Mahindra first launched the Bolero in 2000, and it has seen evolutionary updates over the last 25 years it has been on sale in India. The Bolero carved out a unique position in the market, particularly in rural India, where its ruggedness and simplicity made it a workhorse for families and businesses alike. The 2025 update brings minor cosmetic changes and a new top-spec B8 trim, but the fundamental character of this body-on-frame SUV remains intact. Here are three reasons to buy the 2025 Bolero, and two reasons you might want to skip it – first, the positives.
Robust and rugged build
The Bolero still uses a body-on-frame construction with rear-wheel drive, a rare setup in the sub-4-metre SUV segment. This ladder-frame chassis can handle rough roads and potholes better than many modern monocoque SUVs. If something goes wrong, repairs are simpler and cheaper compared to unibody vehicles, which is one reason the Bolero remains popular in rural areas, where access to specialised service centres is limited.
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Value proposition
The 2025 Bolero is priced between Rs 7.99 lakh and Rs 9.69 lakh (ex-showroom). This pricing puts it in the same bracket as entry-level hatchbacks, yet it is a proper SUV with a ladder frame. What sets the Bolero apart is its diesel powertrain – a rarity in the sub-Rs 10 lakh segment. This makes it particularly appealing to the targeted rural buyers for whom good efficiency is a big requirement. Under the hood of the Bolero sits a 1.5-litre mHawk75 diesel engine that produces 76hp and 210Nm of torque.
7-seat configuration
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The Bolero is one of the few vehicles in the sub-4-metre category to offer a 7-seat configuration. Space in the second and third rows isn’t great, but customers at least have that option when needed. The 2025 Bolero adds a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit (dealer-level fitment), steering-mounted audio controls and a USB Type-C port – features the Bolero has never had before. The third-row jump seats can also be folded when cargo space is needed.
Now, let’s look at the not-so-good bits of the Mahindra Bolero
Safety is still a concern
The Bolero does get dual airbags and ABS as standard safety equipment, but that’s about it. By comparison, even budget hatchbacks like the Maruti Alto K10 – which starts at less than half the Bolero’s ex-showroom price – offer six airbags. Moreover, the third-row seats lack seat belts, and the side-facing seats are both unconventional and uncomfortable. ESC is also not offered on any of variants of the Bolero.
Feels dated everywhere
The 2025 Bolero still comes with halogen headlights and tail-lamps, with an overall design that lags far behind the modern car market’s preference for contemporary styling. Although it finally comes with a touchscreen infotainment system, the unit resembles an aftermarket fit. The plastic quality used in the interior and the lack of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity add up to its outdated nature.
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Saumil Shah
