Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025: Bold New Design, Advanced Features & Launch Details

The iconic Mahindra Thar is gearing up for an exciting refresh with its highly awaited 2025 facelift. Since its reintroduction, the Thar has been a favourite in the Indian SUV scene, renowned for its rugged, off-road prowess combined with modern design and daily usability. The upcoming facelift promises to build on this legacy, bringing much-needed refinement, upgraded technology, and refreshed styling cues inspired by its bigger sibling, the Thar Roxx.

This face-lifted Thar targets both die-hard off-road enthusiasts and buyers looking for a lifestyle SUV that blends classic toughness with modern comforts and convenience. Set to launch in late September 2025, this update aims to keep the Thar competitive and relevant amid increasing rival activity in the compact SUV segment.

Table of Contents

Exterior Styling: Rugged Yet Refined

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift features notable styling upgrades while retaining its unmistakable robust character. The design refresh draws heavy inspiration from the larger 5-door Thar Roxx, incorporating modern touches that elevate the vehicle’s road presence without diluting its heritage look. Key updates include:

New Front Grille: The facelift sports a bold six-slot grille redesigned with a “double-stacked slat” layout that adds depth and aggression to the front fascia.
Updated LED Headlamps: The signature round projector headlamps get LED treatment with C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), improving visibility and aesthetics.
Reworked Bumpers: Both front and rear bumpers receive subtle revisions for a sharper, more modern look while maintaining the robust stance.
New Alloy Wheels: The side profile is adorned with redesigned 5-spoke alloy wheels that are rugged yet stylish, complementing the vehicle’s adventurous spirit.
Redesigned Tail Lamps: LED tail lamps with a refreshed design provide a contemporary touch at the rear.
New Color Options: Mahindra is expected to introduce new exterior colours and a mix of matte and gloss finishes, broadening buyer choice.

Despite these updates, the Thar retains its boxy silhouette with prominent wheel arches. And a high ground clearance of 226 mm, ensuring it stays true to its off-road roots.

Interior and Cabin Upgrades: Modern and Connected

Mahindra’s biggest leap with the Thar facelift comes inside the cabin, where the focus is on enhancing comfort, technology, and usability. While the off-road DNA is preserved, the interior adopts a far more contemporary and premium feel. Highlights include:

10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: Borrowed from the Thar Roxx, this floating display integrates. Mahindra’s latest AdrenoX connected car system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and multiple apps.
Digital Instrument Cluster: While spy shots showed analogue dials for test models, production models are expected to get a 10.25-inch digital driver display for a sleek, customizable experience.
Updated Steering Wheel: A new flat-bottom steering wheel similar to the Scorpio N and XUV700 brings a sportier feel and better grip. Steering-mounted controls allow easy access to functions without distraction.
Refined Dashboard & Console: The updated centre console is designed for better ergonomics, including wireless charging and additional storage spaces. The dash remains primarily black with tasteful accents to preserve the rugged charm.
Ventilated Front Seats: Available on higher trims, ventilated seats enhance comfort during India’s hot weather, a first for the Thar line-up.
Ambient Lighting: Subtle cabin lighting adds a luxurious touch after dark.
Improved Connectivity: Besides AdrenoX, connectivity has been enhanced for better over-the-air (OTA) updates and remote vehicle management.

The facelift ensures the Thar is no longer just a utilitarian beast but a comfortable vehicle for daily drives and weekend explorations alike.

Performance and Power-train: Proven Engines, Reliable Options

Mahindra has chosen to retain the existing three-engine lineup with slight refinements for efficiency and tuning:

Engine Type	2.0L Turbo Petrol (mStallion)	1.5L Turbo Diesel (mFalcon)	2.2L Turbo Diesel (mHawk)
Power (bhp)	152	118	132
Torque (Nm)	300 (MT), 320 (AT)	300	300
Transmission Options	6-speed Manual, 6-speed AT	6-speed Manual	6-speed Manual, 6-speed AT
Drivetrain	RWD / 4WD	RWD	4WD

The steady retention of these engines ensures the facelifted Thar maintains its reputation for capability and off-road competence across terrain types. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive options based on their preferences.

The power-train lineup balances spirited on-road performance with rugged off-road ability — the 2.0L turbo petrol delivers punchy throttle response, while the diesel options offer excellent torque and fuel economy.

Off-Road Ability and Features

The Mahindra Thar facelift remains a serious off-roader thanks to:

Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 with Low Range: Enables tackling steep climbs and tricky trails smoothly.
High Ground Clearance (226 mm): Provides ample suspension travel and clearance to overcome obstacles.
Approach and Departure Angles: Tailored for overlanding and off-road adventure.
Mechanical Locking Rear Differential: Offers traction in low-friction off-road environments.
Robust Roll Cage: Protects occupants during extreme off-roading and rollover situations.

These attributes combine to make the Thar one of the most capable off-road SUVs in its class, and the face-lift retains this core DNA while adding modern convenience features.

New Features and Technology

The facelift introduces upgrades aimed at modern buyers who value technology:

Level-2 ADAS Suite (on higher trims): Advanced driver assistance features like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking are a first for the Thar, heavily improving safety.
360-degree Camera: For better parking and obstacle visibility in urban and off-road settings.
Automatic Climate Control: Making cabin comfort more convenient.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Enhances safety alerts related to tyre conditions.
Cruise Control and Keyless Entry: Features expected in higher variants for added convenience.
Remote Central Locking: Standard across variants for ease of access.

These tech upgrades elevate the Thar from a rugged-old-school SUV to a smart, user-friendly vehicle.

Pricing and Variants

Although precise pricing is yet to be officially confirmed, industry estimates suggest the facelifted Mahindra Thar will be priced in the range of:

Starting at around ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom) for base variants.
Going up to approximately ₹18 lakh for top-end trims with full features.

Variants are expected to align similarly to the current 3-door Thar lineup, with multiple trims differing in features, engine, and drivetrain. Pricing might see a slight increase due to the enhanced technology and premium equipment added to the facelifted model.

Competition and Market Position

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift competes primarily with:

Force Gurkha
Maruti Suzuki Jimny (imported)
Tata Sierra EV (upcoming)
Jeep Wrangler (higher segment)

The Thar’s blend of proven off-road ability, uniquely retro-modern design. And now updated tech features give it a strong edge in the growing lifestyle off-road segment in India. Its loyal fan base and extensive aftermarket support also continue to cement it as a top choice.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift is poised to be one of the most crucial updates in the model’s history — refining the SUV’s style, adding advanced technology, and improving daily usability while retaining the ruggedness that made it legendary.

With a bolder front grille, LED lighting, larger touchscreen, ventilated seats, Level-2 ADAS. And safety upgrades, the facelift manages to keep the spirit of the Thar alive in 2025 and beyond. Whether on rocky terrain or urban roads, the Thar continues to deliver adventure with confidence and comfort.

For those craving a capable off-roader with modern sophistication, the face-lifted Mahindra Thar is an exciting proposition — and one that should appeal to both loyal fans and new buyers alike.