Mahindra Thar

Engines, mileage, and running cost

The Mahindra Thar's engine line-up is one of the most diverse in its segment. The entry point is the 1.5-litre mHawk diesel producing 117 hp and 300 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox in a rear-wheel-drive layout. This variant is the efficiency champion of the range, with an ARAI-certified mileage of 15.2 kmpl — a figure that makes it genuinely affordable to run day-to-day. The 45-litre fuel tank on this variant gives a theoretical range of around 680 km on a full tank.

The 2.0-litre mStallion TGDi turbo-petrol engine produces 150 hp and 320 Nm, and is available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque-converter automatic, in both RWD and 4WD configurations. Real-world petrol mileage hovers around 7–9 kmpl in mixed driving, making running costs noticeably higher than the diesel. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, producing 130 hp and 300 Nm, is reserved for the 4WD variants and can be had with manual or automatic gearboxes. The larger petrol and diesel engines use a 57-litre fuel tank. Diesel variants in real-world conditions return approximately 9–11 kmpl in the city and 13–15 kmpl on the highway, according to Autocar India.

Performance and drive

On tarmac, the Thar's ladder-frame chassis means body roll is more pronounced than in monocoque rivals, and the ride can feel firm over broken urban roads. However, the 2.0-litre petrol is genuinely punchy, with 320 Nm arriving early in the rev range, making highway overtakes effortless. The 6-speed torque-converter automatic is smooth and well-suited to city use, though the manual gearbox has a satisfying, positive throw that enthusiasts will appreciate.

Off-road, the Thar is in a class of its own at this price point. The shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with a dedicated low-range transfer case, mechanical locking rear differential, and brake-based differential locking allow it to tackle terrain that would stop most crossovers cold. The 226 mm ground clearance, 41.2-degree approach angle, 36-degree departure angle, and 650 mm water-wading depth are class-leading figures. The 2,450 mm wheelbase keeps the Thar nimble on tight trails, and the all-terrain tyres on LXT variants (255/65 R18) provide excellent grip on loose surfaces.

Cabin, space, and tech

The 2025 update brought meaningful interior improvements. The dashboard now features a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 6-speaker sound system, and electrically adjustable ORVMs. The instrument cluster displays navigation information, and connected car features include remote AC control, remote lock/unlock, and vehicle tracking via the Mahindra app. The cabin quality has improved noticeably over the pre-facelift car, with better materials and ergonomics.

Being a three-door, four-seat SUV, the Thar's rear bench is accessed by folding the front seats forward — a compromise that limits practicality for daily family use. The rear seat is best suited for two adults on shorter journeys. Boot space is not officially stated by Mahindra for the 3-door Thar, but the boxy body style and removable rear seat configurations offer reasonable cargo flexibility. The hard-top roof is the only body style currently offered. Colour options include Battleship Grey, Tango Red, Deep Forest, Stealth Black, and Everest White.

Safety and ADAS

The Mahindra Thar has earned a 4-star Global NCAP rating for both adult and child occupant protection, a creditable result for a body-on-frame lifestyle SUV. Standard safety equipment across the range includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-Over Mitigation, and ISOFIX child seat anchor points. The ESP system is particularly valuable given the Thar's high centre of gravity.

The Thar does not offer a dedicated ADAS suite in the conventional sense — there is no autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, or adaptive cruise control. However, the ESP with roll-over mitigation provides meaningful active safety intervention. A rear-view camera is standard on LXT variants. Buyers prioritising ADAS technology should note that the Thar Roxx 5-door offers a more comprehensive safety package including a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating.

Variants and pricing

The Mahindra Thar is available in seven variants, priced from ₹10.32 lakh to ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom, as per official Mahindra data). The entry-level AXT variant with the 1.5-litre diesel and manual gearbox in RWD is the most affordable way into the Thar family. The LXT trim adds significantly more features including the 10.25-inch touchscreen, alloy wheels, and connected car technology.

The 4WD variants — available with both the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel — command a premium of approximately ₹2–3 lakh over their RWD equivalents. The automatic gearbox adds roughly ₹1–1.5 lakh to the manual variant's price. The top-spec LXT 2.2 Diesel AT 4x4 at ₹17.99 lakh (ex-showroom) represents the full-fat Thar experience with maximum off-road hardware and convenience features.

How it compares

The Mahindra Thar's closest rivals are the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Force Gurkha. The Jimny is lighter and more agile, with a more refined on-road character, but its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produces just 103 hp — significantly less than the Thar's petrol or diesel options. The Force Gurkha offers a more rugged, utilitarian experience with a 2.6-litre diesel engine, but its cabin quality and feature set lag behind the Thar considerably.

Against mainstream compact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet, the Thar is not a direct competitor — it sacrifices rear-seat practicality and on-road refinement for genuine off-road capability and lifestyle appeal. Buyers cross-shopping the Thar with a Nexon or Venue are usually choosing between two fundamentally different philosophies. The Thar Roxx 5-door is the more practical family-oriented option within the Thar family, starting from approximately ₹12.52 lakh.

Who should buy it

The Mahindra Thar is the right choice for buyers who prioritise off-road capability, lifestyle appeal, and driving character over everyday practicality. It is ideal for weekend adventurers, hill-station enthusiasts, and buyers in rural or semi-urban areas who regularly encounter rough terrain. The 1.5-litre diesel RWD variant makes a compelling case for buyers who want the Thar's iconic looks and basic 4x4 hardware at a budget-friendly price with strong fuel efficiency.

Buyers who need to carry four adults comfortably on a daily basis, or who primarily drive in dense urban traffic, will find the three-door layout and firm ride challenging. For those buyers, the Thar Roxx 5-door or a conventional monocoque compact SUV would be a more sensible choice. But for those who want a vehicle that turns heads, tackles trails, and carries genuine off-road credentials at under ₹18 lakh, the Thar remains unmatched.