Mahindra Thar is not just a car; it is a symbol of power, freedom, and adventure in the Indian automobile market. With its rugged design, powerful engine, and unmatched off-roading capabilities, the Thar has carved a special place in the hearts of SUV lovers. Whether it’s city roads, rough terrains, or mountain trails, the Mahindra Thar dominates every path with its commanding presence.
History of Mahindra Thar
Mahindra & Mahindra began its journey in the 1940s by producing rugged jeeps for the Indian Army and rural transport. Over time, this strong legacy transformed into the Mahindra Thar, a modern-day SUV inspired by the brand’s military roots.
The first Mahindra Thar was launched in 2010, designed especially for adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. Its unique blend of classic jeep styling with modern SUV features made it an instant hit. In 2020, the second-generation Thar was introduced, bringing a more refined design, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features. This update turned the Thar into not just an off-road machine, but also a stylish urban SUV.
Bold Design and Looks
One of the strongest selling points of the Thar is its bold and muscular design.
- Front Grille: The iconic 7-slot grille gives it a tough and recognizable identity.
- Body Design: Sturdy metal build, wide wheel arches, and modern LED headlights provide a mix of ruggedness and modern appeal.
- Roof Options: Available in hard top, soft top, and convertible roof, the Thar allows buyers to choose based on their lifestyle.
The design blends tradition and modernity, making the Thar equally appealing for city style and wild adventures.
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Engine and Performance
The real power of the Mahindra Thar lies under the hood.
- Petrol Engine: 2.0-liter mStallion turbo petrol producing 150 BHP and 320 Nm torque.
- Diesel Engine: 2.2-liter mHawk diesel generating 130 BHP and 300 Nm torque.
Both engines come with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options. The Thar also offers 4×4 capability with low-range transfer case, making it a true off-roading beast.
Off-Roading Capabilities
Thar is built for those who dare to explore beyond highways.
- High Ground Clearance: Easily tackles rocky paths and uneven terrains.
- 4×4 Drive System: Ensures excellent control in mud, sand, snow, or mountain roads.
- Water Wading Capacity: Can cross up to 650 mm of water with ease.
- Approach & Departure Angles: Designed to climb steep paths and descend slopes safely.
This makes Thar one of the most capable off-road vehicles in India, often compared to global icons like the Jeep Wrangler.
Interior and Features
The new Mahindra Thar is not just rugged but also comfortable and modern inside.
- 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.
- Cruise Control for long highway drives.
- Climate Control for better cabin comfort.
- Premium Sound System.
- Driver Information Display for key vehicle stats.
These features transform Thar from a basic off-road machine into a lifestyle SUV.
Safety Standards
Safety is one of the highlights of the new Thar.
- Dual Airbags.
- ABS with EBD.
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Roll-over Mitigation.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts.
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control.
In fact, the Thar scored 4-Star Safety Rating in Global NCAP crash tests, making it one of the safest off-road SUVs in India.
Price and Variants
As of 2025, the Mahindra Thar is priced between ₹11 lakh and ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom).
Variants available include:
- AX Opt (for hardcore off-road lovers)
- LX Petrol & Diesel (for lifestyle users with added comfort)
- Both 4×2 and 4×4 options
This variety allows customers to choose according to budget and usage.
Rivals in the Market
The Mahindra Thar faces competition from:
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny – Lightweight and compact off-roader.
- Force Gurkha – Rugged and adventure-focused SUV.
- Tata Harrier / Safari – Though not hardcore off-roaders, they compete in the SUV lifestyle segment.
Despite these rivals, the Thar’s brand value, heritage, and powerful off-road performance make it stand out.
Usage in Urban and Rural India
The versatility of Thar makes it popular across different lifestyles.
- Urban Lifestyle: Young professionals and celebrities buy Thar for its stylish looks, comfort, and as a status symbol.
- Rural Utility: Farmers, adventure enthusiasts, and people in hilly regions rely on Thar for its rugged build and ability to handle extreme terrains.
Thus, Thar connects two worlds – city glamour and rural toughness.
Popularity and Influence
Mahindra Thar has become a cultural icon in India.
- It is widely used in Bollywood movies and music videos.
- Celebrities, influencers, and YouTubers often flaunt their modified Thars.
- Car enthusiasts share thousands of Thar modification and off-road adventure videos on Instagram and YouTube, increasing its fan following.
Owning a Thar is not just about driving a car; it’s about being part of a community that loves adventure.
Mileage and Practicality
- Petrol Variant: Offers around 12–14 km/l mileage.
- Diesel Variant: More fuel-efficient with 14–16 km/l mileage.
Though mileage is not its strongest point, the Thar compensates with sheer power, safety, and thrill.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar is more than an SUV – it is an experience. With its muscular design, powerful engines, off-road capabilities, and modern-day comfort, it is loved by both urban buyers and rural users. It bridges the gap between lifestyle SUV and hardcore off-roader, making it one of the most versatile vehicles in India.
For those who want adventure, style, and strength in one package, Mahindra Thar is truly the king of Indian roads.