The Mahindra Thar has always been more than just a car; it's a statement. It’s the go-to for anyone wanting a serious off-roader that you can still drive around town without looking like you're preparing for the apocalypse. The new 2025 facelift is here, and Mahindra has wisely chosen not to mess with a winning formula. Think of it as the same rugged Thar you love, just with a few modern touches to make life a little easier. But is it the right ride for you? Let's break it down.
The Look: If It Ain't Broke
The Good Let's be honest, the Thar is a head-turner. Its beefy, muscular stance is its biggest selling point, and thankfully, that hasn't changed. Mahindra has given it a few subtle nips and tucks—like a new grille and body-coloured bumpers—to freshen things up. It still has that classic, old-school charm that makes it stand out in a sea of generic SUVs.
The Not-So-Good If you were hoping for a radical redesign, you might be a bit disappointed. The changes are very conservative. For some, the boxy, no-nonsense style is perfect, but if you're looking for sleek, modern lines, this isn't it. It’s a classic look, which is great for fans, but less thrilling if you wanted something brand new.
Inside the Cabin: A Much-Needed Upgrade
The Good The old Thar's interior was, to put it kindly, a bit basic. It was falling behind rivals like the Maruti Jimny. The 2025 facelift fixes a lot of that. The star of the show is the new 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—a massive improvement. They've also swapped the old steering wheel for a slicker one from the Scorpio N.
Plus, there are a bunch of creature comforts that make a real difference: rear AC vents, USB-C ports for everyone, a reverse camera, and even a new grab handle for the driver. These small things make the Thar much easier to live with every day.
The Not-So-Good Mahindra is clearly keeping the best toys for the more expensive Thar Roxx. The 3-door Thar still misses out on premium features like ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, or a fancy digital driver's display. Safety is also a bit of a letdown; you only get two airbags when six is becoming the standard.
And the back seat? It’s still a penalty box for adults. The windows don't open, the thick pillars make it feel claustrophobic, and there's very little visibility. It's fine for short trips, but you wouldn't want to be stuck back there for long.
On and Off the Road Power and Bumps
The Good: No changes under the hood, and that's a good thing. You still get a choice of powerful petrol and diesel engines, with either a manual or automatic gearbox. Whether you’re crawling over rocks or cruising on the highway, the Thar has plenty of grunt. You can get it in a more affordable rear-wheel-drive (RWD) for city slickers or the full-fat 4x4 for the adventurers. Mahindra has also improved the vehicle's off-road tech and worked on reducing vibrations, making the cabin a quieter place to be.
The Not-So-Good: The Thar still rides like a true, old-school SUV. The ride is stiff, and while it handles bad roads like a champ, sharp bumps will definitely jolt you. That classic ladder-frame chassis also means you get a lot of body roll, not just in sharp corners, but even on gentle curves. It's part of the car's character, but it's not for everyone.
The Verdict Should You Buy It?
The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift knows exactly what it is: a lifestyle SUV for those who value adventure and style. If you want a rugged, go-anywhere vehicle that now has the essential modern features, this is your machine. It's perfect for weekend explorers, outdoor lovers, or anyone who wants a car that makes a bold statement. With the updated cabin, it’s easier than ever to justify as a fun second car or even a primary vehicle if you don't need much space.
However, if you're looking for a practical family car with a plush ride and tons of room, you're better off with a standard compact SUV. The Thar is still a compromise. It's a massively improved version of a hardcore off-roader, but it's not trying to be a comfortable, feature-packed family hauler. For that, you might have to stretch your budget for the bigger, more versatile Thar Roxx.
POLL ✦
Was Mahindra right to keep Thar facelift changes subtle?
Ankit Kumar
Ankit Kumar is a passionate automobile journalist, digital creator, and the founder of DailyAxle.com — a fast-growing auto news platform focused on cars, bikes, EVs, and launch updates. With a background in Journalism & Mass Communication from Delhi University, Ankit has spent the last five years exploring the Indian automobile industry, attending launch events, reviewing vehicles, and decoding complex auto trends for everyday readers.