Mahindra Thar Facelift: Mahindra seems to be getting ready to roll out a refreshed version of the Thar (3-door) SUV. Several recent spy shots, media reports, and regulatory filings point to a facelift that introduces design, tech, and comfort updates — while retaining much of what fans already love. If you’re interested, here’s a detailed look at what to expect.
What We Know & What’s Expected
Based on what’s been observed and reported:
Exterior Changes
- The front grille is likely to be revised, borrowing styling cues from the larger Thar Roxx (5-door). The grille is expected to have horizontal slats.
- Headlamps will likely be projector units with LED technology or LED elements. Also, C-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lights) have been spotted in spy images.
- Front bumper will see styling tweaks, possibly chunkier skid-plates and renewed fog lamp housings.
- Alloy wheels will be redesigned. The rear bumper and tail-lamp cluster may be updated (LED tail lamps expected).
Interior and Feature Upgrades
- A larger infotainment touchscreen is expected — likely around 10.25-inch. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay could be included.
- The power window switch layout will be changed: moving from centre console to door panels for improved ergonomics.
- A wireless charging pad is expected to be offered in upper trims.
- Possible upgrade to automatic climate control in certain variants. Other interior trim materials (upholstery, finishes) might be more premium.
Safety, Tech & Powertrain
- Safety features are likely to be bumped up. Some reports suggest an increase in the airbag count, addition of tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a 360-degree camera, maybe some driver-assist features.
- Engine lineup is expected to be the same:
- A 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with both manual (MT) and automatic (Torque Converter) gearbox options.
- 2.2-litre diesel engine variants.
- A 1.5-litre diesel (for RWD / lower variants) may continue.
Price & Timeline
- Current Thar ex-showroom prices are approximately ₹11.50 lakh to ₹17.62 lakh depending on variant.
- With the facelift and added features, a modest price increase is expected — perhaps higher trims will go up by a few tens of thousands of rupees due to better tech and materials.
- Launch is likely soon; reports suggest possibly end of September 2025 or early in Q4 2025.
What Will Remain the Same
- The rugged off-road DNA: 3-door body style, high ground clearance (~226 mm), body on frame setup, shift-on-the-fly 4×4 in applicable variants.
- Engine options, transmissions, and drive train choices as above. It’s unlikely Mahindra will change the core mechanical layout in this mid-cycle update.
- Overall silhouette and certain classic design cues like circular headlamps, tailgate-spare-wheel placement. These are expected to be retained to keep Thar’s identity strong.
Why This Facelift Matters
- Thar is one of the best-selling lifestyle offroad SUVs in India. A timely update keeps it competitive, especially as rivals increasingly add tech and creature comforts.
- Buyers in the segment now expect better infotainment, connectivity, and safety tech. This facelift seems aimed at meeting those rising expectations.
- With GST changes, newer features, and refreshed styling, the facelifted Thar could attract both new buyers and those waiting for an upgrade.
Things to Watch Out For
- Whether Mahindra introduces any driver-assist tech like ADAS in the facelifted 3-door (some reports mention it, but not confirmed).
- How much the price will increase — too high a bump may reduce the updated Thar’s value proposition.
- Fuel economy and real-world efficiency, especially with the petrol turbo and 4WD variants.
- Dealer availability & waiting periods, particularly after the launch as demand tends to spike.