The Mahindra Thar Facelift, set to launch in December 2025, is an exciting update to one of India’s most loved off-road SUVs. Known for its rugged charm and go-anywhere ability, the Thar is getting a fresh look, upgraded features, and enhanced safety. This article breaks down everything about the 2025 Thar Facelift in simple words, covering its design, performance, and more, to help you decide if it’s the perfect SUV for you.
Why the Mahindra Thar Facelift Stands Out
The Thar Facelift builds on the success of the current three-door Thar, blending its iconic off-road capability with modern upgrades. It’s designed for adventure enthusiasts and urban drivers alike, offering a mix of style, toughness, and new tech. Competing with models like the Maruti Jimny and Hyundai Venue N Line, it’s expected to start at Rs. 12 lakh and go up to Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom). With its launch just months away, here’s what you can expect.
Rugged Yet Modern Design
The 2025 Thar Facelift sports a bold new look inspired by its bigger sibling, the Thar Roxx. The front gets a redesigned grille with six horizontal slats, circular LED headlights with daytime running lights, and a new bumper. On the sides, expect updated fenders, revised wheel arches, and fresh alloy wheels. The rear features new LED tail lights, a reworked bumper, and a full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. Available only as a hard-top, it maintains its classic boxy shape, perfect for off-roading.
Engine and Performance
The Thar Facelift keeps the same reliable engines as the current model but with tweaks for better efficiency.
Engine Options
You can choose from three engines: a 1.5-liter diesel, a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol, or a 2.2-liter diesel. The diesel engines are ideal for off-road power, while the petrol offers smooth city driving. Here’s a quick overview:
- 1.5-liter Diesel: 117 horsepower, 300 Nm torque, rear-wheel-drive (RWD).
- 2.0-liter Turbo-Petrol: 150 horsepower, 300-320 Nm torque, available in RWD or 4WD.
- 2.2-liter Diesel: 130 horsepower, 300 Nm torque, 4WD for tough terrains.
Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, with 4×2 and 4×4 configurations for flexibility.
Driving Experience
The Thar Facelift is built for adventure, with 226 mm ground clearance and excellent off-road angles (41.2° approach, 36° departure, 26.2° ramp-over). Its ladder-frame chassis ensures durability, though it may feel slightly bumpy at low speeds. The 4WD models excel in mud, sand, or rocks, while RWD versions are great for daily commutes. The light steering and compact size make parking easy, but the turning circle is larger than some rivals.
Features for Comfort and Tech
The Thar Facelift brings a modern interior with practical upgrades for daily use.
Updated Cabin
Inside, the cabin borrows elements from the Thar Roxx, including a redesigned center console and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ll find front power windows, a digital-analogue instrument cluster, A-pillar grab handles, and circular AC vents with glossy black accents. Higher trims may offer a wireless phone charger and faux carbon-fiber seat textures for a premium feel. The 600-liter boot (with rear seats folded) is practical for gear-heavy trips.
Safety Enhancements
Safety is a big focus, with six airbags expected across all variants, up from two in the current model. Standard features include ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, hill-descent control, brake assist, and a roll cage. Rear parking sensors and a speed alert system are included, but an ADAS suite (like lane-keep assist) is unlikely. The current Thar has a 4-star Global NCAP rating, and the facelift should maintain or improve this.
Price and Variants
The Thar Facelift is expected to range from Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom), a slight premium over the current model’s Rs. 11.50 lakh to Rs. 17.62 lakh. Variants like AX and LX will offer different feature levels and drivetrains. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Variant | Engine Type | Gearbox | Price (Rs. Lakh) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AX Diesel RWD | 1.5L Diesel | Manual | ~12 | Basic off-road setup |
| LX Petrol 4WD | 2.0L Turbo-Petrol | Manual/Auto | ~15.5 | Adds touchscreen, 4WD |
| LX Diesel 4WD | 2.2L Diesel | Manual/Auto | ~17.5 | Top model with premium features |
Prices may vary by city, so check with your Mahindra dealer for exact costs.
What Buyers Expect
Based on user feedback, 75% think the price is reasonable, and 84% love the updated design. Buyers want better rear-seat comfort and more tech like a sunroof, which may not be included. Posts on X praise the Thar’s off-road legacy but note concerns about charging infrastructure for EVs, though this doesn’t apply to the gas-powered Thar Facelift.
Glossary: Simplifying Tough Terms
Car specs can be confusing. Here’s a table explaining key terms in easy words:
| Term | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Torque | The force that helps the car accelerate or climb hills. |
| 4WD | Four-wheel-drive; all wheels get power for off-roading. |
| RWD | Rear-wheel-drive; only rear wheels get power, better for city driving. |
| ABS with EBD | Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution; improves braking control. |
| ESP | Electronic Stability Program; keeps the car stable during sharp turns. |
| Ground Clearance | Height of the car’s underside from the ground; higher is better for rough roads. |
| NCAP Rating | Safety score from crash tests; higher stars mean safer. |
This makes the Thar Facelift’s features easier to understand.
Why the Thar Facelift Matters in 2025
The Thar is a bestseller, with 42,000 pending bookings as of August 2024. The facelift’s updates, like the Roxx-inspired design and six airbags, make it even more appealing. Mahindra’s 434 dealerships across India ensure easy access to service and parts. With rivals like the Maruti Jimny offering similar off-road capability, the Thar Facelift stands out for its rugged charm and modern upgrades.
Conclusion: Is the Mahindra Thar Facelift Right for You?
The Mahindra Thar Facelift 2025, launching in December, is a fantastic choice for adventure lovers and city drivers wanting a stylish, capable SUV. Starting at Rs. 12 lakh, it offers powerful engines, a refreshed design, and improved safety with six airbags. While it may lack some premium features like a sunroof or ADAS, its off-road prowess and updated tech make it a strong contender against the Maruti Jimny or Tata Punch EV. Visit a Mahindra dealership to explore this iconic SUV and see why it’s a favorite for thrill-seekers and families alike.
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