The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift introduces several upgrades, encompassing both aesthetic and functional improvements, while retaining the proven mechanical components of the previous model. This article delivers a detailed comparison between the old and new Thar, evaluating design modifications, feature enhancements, interior changes, technical specifications, and pricing.
**Design and Exterior**
The original Thar’s design was instantly recognizable, characterized by its tough and rugged appearance, including elements like chunky bumpers, removable roof panels, squared wheel arches, and the signature seven-slat grille. The facelift model maintains these foundational design elements, integrating refined details to enhance its visual appeal.
The front grille now seamlessly blends with the body color. The redesigned dual-tone bumpers feature silver accents for added visual interest. The color palette has been expanded with the inclusion of Battleship Grey and Tango Red, replacing the previous Rage Red.
**Feature Upgrades**
The previous model included practical features such as steering-mounted controls, manual air conditioning, roof-mounted speakers, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift brings several notable feature upgrades. These include an electric fuel-lid opener, Type-C charging ports for both front and rear occupants, and rear AC vents. The infotainment system gets a larger 10.25-inch display with a redesigned interface, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additional features encompass a reversing camera, along with a rear wiper and washer.
**Interior Enhancements**
The interior of the previous Thar was built to withstand both daily driving and off-road use, offering roof-mounted speakers, a touchscreen infotainment system, and washable floor panels. The interior’s design balanced simplicity with comfort, suitable for a modern SUV while retaining the robustness necessary for challenging terrains.
Mahindra has introduced interior upgrades, including a new steering wheel. The facelift version features grab handles on the A-pillars with ‘THAR’ branding for both the driver and front passenger – a change from the original design. A sliding armrest with storage has also been added. Automatic variants now include a dead pedal. Furthermore, the power window switches are now located on the door armrests, instead of the center console.
**Engine and Performance**
The facelifted Thar maintains the existing engine options. It continues with the 1.5-liter diesel engine (118PS/300Nm), the 2.2-liter diesel engine (132PS/300Nm), and the 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine (150PS/320Nm). Transmission choices remain a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The rear-wheel-drive configuration is available with the 1.5-liter diesel (manual only) and the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (automatic only). The four-wheel-drive setup is available with the larger diesel and the turbo-petrol, both offered with manual and automatic gearboxes.
**Pricing and Competitors**
The prior model’s pricing ranged from Rs 11.35 lakh to Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift is priced between Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Both models continue to compete with the Force and Maruti Jimny.