Introduction: A refreshed 2025 Thar with new colors and a familiar core
Mahindra has unveiled the 2025 Thar, a refreshed iteration that leans into updated exterior styling while keeping the rugged personality that defined the model. The headline changes are aesthetic: two new body colors—Tango Red and Battery Gray—and a front fascia treatment where the grille appears in the body color. The rest of the exterior, including headlamps, tail lamps, and alloy wheels, remains faithful to the previous Thar design. Importantly, there are no changes under the skin; the 2025 Thar sticks with the same engine and gearbox options that fans know well, preserving its off-road DNA.
Exterior updates: color, grille, and trim details
The 2025 Thar’s exterior changes center on the color palette and some styling cues. The grille adopts a body-colored finish, blending seamlessly with the new Tango Red and Battery Gray options. Front and rear bumpers continue to be two-tone, adding contrast to the rugged silhouette. Other exterior elements—the headlights, tail lamps, and wheels—carry over from the earlier Thar, delivering a familiar, purpose-built look that buyers expect from this lifestyle SUV. Notably, the soft top variant remains unavailable for the updated lineup, with Mahindra continuing to offer the hard-top configuration as the default.
Mechanical lineup: unchanged powertrains and transmissions
As outlined, the 2025 Thar does not introduce new engines or gearboxes. The engine and transmission options are identical to the outgoing model: a 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine producing 152 hp, a 1.5-liter diesel delivering 119 hp, and a 2.2-liter diesel capable of 132 hp. Transmission choices include manual gearboxes across several variants and automatic transmissions where specified. A key note for enthusiasts is that, while the 2.2-liter diesel remains a standard 4×4 in its variants, the 2.0-liter turbo petrol gets both rear-wheel drive and 4WD configurations depending on the trim.
Variants and pricing: five trims, with a new ladder of features
The refreshed Thar is offered in five variants: AXR RWD, LXT RWD, LXT RWD AT, LXT 4WD, and LXT 4WD AT. Here’s how the lineup stacks up on price and drivetrain options (ex-showroom):
- AXR RWD — Rs 9.99 lakh. This is the entry point and, like the old base variant, is tied to the 1.5-liter diesel with a manual gearbox. It’s the most affordable way to own the updated Thar, but it does not include 2.0-liter petrol or 2.2-liter diesel options.
- LXT RWD — Rs 12.99 lakh. This variant adds more equipment, still paired with the 1.5-liter diesel and a manual gearbox.
- LXT RWD AT — Rs 13.99 lakh. This version moves to an automatic transmission but keeps the 2.0-liter petrol option off the table in favor of the automatic setup with the turbo petrol engine.
- LXT 4WD — Rs 14.69 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). The 4WD family opens with the 2.0-liter petrol and the 2.2-liter diesel, giving buyers true off-road capability across the range.
- LXT 4WD AT — Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). This is the top-end variant with the automatic gearbox and the same engine choices as the 4WD line.
Notably, the top-end 4WD variants carry a modest price premium of up to Rs 38,000 compared to the prior generation, reflecting incremental value in the refreshed model. The 2.0-liter turbo petrol remains available with RWD and 4WD options, while the 2.2-liter diesel continues with 4WD as standard in the top trims.
What remains the same—and what buyers should know
Beyond color and fascia tweaks, the 2025 Thar maintains the same fundamental ethos of the model: rugged capability with a lifestyle-first appeal. There are no mechanical upgrades or interior overhauls to highlight; the engines, gearboxes, and drivetrain configurations align with what customers expect. One notable change for buyers is the continued emphasis on the hard-top variant as the default configuration, with soft-top options not yet introduced in this refresh.
Market positioning and what this means for buyers
With prices starting at Rs 9.99 lakh ex-showroom, the AXR RWD variant represents an accessible entry point into a modern, color-safe Thar that remains capable off-road. The range-wide inclusion of a turbo petrol and two diesel options ensures buyers have a broad spectrum of power and efficiency choices, while the availability of manual and automatic transmissions across different trims caters to varied preferences. The color refresh and body-colored grille deliver a subtler, more contemporary look without sacrificing the Thar’s recognizable silhouette.
Bottom line
The 2025 Thar stays true to its rugged roots while offering a refreshed exterior palette and a straightforward pricing ladder. For buyers seeking a value-oriented entry point, the AXR RWD at Rs 9.99 lakh is compelling; for those chasing more tech or convenience, the LXT trims, including automatic variants, provide a viable upgrade path. With the top-end 4WD models delivering both engine options and auto gearboxes, the 2025 Thar keeps its promise as an off-road icon with modern conveniences and enhanced curb appeal.
