The second-gen Thar facelift has been launched with a host of cosmetic and feature upgrades.
The much-awaited Mahindra Thar facelift has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom, topping out at Rs 16.99 lakh. The current-generation Thar 3 door has been on sale since 2020, and the Mahindra SUV’s mid-cycle update comes after 5 years. Interestingly, Mahindra has added a ‘T’ suffix to the Thar’s AX and LX variants, and they are now called AXT and LXT. Also, convertible/soft top Thar models, which were discontinued in April 2025, have not been reintroduced with the 2025 facelift. Keep reading to discover the similarities and differences between the old and new Thar models.
Mahindra Thar new vs old: exterior design
Body-coloured front grille, rear wiper and washer
Not a lot has changed when it comes to the Thar’s exterior, save for a body-coloured front grille and dual-tone bumpers, alongside a now internally operable fuel lid, and rear wiper, washer and camera feature upgrades. LED headlights are still not on offer and the halogen pair is carried over. Similarly, 16-inch steel wheels (LXT models) and 18-inch alloy wheels (AXT models) are continued with no design changes.
Notably, the brand’s Twin Peaks logo on the alloy wheel hub caps, key fob, as well as the interior was introduced on the Thar in 2022 with a mild update.
Mahindra Thar new vs old: interior and features
Bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents
Unlike the exterior, Mahindra has thoroughly upgraded the 3 door Thar’s interior. Features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen (with next-gen adventure stats), bigger by 3.25 inches than the outgoing model, indicator and wiper stalks, and a new steering wheel have been borrowed from the 5 door Thar Roxx. A-pillar-mounted grab handles, power windows on the door trims (with one-touch function for the driver), front sliding armrests, dead pedal (Thar AT only) and rear AC vents have also been added.
Mahindra Thar new vs old: engine and gearbox options
2L turbo-petrol, and 1.5L and 2.2L diesel engine choices
No changes have been made under the hood of the new Thar and the familiar engine trio of 152hp 2-litre turbo-petrol, 119hp 1.5-litre diesel and 132hp 2.2-litre diesel, along with their respective gearbox options, continues. 4WD option remains to be on offer with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, while it’s standard for the 2.2-litre diesel.
Also see:
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