2025 Mahindra Thar Facelift: What’s Exactly Different Between The Old And New Model?

Mahindra has updated its much-loved lifestyle SUV, the Thar, with a minor facelift. The updated SUV gets a handful of cosmetic tweaks, cabin changes, and new features, while keeping its proven mechanicals unchanged. In this article, we compare the pre-facelift Thar with the refreshed 2025 model to see exactly what has changed in terms of design, interior, and features.

Updated Design

The outgoing Thar carried rugged, and instantly recognisable styling. This included its upright seven-slat grille, muscular bumpers, squared wheel arches, and removable roof options. 

For 2025, Mahindra has not tampered with the formula but has instead sharpened the details to make it look fresher. The grille is now body-coloured, which blends with the fascia, while the dual-tone bumpers with the silver insert add contrast. Two new shades, Battleship Grey and Tango Red, further broaden the palette, with the latter choice replacing the older Rage Red shade.

Updated Interior

The older Thar’s cabin was practical and functional, designed to handle both daily use and off-road conditions. It featured a touchscreen infotainment system, roof-mounted speakers, and washable floor panels for easy cleaning. While the layout was straightforward, it provided all the essential comforts for a modern SUV, with durable materials that could withstand rugged use.

With the facelift, Mahindra has gone a step further by adding a few useful upgrades. The 2025 Thar gets a new steering wheel, A-pillar mounted grab handles with “THAR” branding for both driver and front passenger, which was earlier offered only with co-driver. It also features a sliding armrest with storage while automatic transmission variants now feature a dead pedal. Additionally, power window switches have been moved from the centre console to the door armrests, making them more ergonomic.

Feature Upgrades

The pre-facelift Thar offered features such as a 7-inch touchscreen, roof-mounted speakers, manual air conditioning, and steering-mounted controls. The 2025 facelift, however, brings several upgrades that enhance convenience and technology. 

The refreshed model now comes with rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers, and an electric fuel lid release. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch display with a new user interface, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Additionally, the facelift includes a rear-view camera along with a rear wiper and washer, making the cabin significantly more user-friendly and tech-rich compared to the older version.

Powertrain Choices

Mahindra has not changed the proven mechanicals. Like the outgoing model, the facelifted Thar continues to be offered with the 1.5-litre diesel engine option that puts out 118PS and 300Nm, a 2.2-litre diesel that produces 132PS/300Nm, and a 150PS/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual, and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox choices. 

Rear-wheel drive option is offered with 1.5-litre diesel (with MT only) and 2-litre turbo-petrol (with AT only), while four-wheel drive option is offered with larger diesel unit and turbo-petrol choice with both manual and automatic options.

Price and Rivals

The facelifted Thar now costs the outgoing model, which was priced between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The new model starts from Rs 9.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). It will continue to go up against rivals like the Maruti Jimny and the Force Gurkha 3 Door.

ZigSays…

With the 2025 facelift, the Mahindra Thar manages to retain its rugged charm while ironing out some of the usability quirks of the older model. The design tweaks keep it fresh, the interior updates improve ergonomics, and the added features make it more appealing. But we feel it could have got an even more imposing design and additional features for a better overall appeal. 

What’s your take on the updated Thar? Share your thoughts in the comments below.