hp and a torque 300Nm. Both pair with either a slick 6-speed manual or a smooth 6-speed automatic, and crucially, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) setups to match your thrill level. Paired with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential, this SUV laughs in the face of mud, rocks, and steep inclines. I took a spin on a simulated off-road course, and the Thar's approach angle of 41.8 degrees and ground clearance of 226mm made short work of obstacles that would swallow lesser cars.
But here is the real magic: Mahindra focused on making it livable. The ride is still bouncey on highways—blame those beefy off-road tires—but the suspension tweaks soften it just enough for daily commutes. And accessing those rear seats? No more contortionist act; wider doors and better ergonomics make it easier for kids or gear to hop in.
Packed with Features: From Tech Toys to Safety Shields:
Gone are the days of bare-bones vibes. The 2025 facelift loads up on goodies that punch way above its price point. Entry-level AT variants get a 7-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, and LED projectors. Step up to LXT, and you are in luxury territory: a 9-inch infotainment system, wireless charging, auto climate control, and even a sunroof for those starry desert nights.
Safety-wise, it is no slouch either. Six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold/descent control, and a 360-degree camera come standard on higher trims—perfect for spotting ruts in the wild. Fuel efficiency? Expect around 10-15 KPL depending on the engine and drive mode, which is respectable for an off-roader that guzzles fun.
| Feature | AT Variant | LXT Variant |
|---------|-------------|-------------|
| Infotainment | 7-inch touchscreen | 9-inch touchscreen with Adrenal |
| Safety | Dual airbags, rear parking sensors | 6 airbags, 360° camera |
| Comfort | Manual AC, basic audio | Auto AC, sunroof, leatherette seats |
| Off-Road Tech | Basic 4x4 (select models) | Electronic diff lock, terrain modes |
This table shows how the variants stack up—pick AT if you're budget-conscious, but LXT is where the Thar truly shines for long hauls.
2025 Mahindra Thar Price: Value That Packs a Punch.
Affordability has always been the Thar's secret sauce, and the facelift keeps that spirit alive. Prices kick off at an unbeatable ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base AT RWD Diesel, making it one of the most accessible 4x4 SUVs in India. The top-spec LXT 4WD Petrol Automatic? Around ₹16.99 lakh. On-road prices in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai add about 10-15% for taxes and insurance, so budget ₹11-19 lakh total.
Compared to rivals like the Force Gurkha (₹16.75 lakh) or the pricier Jeep Wrangler (₹67 lakh+), the Thar wins on wallet-friendliness without skimping on capability. Waiting periods? Expect 3–6 months for popular variants, so book early if you are itching for that open-top drive.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Scoop on the 2025 Thar
Pros:
- Unmatched off-road chops for the price—it's a mini Wrangler without the wallet wideout.
- Punchy engines that feel refined and responsive.
- Tons of new tech and comfort upgrades make it daily driver friendly.
- Iconic design that turns every outing into a statement.
Cons:
- Rear seats are still a squeeze for adults; better for kids or storage.
- A highway ride can feel jittery if you are not in "fun mode."
- Base variants lack some premium bells and whistles.
Overall, the pros far outweigh the cons unless you prioritize buttery-smooth tarmac cruising.
Conclusion: Is the 2025 Mahindra Thar Right for You?
In a sea of bland crossovers, the 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift stands tall as the ultimate off-road SUV in India—rugged, refined, and ridiculously fun. If your garage needs a vehicle that handles monsoon trails as effortlessly as it navigates urban chaos, this is it. Head to your nearest Mahindra showroom, take a test drive, and prepare to fall in love with the roar of that diesel heart.
