Few vehicles have managed to capture the spirit of untamed adventure quite like the Mahindra Thar. With its imposing stance, unmistakable design language, and proven capability, it embodies both nostalgia and modern innovation. The Thar is not just a machine of mobility—it is a declaration of freedom, a companion for the wanderer, and a symbol of resilience on and off the road.
Who designed the Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar was designed by Mahindra & Mahindra’s in-house design team, led by Pratap Bose, the Chief Design Officer of Mahindra Advanced Design Europe (M.A.D.E). With his global design experience and vision, Bose infused the Thar with a balance of rugged heritage and modern sophistication. The design pays homage to its Jeep-inspired ancestry while adding contemporary styling, enhanced aerodynamics, and refined details that make it stand out in today’s SUV landscape.
What is the price of the Mahindra Thar?
- The 2025 Mahindra Thar (facelift version) has been launched in India with the following price ranges (ex-showroom) for different variants:
- Starting price: ₹ 9.99 lakh for the base 1.5-litre diesel, RWD manual variant (The Times of India)
- Top variant: ₹ 16.99 lakh for the 2.2-litre diesel, 4×4 automatic version (The Times of India)
- In some listings, you will also see broader ranges based on prior variants or different configurations:
- From about ₹ 11.50 lakh to ₹ 17.62 lakh (ex-showroom)
- HT Auto
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- Some sources state ₹ 11.35 lakh as a base figure for CARS24
If you tell me the city (for tax, RTO, and on-road price) and the variant (petrol/diesel, 2WD/4WD, manual/auto) you’re considering, I can figure out its on-road cost for you.
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What to Expect If you’re using a diesel 4WD Thar in mixed city and highway driving, a safe estimate is ~11-13 kmpl.
For petrol variants, especially with bigger engines or with automatic transmission, expect ~8-11 kmpl in real use.
A Heritage Forged in Grit
The origins of the Mahindra Thar can be traced back to Mahindra’s earliest association with rugged utility vehicles. Inspired by the legendary Willys Jeep, Mahindra carved its niche in India’s automotive landscape by producing durable workhorses that could traverse mountains, deserts, and dense rural trails. The Thar inherited this legacy, carrying forward the robust DNA while evolving into a refined yet feral beast. Its very name evokes a connection with the Thar Desert, underscoring its ability to conquer arid, unforgiving terrain with stoic assurance.
Distinctive Design Language
The Mahindra Thar is an unmistakable silhouette on the horizon. Its boxy frame, high ground clearance, flared wheel arches, and bold front grille reflect a raw, mechanical honesty that modern SUVs often lack. The design pays homage to its military-inspired ancestry while embracing contemporary touches—sleeker headlamps, sculpted bumpers, and modern alloys. This combination of rugged aesthetics with subtle sophistication appeals to purists and newcomers alike.
Engineering Excellence Beneath the Surface
While the exterior makes a bold statement, the engineering within truly sets the Thar apart. Its ladder-frame chassis ensures resilience against punishing conditions. Powerful engine options, both petrol and diesel, deliver relentless torque, making steep ascents or muddy swamps seem effortless. Advanced 4×4 capabilities, complemented by features like differential locks and low-range gearing, ensure no path is too treacherous. Every nut, bolt, and gear in the Thar has been crafted with the ethos of performance under duress.
Interior Transformation
The Thar was once known solely for its rugged utility, but the modern iteration rewrites this narrative. Step inside, and one is greeted with refined creature comforts—touchscreen infotainment, premium upholstery, and climate control. Yet, the utilitarian spirit lingers, evident in washable floor panels and a layout designed for practicality in the harshest conditions. It is a cabin where adventure and comfort strike an unusual harmony.
A Lifestyle Statement
Owning a Mahindra Thar is not simply about transportation. It is about belonging to a tribe that thrives on unpaved roads and distant horizons. Enthusiasts view it as an expression of independence, a lifestyle choice that resists conformity. Whether parked in urban sprawl or perched on a windswept plateau, the Thar speaks of journeys waiting to be written. It evokes curiosity, admiration, and a touch of envy from onlookers who yearn for escape from the mundane.
Versatility on Road and Beyond
Unlike many vehicles that struggle to balance dual personalities, the Thar seamlessly transitions between city streets and wild frontiers. In urban confines, it commands presence, handling potholes and traffic chaos with poise. Beyond the city’s reach, it transforms into a mountain goat—climbing, crawling, and fording where few dare to venture. This versatility makes it not just a weekend toy but a dependable everyday partner.
The Cultural Impact
The Mahindra Thar has moved beyond being merely a vehicle—it has become an icon. From road trips immortalized on social media to off-road rallies across the country, the Thar fuels communities bound by adventure. It stirs nostalgia among older generations who recall simpler times, while igniting the imagination of younger drivers seeking experiences over possessions.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar is more than steel, rubber, and horsepower—it is a living testament to the human desire for freedom and exploration. It carries with it the dust of deserts, the scent of pine-clad mountains, and the echoes of open highways. In its evolution, it has remained true to its roots while embracing the aspirations of a new era. For those who crave the road less traveled, the Thar is not merely an SUV—it is destiny on wheels.