Which variant of 2026 Mahindra Thar OG should you buy?

Mahindra has introduced an update to the Thar that not only brings cosmetic updates and new features like all facelifts do, but the brand has also thrown in a comprehensive set of mechanical updates – it gets a revised chassis and suspension setup, new electric power steering, wider track and more powerful engines, too. Mahindra has even added an ‘OG’ suffix to the name, now calling it the Thar OG, introductory prices of which range between Rs 10.32 lakh and Rs 18.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Here, we are taking a look at what powertrains and features are available on each trim. 

Mahindra Thar OG variants explained 

Mahindra has retained all three engine options from the outgoing model, but two of them now produce more power and torque. The base 1.5-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine continues to produce 119hp and 300Nm of torque and is offered only with a 6-speed manual transmission in rear-wheel drive configuration.  

The larger 2.2-litre diesel engine now produces 152hp and 330Nm (up by 18hp and 30Nm), while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol produces 162hp and 330Nm (up by 10hp and 30Nm). Both the engines carry over the same 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic gearboxes. This time, both engines also offer the option of rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configuration, although the RWD setup can only be had with the automatic gearbox. 

With this update, Mahindra has also introduced a new top-spec ZXT trim, which means the Thar OG is available in three trims: AXT, LXT and ZXT. Only the base 1.5-litre diesel engine is available across all three trims, while the larger 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines are available on the LXT and ZXT trims. 

Here's a look at the full variant spread and prices of the new Mahindra Thar OG:

Mahindra Thar OG colours

The Thar OG now gets two new colours options – Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue – which add to the six existing monotone colour options. These include Deep Forest, Galaxy Grey, Battleship Grey, Tango Red, Stealth Black and Everest White. On the inside, the Thar OG gets new Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery on the top ZXT trim. 

Now let’s take a look at the trim-wise features split on the new Mahindra Thar OG. 

Thar OG AXT

Price: Rs 10.32 lakh 

• 18-inch steel wheels 
• Halogen headlamps 
• LED tail lamps 
• Tubular side footstep 
• Remote keyless entry 
• Electric power steering
• Tilt adjustable steering wheel  
• Push button start/stop 
• Vinyl seat upholstery 
• Second-row armrest on wheel arches 
• Height adjustable driver’s seat 
• 50:50 split rear seats 
• Rear AC vents
• Dual airbags 
• Brake locking differential 
• ESP with rollover mitigation 
• Hill hold and hill decent control 
• Rear defogger 
• Front disc and rear drum brakes  
• Front and rear tow hooks 

Thar OG LXT

Price: Rs 12.99 lakh – Rs 18 lakh

• 18-inch alloys 
• Dual-tone bumpers 
• Moulded side footsteps 
• Follow-me home headlamps 
• Electrically adjustable ORVMs 
• Fabric seat upholstery 
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment 
• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay 
• 6-speakers 
• Adventure statistics on the infotainment 
• Coloured MID with analogue dials 
• Cruise control 
• Drive modes (Zip and Zoom)
• Electrically operated HVAC controls 
• Steering mounted controls 
• Rear wiper and washer 
• Tyre Direction Monitoring System
• Electronic locking differential (4WD only)
• Terrain modes (4WD only)
• Washable floor with drain plugs (4WD only) 
• Terrain assist (with 2.0P and 2.0D in RWD guise)

Thar OG ZXT

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Price: Rs 13.99 lakh – Rs 18.99 lakh 

• 19-inch alloys 
• LED headlamps with LED daytime running lamps 
• LED front fog lamps with cornering function 
• Wireless charger 
• Leatherette seat upholstery 
• Leather wrapped steering wheel 
• Disc brakes all around 
• TPMS 
• Rearview camera 
• Front parking sensors 
• 6 airbags 
• Frequency dependent dampers (FDD)

Mahindra Thar OG: which variant should you buy?

The base-spec AXT trim is quite bare bones and is available with only one powertrain option, which is why we wouldn’t recommend that. The mid-spec LXT trim is the one that strikes the best balance between price and features. It is also available with all powertrain options, which is why this is what we’d recommend. If you frequently go off-roading, the 2.2-litre diesel is the engine you should be opting for. The top ZXT trim is on the more expensive side, but to fully enjoy all the niceties the Thar OG has to offer, one will have to step up to this trim.