The Mahindra Thar is one of India’s most iconic SUVs, blending rugged off-road capability with contemporary features. Whether you're an adventure seeker or someone looking for a bold daily-driver, the Thar draws attention. In this article, we dive deep into its specs, variants, pricing, comparisons, user feedback — and help you understand if it’s the right pick for your needs.
Evolution & Overview
The Thar traces its roots to Mahindra’s lineage of rugged SUV/jeep designs. Over time, it’s evolved to incorporate modern convenience while retaining hardcore off-road DNA.
In 2024, Mahindra launched Thar ROXX, a 5-door, longer wheelbase version to improve usability without compromising the adventure quotient.
As of late 2025, a facelifted version of the Thar has been introduced in India, with refreshed design cues and improved features.
2. Specs & Features
Below is a breakdown of key specifications (2025 / latest) and features:
| Specification | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0 L mStallion turbo-petrol; 1.5 L D117 turbo-diesel; 2.2 L mHawk turbo-diesel |
| Power & Torque | Petrol ~150–174 bhp / torque ~330–380 Nm (depending on variant) Diesel ~130 bhp, ~300 Nm (for 2.2 L) |
| Transmissions | 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic (torque converter) |
| Drive Options | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 4×4 (4WD) variants with low-range transfer case |
| Dimensions (3-door Thar) | Length ~3,985 mm; Width ~1,820 mm; Height ~1,850 mm; Wheelbase ~2,450 mm (various sources) |
| Dimensions (5-door ROXX)** | Length ~4,265 mm; Wheelbase ~2,850 mm; Height ~1,900 mm |
| Suspension & Undercarriage | Body-on-frame chassis, robust ladder frame; tuned for off-road with ample ground clearance and articulation |
| Safety & Features | Dual front airbags, ABS + EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ISOFIX, rearview camera, modern infotainment, connected-car features, off-road stats display Global NCAP / safety rating: 4 stars (for current gen) |
| Mileage / Fuel Efficiency | Real-world varies; some sources quote ~9 kmpl (in city, heavy usage) to ~15 kmpl (in ideal conditions) |
| Other Features | Removable doors & roof (soft top / hard top), off-road modes, Hill Descent Control, Hill Hold, etc. |
Key Feature Highlights:
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Off-road capability: The Thar is built to tackle rough terrain with 4×4, high ground clearance, and durable frame.
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Convertible options: Some versions let you remove doors or roof (soft-top) for open-air drives.
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Connected tech: Modern infotainment, display of off-road stats, smartphone connectivity.
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Safety & creature comforts: For a rugged SUV, it offers a good mix of convenience and safety.
Note: Specs differ across variants (petrol vs diesel, manual vs auto, 3-door vs 5-door). Always refer to the variant’s brochure.
3. Price & Variants (India)
Here’s a snapshot of pricing and variant structure (as available or reported in 2025):
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The 2025 Thar facelift was launched in India with starting price around ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base 1.5 L diesel RWD manual variant, and going up to ₹16.99 lakh for the top 2.2 L diesel 4×4 automatic variant.
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Mahindra also reduced prices of Thar and other SUVs (by up to ₹1.56 lakh) following a GST rate cut.
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The Thar ROXX (5-door) initially came with a higher price bracket — variants around ₹14.99 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on drivetrain & trim.
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Trim levels: AX, LX, etc.
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Drive mode: RWD or 4×4
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Transmission: Manual or Automatic
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Body style: 3-door vs 5-door (ROXX)
When choosing a variant, consider your usage: city + occasional off-road vs serious adventure. The ROXX gives more practicality and ease for daily use.
4. Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
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Excellent off-road performance and ruggedness
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Bold, iconic design — strong road presence
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Removable roof/doors give fun convertible-like feel
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Good tech and safety features for its segment
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Strong brand, good aftermarket support & community
❌ Cons
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Rear seats can be cramped for taller passengers
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Fuel efficiency is average / modest
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Ride may feel harsh on city roads due to off-road setup
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Soft-top variants may have NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) in top-down mode
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Waiting periods and monthly maintenance could be higher
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Some plastics and interior fit-finish may lag behind premium SUVs
User reviews and forum discussions often mention that while the Thar is thrilling off-road, one must compromise somewhat on city comfort and rear passenger space.
5. Comparisons
Thar vs Jeep / Maruti Jimny / other SUVs
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Thar vs Maruti Jimny: Thar offers more power, ruggedness and features; Jimny is lighter, easier for city use.
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Thar vs Jeep Wrangler (if imported/available): Thar is more localized; Wrangler may offer superior premium fit and global brand cachet, but at much higher cost.
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Thar vs other Mahindra SUVs (e.g. Scorpio-N): Thar is more rugged, open-air, off-road oriented; Scorpio-N is more versatile for family use and better on-road manners.
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3-door vs 5-door (ROXX): ROXX adds usability and comfort, but slightly compromises on pure off-road agility.
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Manual vs Automatic: Manual gives better control (especially off-road); auto is more convenient for city traffic.
Comparisons help readers make informed choices. Use a table or side-by-side spec comparisons.
6. User & Expert Opinions
From owner reviews and expert drives:
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Many users praise the "fun factor" — the thrill of open-air drives.
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Some say it's not ideal as only car for urban life — cramped rear seats, limited boot space.
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Experts often highlight that the Thar punches well above its price in off-road capability, but suggest test drives on both 3-door and 5-door units.
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On reliability, the Thar has a strong aftermarket support network, which eases service in many parts of India.
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Waiting periods are commonly reported as long, depending on variant and demand.
From a Reddit query:
“Petrol or Diesel? … I get about 14 kmpl in my Baleno; my concern is range on Thar…”
Many prospective buyers are torn between petrol for power and diesel for torque/efficiency.
7. FAQs (with short answers)
Here are 10 sample FAQs (you can expand to 20 with schema later):
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What is the seating capacity of Mahindra Thar?
Typically 4 adults comfortably; 5 possible in tighter conditions. -
Can I remove the doors and roof?
Yes, in many variants with soft-top or convertible-style versions. -
What is the ground clearance of Thar?
It is high enough for off-road use; exact figure differs by variant. (Check brochure) What is the waiting period? It varies per city, variant, and demand; weeks to months in many cases.
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Is Thar good as a daily driver?
Yes—with tradeoffs: it can be used daily, but ride comfort, city maneuvering, and fuel cost must be considered. -
Is Thar fuel efficient?
Not among the top in mileage — real-world figures range based on engine & usage. -
Which variant should I pick: petrol or diesel?
For highway/off-road, the diesel may give you better torque; petrol gives smoother throttle response. -
Does it have automatic transmission?
Yes, select variants offer 6-speed torque converter automatic. -
What is the price range?
From ~₹9.99 lakh up to ~₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for latest facelift units. -
Is there a 5-door version?
Yes, the Thar ROXX is the 5-door, long-wheelbase variant.
You can extend these to 20, with schema markup, addressing city use, maintenance cost, comparison, etc.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar is a powerful statement in the Indian SUV space — it blends ruggedness, character, and usable modern features. While it may not be the most comfortable daily driver for all people, for those who prioritize adventure, open-air fun, and bold styling, it stands out. The 5-door ROXX variant addresses practicality concerns, and the 2025 facelift keeps the model fresh. For buyers, choosing the right variant (petrol/diesel, manual/auto, 3-door/5-door) is key.
If I were to choose, for a mix of daily use and off-road weekend adventures, I'd go for the 5-door ROXX with 4×4 and automatic, if budget allows — the balance of comfort and capability appeals more.
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