Category Average: 1498.0 cc
Thar: 1497.0 - 2184.0 cc
Category Average: 16.63 kmpl
Thar: 8-9 kmpl
Category Average: 123.84 bhp
Thar: 117.0 - 150.0 bhp
Introduction
Mahindra Thar is a rugged SUV with impressive off-roading capabilities and its first generation model was launched in India in 2010. A decade later, Mahindra rejuvenated the model for its second generation launch and since then, the Thar has captivated the off-roader SUV market by storm. In June 2024, the Thar marked a 37.88 per cent year-on-year increase in sales from the same period previous year and the model has garnered a cult following over the years. With 4x4 variants in hand and a five-door version in the works, the Mahindra Thar continues to be one of the most versatile offerings in the off-roader SUV segment.
Mahindra Thar Price:
The Mahindra Thar comes priced from Rs 11.35 lakh (ex-showroom) to Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on the variant chosen. The starting price is the base price for the two-wheel drive variants while the four-wheel drive models start from Rs 14.30 lakh (ex-showroom).
When was Mahindra Thar launched?
The first generation of the Mahindra Thar was launched in 2010 following the departure of the Mahindra Major. It was considered a modern interpretation of the Willys Jeep and featured a 2.5-litre diesel engine and a 4x4 drivetrain. In 2020, Mahindra & Mahindra brought out the second generation of the Thar with a total design overhaul that brought in new powertrain options and a slew of modern features, such as cruise control, an infotainment display, and ABS.
How many variants of the Mahindra Thar are available?
The Mahindra Thar is available in 19 variants spread across three broad trim levels, which are called AX OPT, LX, LX Earth ED. AX OPT is the base variant and its range starts with the entry-level hardtop diesel unit with 2WD. The LX stands to be a bit more premium and starts with the LX Diesel 2WD HT. LX Earth is a special edition trim that brings unique styling elements, feature upgrades, and enhancements for off-roading. The Thar is available in six colour options – Red Rage, Deep Grey, Desert Fury, Stealth Black, Deep Forest, and Everest White.
What features are available in the Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar features high suspension travel that helps to traverse through rough terrain. The Thar further comes with Electronic Brake Locking Differential (eBLD) that effectively transfers torque to the tire running low on traction. The Thar’s 4x4 models are fitted with a crawl mode which comprises low-range gearing. This mode provides a surge of torque to the wheels in order to aid the driver during tricky situations while off-roading.
On the inside, the Mahindra Thar is fitted with power windows, electrically adjustable ORVMs, and roof-mounted speakers. Up front, the driver receives a height-adjustable seat, an Always-On TDM instrument cluster, and a seven-inch drizzle-resistant infotainment display that provides adventure statistics and navigation functionality and supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
What are the engine, performance, and specifications of Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar receives three engine configurations. The 1.5-litre diesel engine makes 116.9 bhp and 300 Nm of torque whereas the 2.2-litre diesel mHawk pushes out 97 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. Additionally, there is a mStallion 2.0-litre petrol engine that is able to generate 150 bhp and 300 Nm of torque with the manual gearbox and 320 Nm of torque with the automatic. Mahindra further offers a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic with the off-roader.
What is the Mahindra Thar mileage?
The Mahindra Thar provides a mileage range between 8.0 kmpl to 15.2 kmpl, depending on the variant chosen. The Thar with the 1.5-litre diesel unit has a 45-litre fuel tank, while the mHawk diesel and the mStallion petrol both come with a 57-litre fuel tank.
What is the ground clearance and boot space of Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar features a ground clearance of 226 mm that aids the car in its off-roading duties. While the Thar’s boot space is limited, it can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
What is the seating capacity of Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar is a three-door, four-seater SUV. There is a five-door Thar Roxx model in the works that is expected to be unveiled in August 2024.
What is the safety rating of Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar was crash tested by the Global New Car Assessment Programme, and it received a four-star rating in adult and child protection. The Thar is available with dual airbags and a roll cage along with three-point seatbelts for rear-seat occupants. ESP with Roll-over Mitigation and hill driving aids also find their place in the off-roader. Mahindra further offers ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, as well as ISOFIX mounts for child seats.
What cars does the Mahindra Thar rival in its segment?
The Mahindra Thar is a rugged off-roader SUV that competes with the likes of the Force Gurkha, Mahindra Bolero Neo, and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Thar never really tried to please everyone at all times in its over a decade of being present on Indian roads. It had a boxy appearance with serious off-road capabilities to back it all up with and was more of an SUV than many can ever claim to be. And yet, Thar has been more of an emotion, more a desire here rather than just another name or just another car. It never really hit meteoric heights in sales charts because it was felt best admired from a distance for its robust and rugged capabilities. As the saying goes, everyone wants a rebel, just not in their house.
Mahindra is now determined to put a Thar in as many houses as is possible and the 2020 Thar makes a whole lot of promises to potential buyers while staying true to its wild genetics. The real question then is, does Thar 2020 manage to strike that perfect balance being wild and yet being complete? I brought home a review unit to find out. And while most reviews follow a certain pattern - looks, cabin and drive, Thar deserves something a little different, something from the chapter one of journalism - 5 Ws and one H. Hang on, I'll attempt to explain.
What Mahindra has up its sleeves is a Thar that looks every bit as rugged as it ever has. And then some more. The car has a robust road presence and even when standing still, it commands glances galore. There is an almost instant recognition for what the SUV is about - whether it is due to its sloping bonnet, large and round head lights, DRLs, massive wheel arches or really macho-looking 18-inch alloys in my review unit.
The hard-top version of Thar I received contrasted with the red body paint well while the large side windows and massive 226 mm ground clearance clearly put the car on a throne of its own.
The LED tail lights add a dash of contemporary styling and the rear door opens in two parts to allow for convenient loading and unloading options.
Step inside the Thar now and be ready for that one massive change that promises to get it more admirers than before. Smartly understated, the interiors walk a tightrope between offering more comfort than before, more features than before and yet having a rather rustic charm all around. A seven-inch drizzle-resistant infotainment screen won't merit much attention in any other car but here, it stands out as a brave way in which Thar is trying to lure new-age buyers. It supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, puts out adventure stats, has navigation and even stores digital user manuals.
There is another 3.5 inch screen behind the steering wheel which puts out drive-related information.
The AC vents and controls are nicely designed and, importantly, are also splash resistant. There are removable drain plugs and washable hard plastic floor mats which can also be removed, hosed and put straight back in.
While a few purists may say Mahindra has forced Thar to go to a beauty saloon, these features do go a long way in making the SUV even more ready for the new-age adventurists who also seek a connected and comfortable drive.
Look up and the hard-top version of this car also gets roof-mounted speakers while the overall quality of the materials used in the vehicle are several steps ahead of the preceding model.
The forward-facing back seats (one can also opt for parallel bench seats) too maintain the nearly same level of comfort. So, the seat cushioning is adequate, the knee and leg room are decent even if the space meant for the feet is encroached upon by the wheel wells, and headroom is generous. It is getting into these seats though which can be a problem. The front seats half fold and have to be pulled forward to carve out some space to take invade from - not ideal for the elderly or those not too fit. For those looking at this version of Thar 2020 as a daily commute option for the family, this may be an important factor to consider.
Also, there are no rear AC vents and the large rear side windows, while allowing plenty of natural light, remain fixed and therefore, the cabin can get a little claustrophobic on a typically hot Indian summer day.
I have already mentioned solo enthusiasts and the family-oriented persons above but it is worth mentioning that Thar 2020 aims to please both. And while the former will have several takeaways, those opting to make Thar 2020 their vehicle of choice for frequent outings with family are highly recommended to take a look at the rear seats in person to come to a conclusion - one way or the other.
The new Thar makes a solid case for itself, especially when compared to the previous model. Does it stamp itself as better than other SUVs (ok, so-called SUVs) when it comes to packing in a family? Not quite there yet.
Thar 2020 is a feature-packed offering that now seeks to have something for everyone but it is its sterling ability to handle roads and no roads at all with characteristic ease that puts the crown over its, well, hardtop in this case.
The options available are almost limitless. Want a petrol engine? There's a 2.0-litre mStallion engine with 149 bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque. All for diesel? Well, say hello to a 2.2-litre mHawk engine which has 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque.
This gets me to the above question - where? The answer: Anywhere.
My diesel engine unit came with a six-speed manual gearbox - there is an auto transmission option available as well. The shifts may not be the smoothest but slot in well nonetheless and while I did have to stretch just a bit to reach the stick - also because I push back my seat to the max extent possible, it was quite fun to engage it on regular roads. Here, the car remains well planted - a bit muted till 1,000 RPM if you will, before truly pressing forward with a sense of solid purpose.
A commanding view of the surroundings further enhances the drive experience and while tight corners may require an extra bit of attention, the steering is balanced enough to handle the urban challenges. That said, while the vehicle has no troubles whatsoever in hitting triple digit speeds, I noticed the steering wobble ever so slightly - a bit un-nerving, frankly.
The suspension set-up on this LX variant - one that is oriented for the urban lifestyle - was also a bit too stiff for city conditions but if you would like to go down the beaten track once in a while, it is the best middle path a car can possibly seek to offer.
At this point, I opted to take another review unit of Thar to its most natural habitat - an off-road track. And the thrill of putting this machine through the tests was no less exciting than being on a roller-coaster at Universal Studios.
A 42-degree approach angle, 37-degree departure angle and 27-degree ramp over angle - all combine to keep the Thar the king of the jungle.
I kept the vehicle in 4 low mode, which increases torque by 2.48 times, at all times and the Thar made mincemeat of everything that the elements tried to put in its path. As for off-road capabilities, there is no breaking news here - the Thar is a winner, still and perhaps always.
Why:
So the question really is why buy the Thar? Conversely, why not buy the Thar?
Thar 2020, quite frankly, is a fantastic proposition as a second or third vehicle in the family. It continues to be a bad boy but now has a golden heart. Touring? Sure. Off-roading? Of course. Munching city miles? Totally.
Offered in LX, AX and AX(O) variants, in six colour options, in hard-top, soft-top and convertible top choices, manual or automatic transmission (phew), the choices are aplenty. If you always wanted to drive a Thar but couldn't buy it because it took a whole lot of convincing family members, this new model makes things easier for you.
For the free-willing, adventure-seeking travel aficionado who doesn't want to be limited by terrain challenges, Thar remains an extremely viable option without breaking bank. Just opt for the AX or AX (O) variants - see graphics below.
As for those who want to buy the Thar purely for the show of it or as a primary family vehicle, there are options galore instead to consider at the following price bands.
When: Bookings for Thar are now open. Deliveries will start from November.
How (much):

Last but hardly the least then, how much will it cost to bring home this wild child? Prices start at ₹9.80 lakh (ex showroom) for the entry AX series variant and goes up to ₹13.75 lakh for the top-end variant in LX series.
December 2023 Update: Thar is now available in rear-wheel drive version with prices starting at ₹12 lakh while Thar 4x4 starts at ₹14.10 lakh (ex-showroom prices).
Rear AC Vents | No |
Body Type | SUV |
Airbags | Yes |
Max Torque | 300 Nm |
Keyless Entry | Yes |
Mileage | 8 kmpl |
Transmission | Manual,Automatic |
Engine | 1497-2184 cc |
Fuel Type | Petrol,Diesel |
Sunroof | No |
Mahindra Thar | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
₹11.5 Lakhs* | ₹14.59 Lakhs* | ₹11.91 Lakhs* | ₹11.11 Lakhs* | ₹10 Lakhs* | ₹13.62 Lakhs* |
User Rating 109 Reviews | User Rating 1 Reviews | User Rating 45 Reviews | User Rating 130 Reviews | User Rating 40 Reviews | User Rating 5 Reviews |
Airbags 2 | Airbags 2 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 2 |
Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - |
Power 130 bhp | Power 121 bhp | Power 119 bhp | Power 113 bhp | Power 116 bhp | Power 130 bhp |
Torque 300 Nm | Torque 300 Nm | Torque 145 Nm | Torque 250 Nm | Torque 260 Nm | Torque 300 Nm |
Ground Clearance 226 mm | Ground Clearance - | Ground Clearance - | Ground Clearance - | Ground Clearance 208 mm | Ground Clearance 209 mm |
Length 3985 mm | Length 4585 | Length 4312 mm | Length 4330 mm | Length 4308 mm | Length 4456 mm |
Height 1844 mm | Height 1774 | Height 1650 mm | Height 1635 mm | Height 1630 mm | Height 1995 mm |
Width 1820 mm | Width 1866 | Width 1790 mm | Width 1790 mm | Width 1810 mm | Width 1820 mm |
Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 5.25 | Turning Radius 5.2 metres | Turning Radius - | Turning Radius - | Turning Radius 5.4 metres |
Boot Space - | Boot Space 190 | Boot Space 458 litres | Boot Space - | Boot Space 500 litres | Boot Space - |
Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual |
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Mahindra Thar in India is available in Petrol & Diesel variants. Average mileage of Mahindra Thar's petrol variant is 8 kmpl (As claimed by the brand in ideal road conditions). Mahindra Thar AX (O) Hard Top Diesel MT RWD comes with a 45 litres fuel tank.
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