Mahindra Thar Facelift: A Closer Look At Its Pros And Cons

Mahindra’s Thar has been a cult favourite for buyers wanting a true off-roader with everyday usability (for younger buyers). The 2025 mid-life facelift keeps that DNA intact while polishing the details. You get refreshed styling, added convenience features and a slightly modern cabin. However, there are no charges mechanically. 

Read on as we have decoded the key pros and cons across exterior, interior, powertrain, and more. So if you are planning to get the facelifted Thar, this article might just help you in your buying decision…

Mahindra Thar Facelift Exterior

Pros: Some things don’t really need major changes, and subtle tweaks to an already good-looking design can do the trick. The Thar’s design is still attention-grabbing, with its macho looks and road presence being its top strength. Subtle tweaks, such as a new grille and body-coloured bumpers, do give it a fresher look, but overall, it retains its old-school charm and design language, which we have seen in the outgoing model. 

Cons: While its design looks iconic, some modern buyers might be disappointed as the updates are not significant. There are now wow design elements as such, and boxy styling might not be to everyone’s liking. 

So if you were expecting dramatic styling changes, the facelift is conservative. The Thar remains recognisably the same vehicle: Great if you love the classic look, less exciting if you were hoping for a bold new direction.

Thar Facelift Interior And Features

Pros: The Thar’s cabin had started to feel outdated in comparison with the Thar Roxx or even the Maruti Jimny, which is a close rival. With the facelift, Mahindra has made some necessary changes inside that off-road enthusiasts might appreciate.

At the top of the list, you now get a much-improved infotainment system, featuring a 10.25-inch unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The old-school design of the steering wheel has been replaced by a more modern-looking, redesigned steering wheel borrowed from the Scorpio N.

Furthermore, rear AC vents, rear wiper with washer, and front and rear USB-C charging ports add to the convenience and comfort inside the cabin. A new grab handle for the driver, a reverse parking camera, and a front centre armrest now make life easier for those who intend to get behind the wheel. 

Cons: Looking at the changes made inside, it's clear that Mahindra wants to reserve the more premium amenities for the Thar Roxx only. All high-end features like ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera, ADAS, a premium sound system, sunroof, and a full-digital drive display still don’t make the way to the 3-door Thar. You still only get dual airbags, even though 6 airbags have become like a mandate across various modern cars. 

The backseat is still a place to avoid for adults, as there are flaws. The rear windows aren’t openable, the thick B pillars create large blind spots that lead to very little visibility and make the rear passenger feel cramped inside. 

Thar Facelift Powertrain And Drive

Pros: Like the pre-facelift model, this one too gets powerful and capable engine options that support you during off-road trails and provide enough performance for cruising on the highway as well. It is available with petrol and diesel engines, with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions for both.

Something for everyone: You still get RWD for lower cost/urban use and 4x4 for off-roaders, plus manual or automatic choices as well. 

Apart from the interesting powertrain options, you now get a brake-based differential locking system, an auto locking rear mechanical differential, and a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 with low range. Moreover, Mahindra has also worked on the vibrations, making the cabin feel quieter than before. 

Cons: The Thar’s ride quality remains stiff, and while it deals well with bad roads, sharp bumps can easily unsettle those inside the cabin. 

While its old-school ladder frame SUV will be appreciated by SUV lovers, it’s important to note that it brings a lot of body roll with it. The body roll can be felt not only on sharp curves, but on the more relaxed ones as well. 

Should You Buy Or Not?

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift continues to be a lifestyle SUV at heart. It is for buyers who crave adventure, individuality, and the freedom of a capable off-roader without compromising too much on everyday usability. If you’ve always wanted a rugged, go-anywhere SUV with all the essential features, then the facelifted model is the right fit. Weekend explorers, outdoor enthusiasts, and young buyers wanting a bold statement car will find plenty to love here.

With the refreshed cabin and better features, it’s now easier to justify as a second car in the family or even as a primary vehicle for someone who doesn’t need big rear seats or massive boot space.

However, the facelift is not for everyone. Families seeking practicality, maximum interior space, and plush ride comfort will still find compact SUVs to be better-rounded. Similarly, long-distance highway commuters focused on fuel efficiency will find the Thar’s suspension slightly uncomfortable when compared to similarly priced SUVs.

So while it’s a significantly improved version of a hardcore off-roader, it is still not something that can be considered as an alternative to practical, comfortable, feature-rich compact/sub-compact SUVs. Those who want the right balance between off-road credentials and daily usability, and are okay to stretch their budget, can consider the Thar Roxx, which is bigger and better in most departments. 

Are you impressed by the Mahindra Thar facelift? Let us know in the comments section below.