- The mid-lifecycle update of the Mahindra Thar adds extra tech and comfort features.
- Highlights include a larger infotainment, a sliding center armrest, and rear A/C vents.
- Prices in India start from Rs 9.99 lakh ($11,300), cheaper than the four-door Thar Roxx.
Adventure seekers in India have yet another excuse to eye the Thar, especially if “eyeing” really means wanting a Jeep Wrangler vibe without the financial regret that comes with it. Mahindra has given its rugged off-roader a mid-lifecycle update, bringing a series of upgrades borrowed from the longer four-door Thar Roxx introduced last year.
While the two-door model keeps its familiar shape and sturdy underpinnings, the updates inside and out promise to make it a more rounded package.
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Rather than fitting the redesigned grille and LED setup from the Thar Roxx, Mahindra has kept the standard Thar visually distinct. Even so, the seven-slot grille now gets a body-colored finish, pairing with a dual-tone front bumper and darker 18-inch alloy wheels.
The bodywork is carried over from the existing Thar, still looking like a Wrangler impersonator. The facelift brings two new options to the color palette, called Tango Red and Battleship Grey, while adding a rear washer and wiper.
Cabin Gains and Everyday Comfort
The cabin receives the more noticeable upgrades. A 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, lifted from the Thar Roxx, replaces the smaller 7-inch unit and can now display off-road data in real time. Mahindra has also repositioned the power window switches to the door panels for easier access and fitted a sliding armrest between the front seats.
Mahindra / YouTube
Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either. They now get their own climate vents and entry assist handles on the A-pillars, making the cabin easier to live with. Other updates include front and rear USB-C ports, a rearview camera, and a fuel-filler lid that can be released from inside the cabin.
Carry-Over Powertrains
The updated SUV rides on the same ladder-frame chassis as its predecessor, which is different from the Thar Roxx. Still, Mahindra has updated the suspension for improved comfort.
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Powertrain options remain the same and include a 1.5-liter diesel with 117 hp (87.2 kW), a 2.2-liter diesel producing 130 hp (97 kW), and a 2.0-liter petrol unit delivering 150 hp (112 kW). Depending on the trim, the Thar sends power to the rear or all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox.
Pricing That Keeps the Wrangler at Bay
And that leads us to pricing, which unsurprisingly, is the strongest selling point of the Jeep-inspired model. The entry-level Thar with RWD and a manual gearbox starts at Rs 9.99 lakh ($11,300) while the most expensive version with 4WD and an automatic is priced at Rs 16.99 lakh ($19,100).
That’s comfortably below the longer, four-door Thar Roxx, which sits between Rs 12.25 and 22.06 lakh ($13,800–24,900). As for anyone tempted by the real Jeep Wrangler, if you live in India and want to buy a genuine Jeep Wrangler, prepare your wallet for a workout, as the five-door Unlimited trim, the only version sold in India, starts at Rs 64.085 lakh ($72,200).