Barely a year after its previous facelift, Mahindra has updated the Thar yet again. Compared to the 2025 model, the 2026 updates to the Thar are much more comprehensive. In fact, the Thar now gets an 'OG' suffix to differentiate it from the larger Thar Roxx. From a new platform and updated suspension to more power and features, here is everything that has improved with the Thar OG over its predecessor.
1. Newer Platform
The Thar OG is underpinned by the 'M_Glyde 4G' platform. This same platform first underpinned its elder sibling, the Thar Roxx. Mahindra says this platform offers higher structural stiffness compared to its predecessor.
2. Updated rear suspension with FDD
Mahindra has improved the Thar by borrowing mechanicals from its other siblings. The OG gets a rear Penta-link suspension with a Watts Link, which is also seen on the Thar Roxx and Scorpio-N. Moreover, the Thar OG now comes with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD)—dubbed 'DAVINCI dampers' by the brand, which first debuted on the XUV 7XO.
3. Electronic Locking Differential, terrain and drive modes
The mechanical locking differential from the predecessor has been upgraded to an electronically assisted unit in the Thar OG. Another new addition is the inclusion of dedicated terrain modes (Snow, Sand, Mud) and drive modes (Zip and Zoom). These upgrades are expected to help the Thar OG tread more confidently off-road.
4. Electric Power Steering
The Thar finally gets electric power steering for the first time. Prior to this, all previous iterations of the Thar came with hydraulic power steering. In fact, in our 2025 Thar facelift review, we noted that its hydraulically assisted steering required more effort at low speeds and felt heavy. The electric power steering on the Thar OG is expected to make the manoeuvring experience easier.
5. More Powerful Engines
The engine options of the Thar OG have been carried over from its predecessor, but with increased power output for select powertrains. The 2.2-litre diesel engine now produces 152 hp and 330 Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill delivers 162 hp and 330 Nm. This is an increase of 18hp and 30Nm for the former, while the latter receives a power bump of 10hp and 30Nm.
6. Improved Safety Suite
The Thar’s safety suite sees a range of comprehensive updates on the OG. Top-spec versions of the Thar OG with six airbags come with a Head-Pelvis-Thorax-Shoulder (HPTS) airbag system that the brand says protects the head, pelvis, thorax, and shoulders of the front and rear passengers in the event of a side impact, claims Mahindra. There are also all-wheel disc brakes and front parking sensors, but they're limited to top-spec variants only. However, six airbags are not standard across the lineup.
7. New seat upholstery and feature additions
Mahindra hasn’t changed much of the Thar OG's interior design, but it has introduced much-needed features. The seats now come with leatherette upholstery as opposed to the fabric used in its predecessor. Additionally, rear passengers get added convenience via a dedicated center armrest with cupholders. New features include a wireless phone charger, cornering function for the headlamps, and push-button start.
8. Cosmetic Upgrades
The Thar OG receives several styling updates that give it a fresher look. There are all-new LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps, and LED taillamps, replacing the halogen units from the older model. The bumpers are all new and come with a dual-tone finish, and the wheel size has been bumped up to 19 inches.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
