Introduction
After months of anticipation and several spy sightings, Mahindra has officially launched the 2025 facelift version of the Thar in India in October 2025. The updated Thar retains its rugged off-road persona but steps up in styling, convenience, tech, and refinement. This new version aims to bridge the gap between off-road capability and modern everyday usability.
Launch Date & Price Band
- The facelifted Thar made its official debut on 3 October 2025.
- Pricing starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base 1.5L diesel RWD variant, and goes up to ₹16.99 lakh for the top 2.2L diesel 4×4 automatic variant.
Exterior Updates
The changes in exterior styling are moderately subtle, preserving the Thar’s iconic silhouette while adding fresh touches:
- The front grille is now body-colored instead of a contrasting black panel, giving a cleaner, more integrated look.
- The bumper has been reworked with a dual-tone finish design, enhancing visual depth.
- Two new color options join the palette: Tango Red and Battleship Grey, alongside existing shades like Galaxy Grey, Stealth Black, Deep Forest, and Everest White.
- New or revised 18-inch alloy wheels replace previous designs, giving a more modern aesthetic.
- On the rear, a camera is now integrated into the spare wheel hub, and a rear wiper with washer is added—features missing in earlier models.
- Some familiar features remain: the circular headlamps, halogen units, and the overall boxy off-road profile.
Interior Changes & Comfort Enhancements
Mahindra has focused heavily on improving interior comfort and everyday usability:
- The dashboard receives an all-black theme, which looks more premium and cohesive.
- A new steering wheel design replaces the older unit, borrowing cues from Mahindra’s modern SUVs.
- Rear passengers get dedicated AC vents—a long-awaited upgrade.
- Sliding center armrest between front seats with storage adds convenience.
- Power window switches have been relocated to the door panels and now support one-touch functionality.
- A grab handle on the A-pillar helps with entry/exit.
- The fuel lid now opens via an internal button rather than a key.
- The infotainment system is upgraded to a 10.2-inch HD touchscreen with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
- The system features Adventure Stats Gen II, showing off-road parameters (altitude, steering angle, pressure, trip status).
- Additional aids include cruise control, a rearview camera, and a Tyre Direction Monitoring System (TDMS).
Trim Structure & Variant Differentiation
The facelifted Thar is offered in two broad trims: AXT and LXT.
- AXT (Base): Offers fundamental essentials—halogen headlamps, LED tail lamps, steel wheels, basic interior layout.
- LXT (Premium): Adds upgraded kit—LED DRLs, dual-tone bumpers, alloy wheels, advanced infotainment, cruise control, electrically adjustable mirrors, and more.
Depending on engine and drivetrain choice, each trim may come in RWD or 4×4 versions, manual or automatic.
Powertrains & Mechanical Layout
The facelift retains the same core mechanicals as the previous generation, emphasizing proven reliability:
- Engine options continue to include** a 1.5L diesel (D117 CRDe)**, a 2.2L diesel (mHawk / D117), and a 2.0L turbo-petrol (mStallion).
- Outputs are roughly: Diesel ~116–130 bhp depending on variant, Petrol ~150 bhp.
- Torque figures hover around 300 Nm for most variants.
- Transmissions include a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options.
- The 4×4 drivetrain remains available in higher trim levels.
- Automatic trims gain a dead pedal for added driving comfort.
Safety & Off-Road Reliability
Mahindra has maintained and modestly improved safety and off-road features:
- Standard safety includes dual airbags, ABS with EBD, hill-hold assist, roll-over mitigation, electronic stability control, and brake assist.
- Higher trims or LXT variants gain additional aids such as rear parking camera, tire pressure monitoring, and TDMS.
- The rugged build, ladder frame chassis, and off-road geometry (approach / departure angles) are largely unchanged, preserving the Thar’s off-road pedigree.
What’s Removed or Omitted
- No soft-top option is offered at launch. Mahindra has opted to launch with fixed (hard) top roof only—likely to streamline production and reduce complexity.
- Some cosmetic changes are minimal by design; Mahindra seems to focus more on utility and refinement than radical styling overhaul.
What Works & What Buyers Should Know
Strengths:
- The facelift addresses many interior comfort gaps (rear AC vents, power windows, improved infotainment).
- The pricing structure is aggressive for what is offered.
- The addition of camera in spare wheel and new styling cues gives a more refined look without losing the Thar’s identity.
Potential Trade-Offs:
- Purists may miss the soft-top option, at least initially.
- The exterior changes are not extremely bold—some design elements carry over from the older model.
- Mechanical components remain largely carried over, so major performance leaps are unlikely.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift (October 2025 edition) offers a balanced mix of evolution rather than revolution. It retains the rugged appeal that made the Thar an icon, while making thoughtful upgrades in usability, style, and cabin comfort. For buyers who want a blend of off-road capability with modern conveniences—especially for daily driving and weekend adventures—this refreshed Thar is a compelling option.
