Mahindra will launch the Thar facelift on September 22, 2026 – barely a year after the first update broke cover. As is customary for the Indian automaker, Mahindra has released a couple of teasers of the upcoming Thar 3-door facelift via its official social media channels, giving us glimpses of what this body-on-frame SUV will look like.
1. What are the exterior changes on the 2026 Mahindra Thar facelift?
Differences over the pre-facelift model include a revised front fascia and new wheels.
The first teaser revealed the Thar 2026 with a revised front fascia that now features new LED elements for the headlamps with a stylish projector setup and C-shaped daytime running lights, an updated air intake grille and redesigned alloy wheels. The boxy tail-lamps also get C-shaped DRL elements. Mahindra is expected to have tweaked the front and rear bumpers as well. New colour options are also likely.
2. How different is the interior of the 2026 Mahindra Thar?
The interior design and layout mostly retain the familiarity of the pre-facelift model.
The second trailer reveals some of the interior bits and pieces of the upcoming Thar facelift. These include the familiar-looking touch-infotainment unit with physical shortcut keys, button placement on the centre console, circular AC vents and manually operable climate control. Mahindra may offer the 2026 Thar facelift with leatherette upholstery on select trims for a more premium feel, while the brand’s signature ‘Twin Peaks’ logo on the steering wheel now appears to be finished in gloss black.
3. Will the Mahindra Thar facelift get mechanical updates?
Minor tweaks to improve the overall ownership experience could make their way with this facelift.
The Thar facelift is expected to retain the engines offered with the pre-facelift model. These are the familiar 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol (mStallion) mill, the base 1.5-litre diesel and the range-topping 2.2-litre diesel (mHawk). Depending on the variant, the 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions are expected to be carried over. While Mahindra hasn’t confirmed any of this yet, the 3-door Thar 2026 could feature improved ride quality and cabin insulation for a better ownership experience.
4. What is the expected price of the 2026 Mahindra Thar?
Feature additions could lead to a price hike over the pre-facelift model.
Styling revisions and the likelihood of an updated feature set could lead to higher prices for the 2026 Mahindra Thar. For reference, the pre-facelift Thar 3-door is priced between Rs 10.32 lakh and Rs 18.00 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelifted model will continue to compete against the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
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