The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift has arrived, introducing a range of upgrades to the iconic off-roader. These enhancements encompass fresh features, cosmetic revisions, and interior alterations, all while maintaining the vehicle’s core mechanical components. This comparison delves into the key differences between the previous and updated Mahindra Thar models, covering design, interior, features, specifications, and pricing.
**Design:**
The original Thar was recognized for its rugged aesthetics, highlighted by features such as robust bumpers, removable roof panels, squared wheel arches, the distinctive seven-slat grille, and other elements conveying its tough character. The facelift preserves these fundamental design traits but refines them for a more contemporary appearance. The grille now incorporates a body-color finish, seamlessly integrating with the front fascia. The bumpers have been redesigned with a dual-tone finish and silver accents, adding visual contrast. Moreover, Mahindra has introduced two new color options: Battleship Grey and Tango Red, with the latter replacing the previous Rage Red.
**Features:**
The earlier model featured amenities like steering-mounted controls, manual air conditioning, roof-mounted speakers, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift boasts several upgrades, including an electric fuel-lid opener, Type-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers, and rear AC vents. The infotainment system has been enlarged to 10.25 inches and is paired with a revamped interface compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, the new Thar includes a reversing camera, along with a rear wiper and washer.
**Interior:**
The interior of the older Thar was designed to withstand both everyday driving and off-road adventures, offering practicality. It incorporated roof-mounted speakers, a touchscreen infotainment system, and washable floor panels. Despite its straightforward layout, it delivered the comfort expected from a modern SUV while maintaining the durability needed for challenging terrains.
Mahindra has incorporated interior enhancements, such as a new steering wheel. The facelift version now includes grab handles on the A-pillars with ‘THAR’ branding for both the driver and front passenger – previously, this was only on the co-driver’s side. A sliding armrest with storage has also been introduced. Automatic variants now feature a dead pedal. Moreover, the power window switches have been repositioned to the door armrests from the center console.
**Powertrain:**
The facelifted Thar retains its mechanical setup. It continues to offer a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 118PS/300Nm, a 2.2-liter diesel delivering 132PS/300Nm, and a 2.0-liter turbo petrol making 150PS/320Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The rear-wheel drive configuration is available with the 1.5-liter diesel (manual only) and the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (automatic only). The four-wheel drive setup is offered with the larger diesel engine and the turbo-petrol, both available with manual and automatic gearboxes.
**Price and Rivals:**
The previous model was priced between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Both models continue to compete with the Force and Maruti Jimny.
