Mahindra Thar OG Launched in India 2026: Price ₹10.32 Lakh, New Platform & Safety Features Explained

The Mahindra Thar OG is the second-generation successor to the three-door Thar launched in 2020, built on a new M_Glyde 4G body-on-frame platform and priced from ₹10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) for the entry AXT 1.5-litre diesel RWD to ₹18.99 lakh for the range-topping ZXT 2.0-litre petrol 4WD automatic. On 22 September 2026, Mahindra announced that introductory prices apply to deliveries made until 30 November 2026, with the first cars rolling out from 11 October 2026.

The "OG" suffix distinguishes the three-door model from the larger five-door Thar Roxx, preserving the original Thar identity while the platform, powertrains, and safety kit receive substantial upgrades. The body-on-frame architecture, three-door silhouette, and choice of RWD and 4WD configurations remain unchanged — everything underneath and inside has been substantially revised.

How does the Thar OG compare with its key rivals at a glance?

Before diving into the details, here is how the Thar OG stacks up against the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Force Gurkha 5-door — the two most direct competitors in India's compact 4x4 segment — across the metrics that matter most to a buyer making a decision.

Model	Starting Price (ex-showroom)	Engine Options	Peak Power	4WD Standard?	Airbags (std.)	Key Weakness
Mahindra Thar OG	₹10.32 lakh	1.5D / 2.2D / 2.0T-petrol	119 kW (2.0T)	Optional (from LXT 4WD)	6	Bouncy ride; limited luggage space; rear-seat access awkward
Maruti Suzuki Jimny	~₹12.74 lakh	1.5 K15C petrol only	75 kW (102 PS)	Standard (AllGrip Pro)	6	Petrol-only; no diesel/CNG; less torque; smaller engine limits towing
Force Gurkha 5-door	~₹16.75 lakh	2.6D only	91 kW (123 PS)	Standard	2	Only 2 airbags; spartan interior; no petrol option; pricier entry

The Thar OG's ₹10.32 lakh entry point undercuts the Jimny by a meaningful margin at launch, though the Jimny's AllGrip Pro 4WD is standard across all variants — a genuine advantage for buyers who want 4WD capability without paying for a higher trim. The Force Gurkha offers more ground clearance and a more agricultural character but trails badly on safety kit and interior quality. The Thar OG is the only model in this trio to offer both petrol and diesel engines, automatic and manual gearboxes, and a choice of RWD or 4WD.

What is the full Thar OG price list and variant structure?

The Thar OG is offered in three variants — AXT, LXT, and ZXT — with three engine options spread across them. Mahindra's official press release confirms the powertrain lineup: a 1.5-litre CRDe diesel (87.2 kW / 300 Nm), a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (111.9 kW / 330 Nm), and a 2.0-litre TGDi mStallion petrol (119 kW / 330 Nm).

Based on ETAuto's launch report, the pricing structure is:

AXT 1.5 Diesel MT RWD — ₹10.32 lakh (entry point; introductory)
LXT variants — range from approximately ₹12.99 lakh (1.5D MT RWD) to ₹18.00 lakh (2.2D AT 4WD), per Autocar India's variant listing
ZXT 2.0 Petrol AT 4WD — ₹18.99 lakh (range-topper, introductory pricing)

The 1.5-litre diesel is available across all three variants but only with a manual gearbox and in RWD configuration. The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol are available from LXT upward, with both manual and automatic transmission options, and in 4WD configuration. The ZXT is a new top trim that did not exist in the pre-OG Thar lineup.

One caveat worth noting: the introductory pricing applies only to deliveries made on or before 30 November 2026. Buyers who book after that date should expect prices to be revised upward, as is standard Mahindra practice post-introductory periods.

What is the M_Glyde 4G platform and why does it matter?

The M_Glyde 4G is Mahindra's new-generation body-on-frame architecture, engineered for improved structural stiffness compared to the ladder-frame chassis used in the 2020 Thar. Moneycontrol's launch coverage notes that Mahindra claims higher torsional rigidity, which directly benefits both on-road handling precision and off-road structural integrity when the chassis is twisted over rough terrain.

A stiffer platform allows the suspension to do its job more effectively rather than the chassis itself flexing to absorb inputs — this is particularly relevant for a body-on-frame SUV that buyers will use on broken roads and trails. The 2020 Thar's chassis was already a significant improvement over the first-generation model, and the M_Glyde 4G takes that further.

The platform change also enabled Mahindra to widen the track, which Moneycontrol notes contributes to better lateral stability — a perennial criticism of narrow-track off-roaders in urban highway conditions. The wider track also accommodates the new R19 alloy wheels on higher variants, up from R18 on the 2025 Thar.

What suspension and steering changes has Mahindra made?

The Thar OG gets a rear PENTALINK suspension setup with Watts Link — a five-link independent-style arrangement that replaces the older leaf-spring rear setup. The Watts Link is a lateral locating device that keeps the rear axle centred under the body during body roll and articulation, reducing the side-to-side "axle tramp" that older body-on-frame SUVs are prone to on uneven surfaces.

Mahindra has introduced DAVINCI damping technology, which uses Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD). ETAuto's report describes this as a system that adjusts damper response based on the frequency of suspension movement — softer for low-frequency, large-amplitude inputs like speed bumps, firmer for high-frequency, small-amplitude inputs like road ripple. In practice, this is intended to reduce the "pogo" quality that Autocar India's expert review identified as one of the 2025 Thar's main weaknesses ("Ride is still bouncy").

Whether the DAVINCI system fully resolves the bouncy ride complaint will only be confirmed by independent road tests after deliveries begin on 11 October 2026. Buyers should treat Mahindra's claim as a manufacturer assertion until real-world test data is available.

The hydraulic power steering of the 2020-era Thar has been replaced with electric power steering (EPS). Moneycontrol notes that Mahindra has also repositioned the steering rack closer to the wheel centre, which should reduce steering effort at low speeds — parking and tight urban manoeuvres being the most tangible benefit. EPS also typically improves fuel efficiency marginally compared to hydraulic systems because it draws power only on demand.

What are the engine options and how do they differ?

The Thar OG carries forward three engines, all updated for the new platform:

1.5-litre CRDe Diesel (87.2 kW / 300 Nm): This entry-level engine is available only with a 6-speed manual and in RWD configuration. It is the same unit that powered the base 2025 Thar AXT. At 87.2 kW (approximately 119 PS), it is adequate for urban use and light off-road work, but buyers who want 4WD capability or an automatic gearbox must step up to the LXT with a larger engine. ARAI mileage figures for the OG have not been published at the time of launch; the 2025 Thar's 1.5D returned approximately 18-20 km/l (ARAI claim) in the previous generation, though real-world figures typically fall in the 12-15 km/l range.

2.2-litre mHawk Diesel (111.9 kW / 330 Nm): The larger diesel is available from LXT upward, with both manual and automatic gearboxes, and in 4WD configuration. Power output rises from 97 kW in the 2025 Thar to 111.9 kW in the Thar OG — a meaningful 15% increase. Torque climbs from 300 Nm to 330 Nm. This engine suits buyers who prioritise fuel economy and long-distance highway cruising alongside off-road use.

2.0-litre TGDi mStallion Petrol (119 kW / 330 Nm): The petrol engine also gains power, rising from 112 kW in the 2025 Thar to 119 kW in the OG. Torque is rated at 330 Nm across the rev range (the 2025 AT variant produced 320 Nm). Autocar India estimates real-world petrol mileage at 7-9 km/l, which is the honest figure buyers should budget for — the ARAI claim will be higher but is unlikely to be representative of typical use.

All three engines meet BS6 Phase 2 emission norms. No CNG option is offered, which is a gap for buyers in cities with strong CNG infrastructure.

What off-road technology does the Thar OG add?

This is where the Thar OG makes its most substantive gains over the 2025 model. ETAuto's launch report confirms that 4WD variants now get an electronic locking differential — a first for the three-door Thar. A locking differential forces both wheels on an axle to rotate at the same speed regardless of traction conditions, preventing the wheel with less grip from spinning uselessly while the other remains stationary. This is a significant capability upgrade for serious off-road use, particularly in deep mud or loose rock.

Dedicated Mud, Sand, and Snow terrain modes are available on 4WD variants. These modes adjust throttle mapping, traction control intervention thresholds, and (where applicable) differential lock engagement to optimise traction for each surface type. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny's AllGrip Pro system also offers terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Rock, Sand) and is standard on all variants — a point in the Jimny's favour for buyers who want 4WD capability without navigating a variant matrix.

The Thar OG retains Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control, which were present on the 2025 model. ESP 9.3 is standard across all variants, an upgrade from the previous generation's stability control system.

How does the Thar OG compare with the Maruti Suzuki Jimny for off-road buyers?

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a three-door, body-on-frame compact 4x4 SUV sold in India with a 1.5-litre K15C naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 75 kW (102 PS) and 130 Nm, priced from approximately ₹12.74 lakh (ex-showroom) as of mid-2026. The Jimny's AllGrip Pro 4WD system with a low-range transfer case is standard on all variants — there is no RWD-only Jimny in India.

The Thar OG's entry price of ₹10.32 lakh is lower, but that entry variant is RWD-only with the 1.5D engine. To get 4WD on the Thar OG, buyers must spend at least ₹15-16 lakh (LXT 4WD territory), which narrows the price gap with the Jimny considerably. At that price point, the Thar OG's 2.2D or 2.0T engines offer substantially more torque (330 Nm versus 130 Nm on the Jimny), which matters for towing, loaded highway driving, and serious off-road work.

The Jimny's weaknesses are real: it is petrol-only (no diesel, no CNG), its 130 Nm of torque is modest for a body-on-frame 4x4, and its rear seat is genuinely cramped for adults. However, the Jimny's smaller footprint makes it more manoeuvrable in tight urban conditions, and its AllGrip Pro system with a low-range transfer case is proven off-road hardware. Mahindra's electronic locking differential on the Thar OG is a meaningful counter, but the Jimny's low-range gearing gives it a mechanical advantage in extreme slow-speed crawling scenarios.

For buyers who want a diesel engine, an automatic gearbox, or more power, the Thar OG wins clearly. For buyers who want the simplest, most affordable entry into genuine 4WD capability and are comfortable with a petrol-only diet, the Jimny remains a credible alternative — though it costs more at the 4WD-equipped level.

What safety features does the Thar OG get?

Safety is one of the most significant upgrades in the Thar OG. ETAuto's launch report confirms the following standard safety equipment across all variants:

Six airbags, including four HPTS (High-Performance Thorax Shield) airbags for front and rear occupants — a step up from the two airbags on the 2025 Thar AXT
All-wheel disc brakes — replacing the drum rear brakes on lower variants of the previous model
ESP 9.3 (Electronic Stability Programme, latest generation)
Front parking sensors

Higher variants also get a rear-view camera and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). The 2025 Thar's Autocar India expert review noted that the AXT trim was "quite sparsely equipped" on safety — the Thar OG addresses this directly by standardising six airbags and all-wheel disc brakes from the base variant.

The Force Gurkha 5-door, by comparison, offers only two airbags as standard — a significant gap that makes the Thar OG a more responsible choice for buyers with families. The Jimny offers six airbags standard, matching the Thar OG on this metric.

Bharat NCAP crash test ratings for the Thar OG have not been published at the time of launch. Buyers who prioritise a verified safety rating should wait for independent crash test results before finalising their purchase. For context on what five-star Bharat NCAP ratings look like across the segment, see our guide to 5-Star Bharat NCAP-Rated 7-Seaters in India.

What does the Thar OG look like inside and out?

The exterior design retains the Thar's iconic round-headlamp-flanked-by-rectangular-grille formula, but Moneycontrol's coverage details the specific changes: a new grille with 'Thar' branding, LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps with a cornering function (which pivot slightly in the direction of steering input to illuminate the path ahead in turns), and redesigned front and rear bumpers. The track is wider than the 2025 model, and higher variants ride on R19 alloy wheels — two sizes up from the R16 steel wheels on the AXT and one size up from the R18 alloys on the 2025 LXT.

Two new exterior colours join the palette: Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue. The OG badging on the tailgate is the clearest visual differentiator from the pre-facelift model.

Inside, the Thar OG builds on the 2025 update's interior improvements. Mahindra's official press release for the 2025 Thar (which established the current interior architecture) confirmed a 26.03 cm (approximately 10.25-inch) HD touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Type-C USB ports front and rear, Adventure Stats Gen II (which displays off-road data including altimeter, outside temperature, trip meter, and steering direction), rear AC vents, a sliding centre armrest, and electric ORVM adjustment on LXT variants.

The honest weaknesses flagged by Autocar India's expert review — limited luggage space, awkward rear-seat access, and a bouncy ride — are structural to the three-door body-on-frame format and are unlikely to be fully resolved by the OG update. Buyers who need everyday practicality for rear passengers should consider the Thar Roxx (five-door) or look at the Jimny only if they accept similar rear-seat constraints.

Who should buy the Thar OG and which variant makes the most sense?

The Thar OG targets three distinct buyer profiles:

Adventure-first buyers who want the most capable off-road hardware should look at the LXT or ZXT 4WD variants with either the 2.2-litre diesel or 2.0-litre petrol. The electronic locking differential and terrain modes are only available on 4WD variants, and these are the features that genuinely separate the Thar OG from urban-crossover alternatives.

Value-oriented buyers who want the Thar's character and styling for urban and weekend use, without needing serious 4WD capability, will find the AXT 1.5D RWD at ₹10.32 lakh a compelling entry point. The six-airbag standard safety kit and all-wheel disc brakes make this a more defensible purchase than the previous generation's base variant, which had only two airbags.

Buyers comparing with the Jimny need to do the maths carefully. The Jimny's 4WD is standard at a price point of ~₹12.74 lakh, while the Thar OG's 4WD variants start at approximately ₹15-16 lakh. If 4WD is non-negotiable and budget is tight, the Jimny is worth a test drive. If diesel efficiency, more power, or an automatic gearbox matters, the Thar OG is the stronger package.

The LXT 1.5D MT RWD at approximately ₹12.99 lakh is the sweet spot for urban buyers who want the full feature set (touchscreen, TPMS, rear camera, cruise control) without paying for 4WD hardware they may never use. The LXT 2.2D MT 4WD is the variant to get for buyers who genuinely go off-road — the diesel's torque advantage over the petrol is meaningful in low-speed crawling situations, and the manual gearbox gives more control over gear selection on technical terrain.

What are the Thar OG's genuine weaknesses?

Transparency matters here. The Thar OG, for all its upgrades, carries forward several limitations that buyers should factor in:

Rear-seat access remains a challenge in a three-door body. Climbing into the back requires folding the front seat forward and ducking — this is inherent to the format, not a fixable oversight.

Luggage space is limited. The spare wheel mounted on the tailgate reduces the effective boot opening, and the interior volume behind the rear seats is modest. Buyers who need to carry camping gear, sports equipment, or family luggage on the same trip will find this constraining.

Ride quality, despite the DAVINCI damping upgrade, is likely to remain stiffer than a monocoque SUV at the same price. The body-on-frame architecture and off-road-tuned suspension geometry prioritise articulation over comfort. Mahindra's DAVINCI claim should be verified against independent road tests once deliveries begin.

No CNG option is a gap for city buyers in Delhi, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad who rely on CNG infrastructure to manage running costs. The Jimny similarly lacks CNG, so this is a segment-wide limitation rather than a Thar-specific one.

Introductory pricing expires 30 November 2026. Buyers who take delivery after that date should expect a price revision. The ₹10.32 lakh entry price is a launch incentive, not a permanent price point.

What is the delivery timeline and booking process?

Mahindra confirmed via ETAuto that deliveries begin on 11 October 2026. Bookings can be placed at Mahindra dealerships and through the official Mahindra website. Given the Thar brand's strong following — Mahindra noted a community of over 3 lakh passionate owners as of the 2025 update — waiting periods are likely to build quickly, particularly for popular variants like the LXT 2.2D 4WD and ZXT petrol AT.

Buyers should confirm on-road pricing (which includes registration, insurance, and TCS) with their local dealership, as the ex-showroom figures quoted here do not reflect the final amount payable. On-road prices typically add 15-25% to ex-showroom depending on the state and insurance choices.

The Thar OG represents a meaningful generational step for India's most recognisable compact 4x4. The M_Glyde 4G platform, six standard airbags, electronic locking differential, and more powerful engines address the most substantive criticisms of the 2020-era model. Whether the DAVINCI suspension fully tames the ride, and whether the ZXT's ₹18.99 lakh price tag holds value against the five-door Thar Roxx, will become clearer once independent road tests and long-term ownership reports emerge after October deliveries.