Key highlights
- Mahindra Thar crosses 3 lakh sales since the second-gen launch in 2020.
- Offered in 4×4 and 2WD variants, with petrol and diesel powertrains.
- Still the undisputed king of lifestyle SUVs in India.
Mahindra has officially announced that the Thar has sold over 3 lakh units in just five years. A milestone that cements its position as India’s ultimate lifestyle SUV. What was once a rugged toy for hardcore off-roaders has evolved into an aspirational everyday machine.
Since its second-gen debut in October 2020, the Thar has grown beyond the trails and dunes, finding fans in cities, towns, and everywhere in between. And the numbers prove it demand hasn’t slowed down, whether for the 4×4 that lives for the wild, or the 2WD that makes more sense for daily commutes.
Why the Thar works
The recipe hasn’t changed—it’s just gotten smarter. Buyers can pick from:
- 2.0L turbo-petrol (150 hp, 320 Nm)
- 2.2L diesel (130 hp, 300 Nm)
- 1.5L diesel (118 hp, 300 Nm) in the 2WD
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, with hard-top, soft-top, and convertible roofs on the menu. The introduction of the 2WD in 2023 was a game-changer—it dropped the entry price, improved efficiency, and suddenly made the Thar accessible to a whole new audience.
Inside, it’s functional rather than flashy: a 7-inch touchscreen, cruise control, ESP, dual airbags, and rear parking sensors. Just enough kit to keep modern buyers happy, without losing the rawness that defines the Thar.
The Thar cult
In the lifestyle SUV segment, the Thar doesn’t just lead—it dominates. Rivals like the Force Gurkha and Maruti Jimny exist, but they haven’t come close to matching the Thar’s mix of street cred and usability.
And Mahindra isn’t done yet. A 5-door Thar is in the works, due in 2026, and that could push sales even higher by winning over families who want the same charm with more practicality.
Beyond numbers, the Thar has built a culture around itself. From off-road communities to Instagram reels, owners don’t just drive the Thar, they live it. That cult following has turned the SUV into something bigger than a product: it’s a badge of adventure, a statement of identity.
Also read: Honda export crosses 2 lakh units, Elevate is the best seller
