The Mahindra Thar doesn’t need reinvention. It already has a cult following, an unmistakable shape, and enough off-road cred to embarrass bigger SUVs. So for 2025, Mahindra hasn’t changed the formula, they’ve just sprinkled in the kind of updates that make living with a Thar a little easier.
Design updates
The biggest visual change is right up front, the new body-colour grille. It keeps the classic Thar look intact but finally gives the SUV a more premium face without adding unnecessary chrome. The lighting setup remains untouched, still halogens, no LEDs even on the top trim. Mahindra has clearly saved that upgrade for a future revision.
Lower down, the dual-tone bumper brings a tougher, more rugged appeal. The silver-and-black effect works well, and since it’s a Thar, it’s built to take scrapes without complaint. The 18-inch alloy wheels remain unchanged, and honestly, they’re perfect for the Thar’s stance and purpose.
A cabin that finally feels everyday-friendly
The real work has happened inside. Mahindra has gone for an all-black interior, and it suits the Thar’s personality perfectly. It’s easier to clean, looks sporty, and hides dust better after a weekend of trail driving.
You also get a new, nicer steering wheel with cruise control and MID controls laid out cleanly. The bigger win, however, is functionality:
- New dual rear AC vents with Type-C and a 12V socket
- Driver-side window controls moved to the door pad (finally where they should’ve always been)
- A proper sliding armrest with storage
- Dead pedal on automatic variants
- Entry-assist grab handles on the A-pillar
- Internally-operated fuel lid
- Rear wiper and washer on the hardtop
These sound like small changes, but together they make the Thar far more usable as a daily driver.
The new 26.03 cm touchscreen is a massive upgrade. It’s crisp, responsive, and packs in Adventure Statistics Gen 2, just like the Thar Roxx. Off-road stats, lap timers, custom screens, etc. CarPlay and Android Auto are still there, and Mahindra has wisely kept physical buttons and a proper volume knob.
The only thing that hasn’t been upgraded is the instrument cluster. Still analog, still functional, and honestly, still charming, though some buyers might wish for a full digital unit.
Off-road behaviour
Under the skin, nothing has changed. And that’s a good thing. The Thar continues with the same petrol and diesel engine options, the same 4×4 hardware, and the same mechanical toughness. At Mahindra’s Off-Road Academy in Igatpuri, the Thar felt as natural as ever:
- Four-high and four-low engagement is simple and quick
- Diesel automatic remains smooth, torquey, and surprisingly quiet inside
- Steering is heavy but predictable
- Articulation remains excellent
- Traction, even in 2WD on tricky surfaces, impresses every time
On mild declines, rocky climbs, slush, side inclines, the Thar just walks through it all without drama. Hill Descent Control works cleanly. Even in 2WD, it’s shockingly capable for most trails.
On-road behaviour
Let’s be honest, the Thar isn’t the most family-friendly SUV. It’s a three-door with heavy doors, high step-up, and limited cabin access. But once you’re behind the wheel, the charm returns. The ride is firm but acceptable, the diesel clatter is well contained, and visibility is excellent.
In city conditions, the Thar’s ability to simply glide over bad roads gives you a weird sense of invincibility. Traffic, potholes, broken patches, absolutely nothing slows it down.
Features, Variants & Colours
For 2025, Mahindra has streamlined offerings:
- Only hardtop models
- AXT and LXT variants
- Petrol and diesel, manual and automatic
- RWD (diesel only), 4WD (diesel & petrol)
- Two new colours: Battleship Grey and Tango Red
- Six colours in total
The reversing camera is now neatly mounted on the spare wheel, and it’s genuinely useful during tight manoeuvres.
Verdict
The 2025 Mahindra Thar is about fixing the small things that owners always wanted improved in terms of usability, cabin ergonomics and practicality. Mechanically, it remains the same unstoppable, go-anywhere SUV that made it a phenomenon.
If you’re buying a Thar for what a Thar is meant for, that is adventure, fun, and rough-road freedom, this update just makes the experience smoother without diluting the character.
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