Mahindra has launched the Thar OG at prices starting at Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom). The second update to the Thar 3-door in just over a year brings a new 'OG" suffix, new-gen platform, revised suspension and steering, more powerful engine options, plus refreshed styling and safety features over the outgoing model.
- 6 airbags, all-wheel disc brakes and ESP with roll-over mitigation are available.
- 3-door model now gets electric power steering and frequency dependent dampers.
- Turbo-petrol and mHawk diesel engines now produce more power.
Mahindra Thar OG prices and variants
The base AXT trim is offered in a single configuration, with the entry-level diesel with RWD and a manual gearbox. Interestingly, it’s priced identically to its 2025 equivalent despite the updates. The LXT and ZXT trims of the Thar OG are available with all three engine and two gearbox options. The range-topping ZXT 2.2D 4WD AT is priced at Rs 18.99 lakh, just under a lakh more than its outgoing equivalent. The Mahindra Thar OG continues to rival other body-on-frame SUVs such as the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Mahindra Thar OG exterior
The 3-door version now sports a new grille, lighting signatures and colour options
The front fascia of the Mahindra Thar OG features a redesigned grille with ‘Thar’ branding, flanked by new LED headlamps with signature C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). There are also LED fog lamps with a built-in cornering function. The overall look isn’t too different to what we see with the Thar Roxx.
Mahindra has also revised the front and rear bumpers of the new Thar OG, while equipping the SUV with a wider track than its predecessor. The 2026 update introduces new 19-inch alloy wheels, revised LED tail-lamps and ‘OG’ branding on the tailgate. The existing colour options aside, the Thar OG adds Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue shades to the list as well.
Mahindra Thar OG interior and features
The cabin of the Thar 3-door now gets additional comfort-oriented upgrades
While the general design hasn’t been altered in any major way, the Thar OG comes with a few notable upgrades over its predecessor. There’s a new Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery and an armrest for the second row with integrated cupholders. Mahindra claims that the Thar OG features lower NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels as compared to the previous model.
Mahindra Thar OG safety equipment
The Thar 3-door can be had with 6 airbags and all-round disc brakes
In what is a first for the Mahindra Thar 3-door, 6 airbags are now available on select variants. Mahindra says that this is the first car in its segment to feature a ‘4 Head Pelvis Thorax Shoulder (HPTS)’ airbag system, which the brand claims is designed to protect the head, pelvis, thorax and shoulder region of the front and rear occupants in case of a side impact.
Mahindra has also upgraded the braking system, with the Thar 3-door now sporting disc brakes at all four corners. This is paired with an ESP suite (includes roll-over mitigation, traction control, hill-hold control and vehicle dynamics control) on all trims, while front parking sensors will be available on those higher up in the line-up.
Mahindra Thar OG platform and suspension
The Thar 3-door features Mahindra's ‘M_Glyde 4G’ platform and ‘DAVINCI’ dampers
The Mahindra Thar OG is based on the Indian automaker’s so-called “M_Glyde 4G” platform, which was first seen underpinning the larger Thar Roxx. Mahindra says that this platform offers higher structural stiffness than before. Another first for the Thar 3-Door is its rear Pentalink suspension with a Watts Link – the Roxx gets this too. According to the brand, this setup controls lateral movement of the rear axle better.
The 2026 Thar also gains the Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, also known as “DAVINCI dampers” in Mahindra’s parlance. The automaker claims that the updated suspension setup of the Thar 3-door will offer a plush ride when compared to the old model.
Mahindra Thar OG off-road capability and steering tech
Other noteworthy additions include a new locking differential and electric power steering
The 2026 update sees the Mahindra Thar packing an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD). The system can lock the rear axle electronically to ensure engine power is sent to the wheel with the maximum grip. In theory, this helps improve traction when traversing slippery surfaces such as mud or sand. There are now dedicated terrain modes such as Mud, Sand and Snow.
Another major change with the Mahindra Thar is the shift from hydraulic power steering to an electric power steering (EPS) setup. This should make low-speed manoeuvring and parking easier, which are areas where the old model felt cumbersome.
Mahindra Thar OG engine and transmission details
All but the base diesel engine have been uprated
The Mahindra Thar continues to be offered with three engine options as before. However, the 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol unit now develops 162hp and 330Nm – that’s a bump of 10hp and up to 30Nm over the old model. The 2.2-litre diesel mill has also seen its output go up, now making 152hp and 330Nm, signifying an increase of 18hp and 30Nm.
On the other hand, the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel engine has been retained as is, producing 119hp and 300Nm of torque, and it's only offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. All other trim levels of the Thar OG can also be had with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic. Depending on the variant, the Thar 3-door can be had with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD).
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
