A Fresh Take on an Off-Road Legend
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift has officially launched this October, and as an automotive enthusiast, I couldn’t be more thrilled. Having driven the older Thar for over two years, I was eagerly waiting to see how Mahindra would elevate its most iconic SUV. What they’ve done is nothing short of impressive — they’ve kept the rugged DNA intact while adding modern touches that make it a more comfortable and tech-loaded SUV for everyday use.
This launch marks a new chapter in India’s off-road market, especially for those who have been loyal to the Thar brand. The Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift now looks sharper, drives smoother, and feels far more premium than ever before.
Exterior Design: Muscular Yet Modern
The first thing that caught my attention about the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift was its redesigned front fascia. The signature seven-slot grille has been slightly reworked with thicker chrome slats, giving it a bolder appearance. The LED projector headlamps, along with new DRL clusters, lend a modern and aggressive stance.
During my test drive, the larger alloy wheels and refreshed bumper design made the SUV stand out even more on the road. The Thar’s classic silhouette remains untouched, but the small details — like body-colored ORVMs and sleek LED tail lamps — make the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift look more urban-ready while keeping its off-road spirit alive.
Interior Upgrades: Comfort Meets Practicality
Stepping inside, it’s evident that Mahindra has paid attention to customer feedback. The cabin of the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift feels more premium, with improved materials, better ergonomics, and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. The seats now offer superior lumbar support, making long drives far more comfortable than before.
What impressed me most was the dual-tone dashboard finish and the inclusion of soft-touch materials on the doors. The 7-inch touchscreen now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay — a welcome change for tech-savvy users like me who rely heavily on smartphone connectivity.
Mahindra has also added multiple USB-C charging points and improved the air-conditioning system for better cooling efficiency. The cabin insulation has been enhanced too, meaning lesser road noise and a more refined drive experience overall.
Engine and Performance: Same Power, Smoother Delivery
Under the hood, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift continues to offer the same reliable 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol and 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engines. However, Mahindra has fine-tuned both for better refinement and fuel efficiency.
When I took the diesel variant for a spin, I noticed the improved clutch feel and smoother gear shifts. The 6-speed automatic gearbox remains punchy yet relaxed at higher speeds, making highway cruising effortless. The petrol engine, on the other hand, delivers a spirited drive with minimal turbo lag — perfect for both city commutes and weekend getaways.
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift retains its exceptional off-road capabilities, thanks to the mechanical 4×4 transfer case and high ground clearance. Mahindra has tweaked the suspension setup for a more planted feel, which also enhances comfort during long-distance travel.
Safety Features: A Step Ahead
Mahindra has been proactive in improving vehicle safety, and the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift reflects that commitment. It now comes with six airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill descent control as standard across variants.
The addition of a rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines is another thoughtful update, especially useful for city users who find parking the Thar’s bulky frame a challenge. The SUV continues to have a sturdy build quality — something Mahindra has always been praised for — giving me immense confidence behind the wheel.
Variants and Pricing: Value Meets Adventure
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift is offered in multiple trims catering to different buyers. The base AX variant focuses on ruggedness, while the top-end LX trim packs luxury and tech features that appeal to lifestyle SUV enthusiasts.
Although Mahindra hasn’t increased prices drastically, the facelift offers greater value for money given all the new upgrades. The expected ex-showroom price range is between ₹11.5 lakh and ₹16.5 lakh, depending on the engine and transmission combination.
This competitive pricing positions the Thar against rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha, while still maintaining its unique appeal in the segment.
My Take: A Worthy Evolution of a Cult Classic
As someone who’s owned the older Thar, I can confidently say that the Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift strikes a perfect balance between hardcore off-roader and comfortable daily driver. The improved features, better NVH levels, and refined driving dynamics make it far more usable in everyday conditions without compromising its adventurous spirit.
It’s not just an SUV — it’s an emotion for those who love the open roads and uncharted trails. Mahindra has clearly understood its audience and delivered a vehicle that appeals to both enthusiasts and practical buyers alike.
Final Verdict
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door facelift is more than just a cosmetic update; it’s a thoughtful evolution of a modern classic. With its improved comfort, advanced tech features, and rugged performance, it stands out as one of the best lifestyle SUVs in its price range.
If you’ve ever dreamt of owning a vehicle that turns heads on city roads yet feels at home in the wild, this facelifted Thar is the one to get. Mahindra has once again proven why the Thar continues to dominate the off-road SUV market in India.
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