Mahindra Thar new vs old: Differences and similarities explained

The much-awaited Mahindra Thar facelift has been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 9.99 lakh, ex-showroom, topping out at Rs 16.99 lakh. The current-generation Thar 3-door has been on sale since 2020, and its mid-cycle update comes after 5 years. Interestingly, Mahindra has added a ‘T’ suffix to the Thar’s AX and LX variants, and they are now called AXT and LXT. Also, convertible/soft top versions of the Thar, which were discontinued in April 2025, have not been reintroduced. Keep reading to discover the similarities and differences between the old and new Thar models.

Mahindra Thar new vs old: exterior design

Body-coloured front grille, and rear wiper and washer 

Not a lot has changed when it comes to the Thar’s exterior, save for a body-coloured front grille and dual-tone bumpers, alongside a now internally operable fuel lid, and rear wiper, washer and camera feature upgrades. It still doesn’t have LED headlights, and the halogen pair is carried over. Similarly, 16-inch steel wheels (LXT models) and 18-inch alloy wheels (AXT models) continue, with no design changes.

The brand’s Twin Peaks logo was introduced on the Thar’s alloy-wheel hubcaps, key fob and the interior in 2022 when the SUV received a mild update. 

Mahindra Thar new vs old: interior and features

Bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen, rear AC vents

Unlike the exterior, Mahindra has thoroughly upgraded the 3-door Thar’s interior. Features like the 10.25-inch touchscreen (with next-gen adventure stats), bigger by 3.25 inches than the outgoing model, indicator and wiper stalks, and a new steering wheel have been borrowed from the 5-door Thar Roxx. A-pillar-mounted grab handles, power windows on the door trims (with one-touch function for the driver), front sliding armrests, a dead pedal (Thar AT only) and rear AC vents have also been added.

Mahindra Thar new vs old: engine and gearbox options

2L turbo-petrol, and 1.5L and 2.2L diesel engines continue

No changes have been made under the hood of the new Thar, and the familiar engine trio of a 152hp 2-litre turbo-petrol, a 119hp 1.5-litre diesel and a 132hp 2.2-litre diesel, along with their respective gearbox options, continues. 4WD is standard for the 2.2-litre diesel and remains an option with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol.

Also see:

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