Get ready, off-road enthusiasts! Mahindra’s cult favorite Thar 3-door is getting its first major makeover since 2020. Our spies recently caught the rugged SUV testing under heavy camouflage, signaling significant design and feature upgrades while keeping its legendary go-anywhere spirit intact.
While Mahindra just launched the longer 5-door Thar Roxx earlier this year, this upcoming refresh focuses on the more compact and affordable 3-door version that started the Thar revolution.
Sneak Peek: Exterior Changes
Test mules reveal a redesigned front profile featuring horizontal grille slats instead of the current vertical design. Expect a chunkier bumper with integrated fog lamps, reshaped air vents, and updated LED headlights/taillights. Spy shots also show fresh alloy wheel designs and slightly wider body cladding, giving the SUV a more muscular stance without altering its iconic silhouette.
Cabin Revolution
The biggest changes happen inside. The facelifted Thar will inherit the 5-door Roxx’s modern dashboard housing a 10.25-inch touchscreen and fully digital instrument cluster. In a welcome ergonomic upgrade, power window switches move from the center console to the door panels.
Other likely premium touches include:
- Ambient interior lighting
- Wireless phone charging pad
- Upgraded seat upholstery
- Enhanced cabin materials
Safety gets serious too, with expectations of six airbags, 360-degree camera, and hill assist across higher variants.
Also check out: New Tata Altroz Facelift Launches With Six Airbags Standard at ₹6.89 Lakh
Under the Hood
Powertrains should carry over unchanged: the trusty 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engines, both offering 6-speed manual/automatic transmissions and 4×4 capability. Mahindra might tweak them for smoother performance, but don’t expect mechanical revolutions.
Launch Timeline & Pricing
Though Mahindra hasn’t confirmed dates, industry sources suggest a late 2025 or early 2026 debut, possibly as early as October-December this year.
Current prices (₹11.50-17.60 lakh ex-showroom) will likely climb by ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh depending on variant, reflecting the substantial upgrades.
Competition Check
The refreshed Thar will continue battling the utilitarian Force Gurkha and compact Maruti Jimny. Mahindra aims to retain its off-road crown by blending the Thar’s adventure-ready DNA with newfound comfort and tech.
The Bottom Line
By modernizing its cabin and styling while preserving off-road prowess, the updated Thar 3-door should attract urban adventurers without alienating hardcore fans. If priced right, it’ll remain India’s definitive lifestyle SUV.
Disclaimer: This report combines recent spy shots, industry sources, and historical data. Specifications, launch dates, and pricing may change pending Mahindra’s official announcement. For confirmed details, visit mahindra.com or authorized dealers. Equitywatch.in isn’t liable for decisions based on this article.
