The Mahindra Thar is India’s premier off-road compact SUV, celebrated for its bold styling and serious all-terrain capability. Since its debut in October 2010, and especially following the second-generation redesign in 2020, the Thar has become a cultural phenomenon—appealing to adventure seekers, city drivers craving status, and even SUV enthusiasts who appreciate its Jeep-like roots Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15CARS24+15.
Design & Exterior
The Thar retains its signature boxy silhouette, with round headlamps, a vertical grille, squared-off front arches, and circular rear arches—elements that echo its classic Jeep ancestry. The latest designs feature all-around rugged cladding, premium LED DRLs, and optional alloy wheels—from 16 to 18 inches—to elevate its off-road persona carbike360.com. Buyers can choose between soft top, hard top, or convertible roof configurations, each offered in a variety of dual-tone paint options, many with a contrasting black roof 91Wheels+2carbike360.com+2Wikipedia+2.
Interior & Features
Inside, the dashboard has received a major upgrade, introducing a water- and dust‑resistant (IP54) 7‑inch touchscreen supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and built-in navigation. The off-road‑centric display provides real‑time stats like torque delivery, tyre pressure, pitch/roll angle, compass direction, and gear position. The audio system includes two dash speakers plus roof‑mounted tweeters and speakers for balanced sound carbike360.com. Higher trims bring features such as reverse parking camera, automatic climate control, and premium upholstery, especially in the newer 5‑door Thar ROXX variant Reddit+11Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11.
Engine, Powertrain & Energetics
Thar offers three powertrain options:
- 1.5 L CRDe Diesel (~118 PS, 300 Nm)
- 2.2 L mHawk Diesel (~130 PS, 300 Nm)
- 2.0 L mStallion Turbo‑Petrol (~150 PS with manual; ~152 PS / 320 Nm with auto) Reddit+3carbike360.com+3CARS24+3.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual (available with all engines) and a 6-speed torque‑converter automatic, available with the petrol and mHawk diesel in LX trims. Drive configurations include RWD (petrol automatic) and part‑time 4×4 with high/low-range gears and differential locks—a rarity in its segment Wheels42+7carbike360.com+7CARS24+7.
Safety & Ratings
In safety assessments, the Thar delivers a 4-star Global NCAP rating for adult occupant protection, demonstrating acceptable structural stability though penalized for instability in the footwell area and no side airbags. It now comes standard with forward-facing rear seats and ISOFIX mounts. The newer Thar ROXX 5-door variant earns a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, underscoring significant progress in active and passive safety equipment carbike360.com+3Wikipedia+3Wheels42+3.
Warranty & Updates
Mahindra offers standard warranties and servicing packages, but customers have raised concerns about delivery delays, service waiting times, and software glitches—particularly in the newer ROXX variant. As one user described:
“The displays on both the infotainment system and the instrument cluster randomly stop working. The car suddenly turns off while driving… Android Auto keeps disconnecting… Have to reboot completely every time. The Mahindra service team seems clueless…” RedditReddit+1Reddit+1.
Another owner reported an engine stalling issue that the dealer initially acknowledged, but later dismissed:
“My car struggles to cross obstacles… It stalls while my friend’s Thar crosses easily… Then the dealership changed their stance…” Reddit+1Reddit+1.
Pricing & Popularity
As of mid‑2025, the 2‑door Thar starts around ₹11.5 lakh ex-showroom, while the 5‑door Thar ROXX begins near ₹13 lakh upward, with higher-end variants crossing ₹16‑18 lakh depending on features and trims Wheels42CarWalecarbike360.com. In June 2025, Mahindra reported a staggering 80% surge in sales for the Thar and Thar ROXX, making it the top‑selling SUV in its category—though long waiting periods continue, with thousands still on booking lists Navbharat Times.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional off-road capability with true 4×4 hardware
- Iconic, rugged styling that has cult appeal
- High ground clearance (~226 mm) and short wheelbase suit rough terrain
- Multiple efficient engine‑transmission combos
- Safe, feature‑rich 5‑door ROXX variant with modern cabin
Cons
- Tight rear access and limited second‑row comfort
- Low boot space; impractical for family use or long road‑trips CarWale+2Wheels42+2Navbharat Times+291WheelsWheels42+4Reddit+491Wheels+4carbike360.com+6Wikipedia+691Wheels+6CarWale+3Reddit+3Reddit+3
- Mixed service experiences and recent electronic/software complaints
- Fuel economy 10‑15 km/l typical (diesel), worse in petrol & cities Reddit+3Reddit+3Reddit+3Reddit
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar remains a compelling choice for buyers who value rugged styling, unbeatable off-road performance, and a bold statement vehicle under ₹20 lakh. The Thar ROXX expands that DNA into a more family‑friendly, feature-packed 5‑door layout, complete with ADAS and enhanced safety. Yet potential buyers should be aware of its limitations in comfort, usability, and after-sales experience. If you’re looking for an adventure-ready vehicle with personality and a growing support ecosystem, the Thar still earns its legend status—especially as Mahindra ramps up production to address the relentless demand surge.
