2025 Mahindra Thar SUV Review: Improved consolation, iconic design, off-road capability

Kaumi GazetteLife & Style5 October, 20258.2K Views

Since its relaunch in 2020, the Mahindra Thar has grown past being simply an SUV. It has grow to be a cultural assertion — a logo of freedom, exploration, and individuality. Yet, for all its appeal, clients have been fast to level out that it wasn’t the best automobile to reside with each day. Mahindra has been listening, and the 2025 Thar arrives as probably the most sensible and well-rounded model but, with out compromising on the rugged DNA that made it so successful.

Visually, Mahindra hasn’t tampered with the method an excessive amount of. The Thar retains its basic, boxy silhouette however positive aspects a number of tweaks that elevate its presence. A new entrance grille now blends neatly with a dual-tone bumper, whereas R18 alloy wheels add a contact of sophistication. Two contemporary colors be a part of the palette — Tango Red and Battleship Grey — making certain the Thar stands out even in a sea of SUVs. Inside, the black-themed dashboard feels extra premium, and a redesigned steering wheel provides a recent edge. These are small touches, however they go a great distance in refreshing the cabin’s feel and appear.

With petrol and diesel choices, handbook or automated transmissions, and RWD or 4×4 configurations, the Thar fits each metropolis drives and off-road adventures.
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Special Arrangement

The actual story,nonetheless, lies in consolation and comfort. This is the place Mahindra has plugged in all of the gaps Thar homeowners have been asking about for years. The centre console now homes a sliding armrest, full with a small storage bin, and rear passengers lastly get devoted AC vents. Door-mounted energy window switches change the previous centre-console structure, whereas a remote-operated gasoline lid takes care of what was as soon as an oddly handbook process. Automatic variants now profit from a useless pedal, and ingress is made simpler with an A-pillar mounted entry help deal with. Everyday practicality can also be improved with the inclusion of cupholders, a rear-view digicam, and — in the end — a rear wash-and-wipe setup that makes visibility manageable even after a muddy off-road jaunt.

A redesigned dashboard, sliding armrest, and rear AC vents make daily driving far more practical.

A redesigned dashboard, sliding armrest, and rear AC vents make each day driving much more sensible.
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Special Arrangement

Mahindra has additionally future-proofed the Thar. The SUV now encompasses a 26.03 cm HD infotainment display screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, backed by a six-speaker setup with tweeters. Type-C USB ports on the entrance and rear present trendy connectivity, whereas the Tyre Direction Monitoring System (TDMS) and Tyretronics (TPMS) improve security. Adventure seekers will love the Adventure Statistics Gen II system, which shows off-road knowledge like altimeter readings, tyre angles, journey meters, and even a racing tab for extra spirited classes. These options add a wise layer of tech with out distracting from the SUV’s no-nonsense nature.

While the updates make the Thar extra livable, its off-road prowess stays on the coronary heart of the package deal. We had the chance to expertise it at Mahindra’s Igatpuri take a look at observe, the place it powered via slush, climbed steep gradients, crossed water our bodies, and tackled rock-strewn trails with ease. The 2025 Thar continues to be probably the most succesful off-roaders in its class, delivering the kind of confidence that makes journey really feel second nature. On tarmac, it continues to behave very like its predecessor. Ride high quality is agency however composed, energy supply is robust throughout the rev band, and whereas rear passengers should really feel a little bit bouncy, the entrance occupants will admire the enhancements in consolation and refinement.

The 26.03 cm HD infotainment screen, Tyretronics, and Adventure Statistics Gen II enhance both on- and off-road experiences.

The 26.03 cm HD infotainment display screen, Tyretronics, and Adventure Statistics Gen II improve each on- and off-road experiences.
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Special Arrangement

The engine lineup continues with three choices, paired to both a 6-speed handbook or 6-speed torque converter automated, and obtainable in each RWD and 4×4 configurations. The entry-level 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel produces 117 bhp and 300 Nm, and is out there solely with RWD and a handbook gearbox — a smart possibility for individuals who need the Thar’s attraction with out stretching their finances. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel presents 130 bhp and 300 Nm, paired to each MT and AT, and stays the go-to selection for severe off-roaders. Meanwhile, the two.0-litre mStallion petrol is probably the most highly effective of the lot, producing 150 bhp and as much as 320 Nm with the automated gearbox, giving it a punchy, free-revving character ultimate for highways.

What Mahindra has achieved with the 2025 Thar is steadiness. It nonetheless stays the rugged, go-anywhere SUV that may crawl over rocks and wade via streams, however it’s additionally far simpler to reside with day in and day trip. The SUV feels extra full, extra sensible, and higher geared up to tackle not simply trails however visitors jams and grocery store runs too. It’s nonetheless aspirational, nonetheless iconic, however now it appears like a extra rational buy as effectively.

 Tested at Mahindra’s Igatpuri track, the Thar powers through slush, steep gradients, water crossings, and rocky trails with ease.

 Tested at Mahindra’s Igatpuri observe, the Thar powers via slush, steep gradients, water crossings, and rocky trails with ease.
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Special Arrangement

The new Thar begins at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 1.5-litre AX RWD variant, going as much as ₹16.99 lakh for the top-spec 4×4 automated. Between these variants and the expanded characteristic listing, Mahindra has ensured that the Thar appeals to each life-style consumers and hardcore off-road lovers alike — making it, fairly probably, probably the most versatile model of the SUV we’ve seen but.

Prices INR 9.99 lakh – 16.99 lakh

Motorscribes, in affiliation with The Hindu, brings you the newest in automobiles and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes

Published – October 04, 2025 08:01 am IST

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