Bold New Chapter for the Thar Lineage
I’m excited to share that Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025 recently, and it packs just the right mix of rugged DNA and modern refinement. For those of us who’ve followed the Thar’s evolution, this version shows how Mahindra is listening — keeping off-road capability intact while improving daily comfort, tech, and styling.
What’s New on the 2025 Thar
When I delved into the details of how Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025, here are the upgrades that stood out:
- Exterior styling improvements: The new Thar features a redesigned front grille (body-coloured now instead of all-black), dual-tone bumpers, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels. New paint options include Tango Red and Battleship Grey, joining existing shades like Deep Forest, Galaxy Grey, Stealth Black, and Everest White.
- Interior and comfort enhancements: The cabin gets a fresh look with an all-black dashboard theme and a new steering wheel. For the driver and passengers, Mahindra added rear AC vents, a sliding armrest, a dead pedal (for automatic variants), and an A-pillar entry assist handle. Power window switches have been relocated from the center console to the doors for ergonomic improvement. Also, the fuel lid is now operated from the dashboard rather than externally
- Tech & connectivity updates: One of the more noticeable changes is the 10.25-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Type-C USB ports (front & rear), and an upgraded off-road stats suite called “Adventure Stats Gen II,” which gives altimeter, steering direction, temperature, etc. Tyre Direction Monitoring System is included too.
- Exterior usability & convenience: New features such as a rear washer & wiper, rear-view camera, door-mounted power windows, and an internally operated fuel-lid add more practicality. The power windows moving to doors is particularly sensible in daily use.
Engine, Drive & Variant Choices
When Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025, they kept the engine line-up largely unchanged, which makes sense: the current powertrains are well-accepted and perform well both on- and off-road. Here’s the breakdown:
- The entry engine is the 1.5-litre mHawk diesel (~117 PS), with manual transmission.
- There’s the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (~130-132 PS), available in MT or AT in certain variants.
- And the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol (~150 PS), with MT or AT, depending on the variant.
Moreover, buyers can choose RWD (rear-wheel drive) or 4WD depending on variant. The variants span from a basic AXT RWD manual diesel up to the top-end LXT 4WD automatic diesel. 
Pricing & Variant Range
Here’s what I discovered about the variant structure and pricing when Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025:
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx) |
|---|---|
| AXT RWD MT (entry) | ₹ 9.99 lakh |
| LXT RWD MT | ₹ 12.19 lakh |
| LXT RWD AT (petrol) | ₹ 13.99 lakh |
| LXT 4WD MT (diesel / petrol) | ₹ 14.69 lakh |
| LXT 4WD AT (diesel, top trim) | ₹ 16.99 lakh |
Prices vary across engine types, drive configurations, and whether automatic transmission is included.
What Stayed the Same & What That Means
Even though Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025 with many upgrades, certain things remain constant:
- No soft-top / convertible option at launch; only hard top trims are offered.
- Core off-road capability remains: 4WD in applicable variants, hill-hold, hill-descent, ESP, roll cage, etc. The mechanicals (engines, torque outputs) are carried over largely as before.
What this tells me is that Mahindra did not attempt to reinvent the Thar but refined it—boosting usability, tech, comfort, and style while preserving its defining qualities. For buyers who valued the ruggedness already, this update enhances appeal without compromising its core.
My Take: Who This Update Serves Best
Personally, I believe Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025 to appeal to a growing class of buyers who use Thar not just for adventure weekends but also daily commuting (especially in urban & semi-urban areas) and want more comfort & tech. For those who want off-road ability plus creature comforts, this iteration seems very well balanced.
I also think this is a smart move ahead of the festive season, as upgraded features tend to draw more attention, and given price sensitivity, adding value rather than increasing price drastically is likely to perform well in the market.
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Conclusion
In summary, when Mahindra launched the updated Thar 2025, it delivered meaningful enhancements: fresh exterior styling, upgraded interiors, better tech, and a clear variant spread to suit different needs. It keeps the Thar’s spirit alive while making it more relevant for today’s user expectations. If you’re considering getting a Thar, especially for mixed usage, this 2025 update makes it hard to ignore.