Introduction: The 2025 Thar makes a bold color statement
Mahindra has unveiled the updated 2025 Thar, adopting two fresh exterior hues—Tango Red and Battery Gray—while maintaining its rugged, go-anywhere character. The launch emphasizes color and customization rather than sweeping design overhauls, signaling that buyers who love the current Thar’s silhouette can opt for a more vibrant or subdued finish without compromising on its core off-road DNA.
Exterior design: Color refresh with minimal changes
Beyond the new Tango Red and Battery Gray options, the 2025 Thar mirrors the same exterior profile that fans know. The body is finished with the front grille in the same body color, and the bumpers arrive in a dual-tone finish, harmonizing with the fresh palette. Interior and exterior lighting—headlights, taillights, and alloy wheels—remain unchanged from the previous generation, preserving the familiar Thar stance that has made it a popular choice for adventurers.
Mechanical keep-it-simple strategy: No major updates under the hood
As a facelift rather than a full redesign, the 2025 Thar sticks with the same mechanical heart as its predecessor. Engine options, transmissions, and drivetrain configurations remain intact, ensuring existing customers won’t face unexpected changes. The powertrains on offer are the 2.0-liter turbo petrol, 1.5-liter diesel, and 2.2-liter diesel, paired with the familiar manual and automatic gearboxes.
Engines and performance: What powers the 2025 Thar
The 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine delivers 152 hp, paired with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) options. The 1.5-liter diesel engine produces 119 hp, available with manual transmission in select variants. The 2.2-liter diesel engine makes 132 hp and is offered with 4WD across the range. This lineup preserves the Thar’s rugged, torque-rich character, making it capable both on highways and through tough off-road trails.
Variants and pricing: Five trims to choose from
The 2025 Thar is offered in AXR RWD, LXT RWD, LXT RWD AT, LXT 4WD, and LXT 4WD AT. AXR RWD is the entry model, designed for buyers who want a more affordable option with essential features. Notably, the AXR RWD is priced at ₹9.99 lakh ex-showroom, which is ₹32,000 less than the previous base price, and it is limited to the 1.5-liter diesel manual configuration (no 2.0-liter petrol or 2.2-liter petrol choices in this variant).
The LXT RWD variant adds a bit more equipment and retains the 1.5-liter diesel with a manual gearbox, priced at ₹12.99 lakh ex-showroom. For those who prefer an automatic, the LXT RWD AT is pegged at ₹13.99 lakh ex-showroom, featuring the 2.0-liter turbo petrol engine with an automatic transmission.
Top-end models, the LXT 4WD and LXT 4WD AT, broaden the engine choices to include both the 2.0-liter petrol and the 2.2-liter diesel, with ex-showroom prices ranging from ₹14.69 lakh to ₹16.99 lakh. The higher-end variants reflect the added capability and convenience of 4WD plus the convenience of an automatic gearbox in some configurations. It’s worth noting that the introductory top-end price is about ₹38,000 higher than the corresponding top-spec in the previous Thar lineup.
Availability: Hard-top only, soft-top on hold for now
In a shift from some earlier models, the 2025 Thar facelift is currently offered only with hard-top configurations. Soft-top versions have not been released at the time of launch, suggesting Mahindra’s focus on maintaining a more premium, weather-sealed option in this refresh. The five-variant ladder ensures a broad appeal—from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking premium features and enhanced off-road capability.
Verdict: A color-forward update with familiar capabilities
For buyers awaiting a refreshed Thar, the 2025 edition presents a tasteful color refresh—Tango Red and Battery Gray—that brightens the lineup without altering the core formula: rugged performance, accessible driving dynamics, and off-road credibility. With five variants, including manual and automatic options and 4WD feasibility, Mahindra continues to offer a versatile SUV that remains true to its roots while inviting customers to personalize their Thar’s look and feel. If you’re shopping in the ₹10–₹17 lakh bracket, the 2025 Thar provides compelling choices with the added reassurance of continued mechanical parity with the prior generation.
Bottom line
The 2025 Thar keeps what works and refreshes the palette—two new colors, a body-colored grille, dual-tone bumpers, and a ladder of variants to suit diverse needs. It’s a pragmatic approach that should satisfy both loyal Thar fans and new customers seeking an adventurous compact SUV with a proven off-road personality.
