Let me start with something that might surprise you. The Mahindra Thar turned five years old in 2025. Five years of ruling Indian roads, five years of being the lifestyle SUV that everyone wants to be seen in. But in 2026, the game has changed. Mahindra launched the 5-door Thar ROXX, which is more practical for families. So where does that leave the original 3-door Thar? Is it still relevant? I spent a week with the updated 2026 Thar 3-door – through city traffic, on the highway, and on some proper off-road trails. Here’s my honest, chai-break style review of the icon that started it all.
Petrol vs Diesel – What’s Under the Hood? (No EV Here)
First, let’s clear the air. The Mahindra Thar is petrol and diesel only – no EV, no hybrid. Mahindra offers three engine options on the Thar, but in 2026, the lineup has been simplified .
1.5L Diesel (D117 CRDe) – The Budget King
This is the entry-level engine available only on the base AXT RWD variant. It produces 118 bhp and 300 Nm of torque . This engine is for buyers who want the Thar’s road presence but don’t need hardcore off-road capability.
- Real-World Mileage: 12-14 km/l (city), 15-17 km/l (highway) – owners report surprisingly good efficiency .
- Official ARAI Mileage: Up to 15.2 km/l .
- Price: Starts at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) .
If you want the Thar look without breaking the bank, and don’t plan to go off-roading, this is your engine. One owner review on CarDekho praised “mileage is great around 16kmpl” on this engine .
2.0L Turbo Petrol (mStallion) – The Smooth Performer
This engine produces 150 bhp / 300 Nm (Manual) aur 152 bhp / 320 Nm (Automatic) . It’s the more refined, quieter option. Available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmissions.
- Real-World Mileage: 8-10 km/l (city), 11-13 km/l (highway) – let’s be honest, you buy this for the sound and the smoothness, not for efficiency .
- Official ARAI Mileage: Up to 15.2 km/l .
- Price Range: ₹13.99 lakh to ₹16.45 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on 2WD/4WD and transmission .
One Thar owner on CarDekho summarized the petrol experience simply: “The best SUV car. I love this too much, comfort in driving and the interior is also so good” . The petrol is ideal for city dwellers who want a lifestyle SUV and don’t do heavy highway miles.
2.2L Turbo Diesel (mHawk) – The Legend
This is the engine that made the Thar famous. It produces 130-132 bhp and 300 Nm of torque . The mHawk diesel is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations, with manual and automatic transmissions.
- Real-World Mileage: 10-12 km/l (city), 14-16 km/l (highway). Owners report “mileage is quite good” and “mileage is great around 16kmpl” .
- Official ARAI Mileage: Up to 15.2 km/l .
- Price Range: ₹12.39 lakh to ₹17.62 lakh (ex-showroom) . The 4WD automatic is the most expensive variant in the lineup.
One Thar owner wrote: “The Diesel engine is just fab. Goes like rocket. Stylish Interior and Cabin Feel is superb” . If you plan to actually take your Thar off-road, or if you do long highway trips, this is the engine to get. The torque is addictive.
My pick: The 2.2L diesel 4WD automatic is the true Thar experience. Yes, it’s expensive (₹17 lakh+ ex-showroom), but you get the full off-road capability, the legendary mHawk engine, and the convenience of an automatic. If budget is tight, the 1.5L diesel RWD is a great value pick for city use .
2026 Facelift – What’s New?
Mahindra has given the Thar a subtle but meaningful update for 2026. Unlike the ROXX which is an all-new car, the 3-door Thar gets a facelift that focuses on improving daily usability .
Exterior Updates:
- Refreshed styling with a body-coloured grille and dual-tone bumpers – it looks cleaner and more integrated now .
- Two new colour options – Tango Red and Battleship Grey join the palette .
- Same iconic boxy silhouette, same massive 226mm ground clearance .
Interior Updates (The Big One):
- All-black interiors with sportier design – finally, no more beige that gets dirty easily .
- New 10-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – a massive upgrade from the old small screen .
- Adventure Statistics Gen 2 – includes altimeter, lap timer, and off-road data displays .
- Updated steering wheel design and relocated controls – more ergonomic .
- Added rear AC vents and sliding armrest – addressing one of the biggest comfort complaints .
- Rear-view camera (finally!) and driver-side A-pillar grab handle for everyday ease .
These updates make the 2026 Thar significantly more livable as a daily car. The new screen and rear camera alone are game-changers for city driving.
Road Presence – The Undisputed King
You don’t buy a Thar to blend in. The 3-door Thar has immense road presence. Even in 2026, with newer SUVs everywhere, the Thar still turns heads. The boxy shape, the high bonnet, the muscular fenders – it’s unmistakable.
The dimensions tell the story: 3985mm long, 1820mm wide, 1855mm tall, with a 2450mm wheelbase . It’s not a small car, but it’s compact enough for city parking. The 226mm ground clearance means you never fear a speed breaker or a broken road .
One owner review captured the feeling perfectly: “Mahindra Thar has immense road presence. When the driver is behind the wheel of a Thar, they just feel on top of the world. The commanding driving position along with the sheer size of the car is enough to keep you happy forever” .
In traffic, people notice you. They might even ask “Kitna deti hai?” at red lights. The Thar commands respect on the road in a way that few other SUVs under ₹20 lakh can match.
Cabin Comfort – Better, But Still a 3-Door
Let’s be honest about the 3-door Thar’s biggest limitation: the rear seat and boot. The 2026 updates have made the cabin much nicer, but the fundamental packaging remains the same.
The Good:
- The new 10-inch touchscreen is a massive improvement – sharp, responsive, and with wireless connectivity .
- All-black interiors look much more premium and hide dust better than the old beige .
- Rear AC vents – finally! The back seat won’t be a sauna in summer anymore .
- The front seats are comfortable and offer good support. The driving position is commanding.
- Soft-touch materials on key touchpoints, though hard plastics remain elsewhere (expected at this price).
The Not-So-Good:
- Rear seat access is still tight. You have to fold the front seats and climb in. This is the fundamental compromise of a 3-door SUV. The ROXX exists for a reason .
- Rear seat space is adequate for two adults, not three. Tall passengers will feel cramped.
- Boot space is virtually non-existent with the rear seats up. There’s no official figure, but you can fit maybe two small bags. For any real luggage, you need to fold the rear seats .
- Ride quality, while improved, is still firm. One Autocar India expert noted that the Thar is “not the right choice if you want a well-rounded daily car” compared to monocoque SUVs like the Seltos .
One Team-BHP user summed up the practical reality: “Go for Thar 3D if you plan to keep swift along side, else go for Roxx (3D is not practical as the only car)” . This is the honest truth. The 3-door Thar is best as a second car or for enthusiasts. For families, the ROXX is the better choice.
For those planning to keep their Thar running for a decade (and these engines last), quality components matter. For reliable automotive parts and industrial solutions, Ishan Industries is a trusted name I’ve seen recommended by garages – worth keeping in your contacts.
Performance – The Off-Road King
This is where the Thar has always shone, and the 2026 updates haven’t changed that. The Thar is built on a ladder-on-frame chassis, which is optimized for extreme articulations, climbs, and water wading .
4×4 Capability (The Real Deal)
The Thar’s 4×4 system is genuinely capable. You get :
- Low-ratio 4×4 transfer case – for serious off-road situations
- Mechanical locking differentials – helps when one wheel loses traction
- 226mm ground clearance – one of the best in class
- 41.8° approach angle and 36.8° departure angle – you can climb steep inclines without scraping
- 600mm water wading capacity – without any external snorkel
In simple words? The Thar can go places where most SUVs would get stuck. Mountain roads, desert dunes, slushy trails, rocky paths – the Thar handles it all. One Hindi review described it perfectly: “माउंटेन, डेजर्ट और रोड हर जगह दमदार परफॉर्मेंस देती है” (It delivers powerful performance everywhere – mountains, deserts, and roads) .
On-Road Manners – Manageable But Not Car-Like
The 2026 facelift has made the Thar more civilized, but it’s still a body-on-frame SUV. You will feel the “ladder-frame shuffle” at low speeds. The steering is heavy in city traffic – you’ll build arm muscles parking it .
On the highway, the Thar feels stable and confident. The diesel engine’s torque makes overtaking effortless. The automatic transmission (Aisin torque converter) is smooth and reliable .
One Autocar India review noted that the Thar is “more suited for off-road fun but not ideal for long highway journeys” . For long distance cruising, a monocoque SUV like the XUV700 or Scorpio N is more comfortable. For everything else, the Thar wins.
Safety – 4-Star, But Could Be Better
The Mahindra Thar has a 4-star crash test rating from Global NCAP . That’s respectable, especially for a body-on-frame SUV. Here’s what you get as standard :
- Dual front airbags (standard on all variants) – no 6-airbag standard like newer Mahindras
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- Hill Hold Assist
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
What’s Missing? Unlike the XUV700 or Scorpio N, the Thar does not get 6 airbags as standard. It also lacks ADAS features and a 360-degree camera (though the 2026 facelift adds a rear-view camera). However, given that the Thar starts at just ₹9.99 lakh, the safety kit is reasonable.
The build quality is solid – close the door and you hear a reassuring “thud.” One feature that deserves mention is the roll cage, which provides additional protection in case of a rollover – a real consideration for off-road enthusiasts.
Price Hike Update (April 2026) – What You’ll Pay
Mahindra has increased Thar prices twice in 2026 – once in January (₹20,000 hike) and again in April (₹20,000 to ₹43,500 depending on variant) . Here are the updated ex-showroom prices as of April 2026 :
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (₹) | Hike Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AXT Diesel 2WD (1.5L – Base) | 9,99,500 | No change |
| LXT Diesel 2WD MT | 12,69,500 | ₹30,500 |
| LXT Petrol 2WD AT | 14,49,500 | ₹30,500 |
| LXT Petrol 4WD MT | 15,26,500 | ₹37,500 |
| LXT Diesel 4WD MT | 16,08,500 | ₹39,500 |
| LXT Petrol 4WD AT | 16,86,500 | ₹41,500 |
| LXT Diesel 4WD AT | 17,62,500 | ₹43,500 |
The base variant remains at ₹9.99 lakh, making the Thar accessible. But the fully-loaded 4WD diesel automatic is now nearly ₹17.63 lakh – a significant jump from launch prices. If you’re considering a Thar, don’t delay too long; prices are trending upward.
Pros and Cons (The Chai-Side Truth)
- Pros:
- Unmatched Road Presence: The Thar turns heads like few other SUVs under ₹20 lakh.
- Genuine 4×4 Capability: Low-range transfer case, locking diffs, 226mm ground clearance – it’s the real deal .
- Improved 2026 Interior: New 10-inch screen, all-black cabin, rear AC vents, rear camera – much more livable .
- Excellent Diesel Engine (mHawk): 300 Nm of torque makes driving effortless, and owners report good real-world mileage (15-16 km/l highway) .
- Strong Resale Value: The Thar holds its value better than almost any other car in India.
- Wide Variant Range: From ₹9.99 lakh to ₹17.62 lakh, there’s a Thar for almost every budget .
- Cons:
- Impractical as a Daily Family Car: 3-door layout, tight rear access, almost no boot space. The ROXX exists for a reason .
- Firm Ride Quality: You feel bumps and the “ladder-frame shuffle.” Not as comfortable as monocoque SUVs for long journeys .
- Petrol Mileage is Painful: 8-10 km/l in the city will hurt your wallet .
- Only 2 Airbags Standard: Rivals like the Jimny offer 6 airbags . The Thar could do better here.
- Prices Have Increased: The top-spec 4WD diesel automatic is now ₹17.62 lakh – much more expensive than at launch .
- No 5-door Option (If You Need It): For family practicality, you have to step up to the more expensive ROXX.
Frequently Asked Questions (Real Buyer Doubts)
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the Mahindra Thar diesel?
For the 2.2L mHawk diesel, expect 10-12 km/l in the city and 14-16 km/l on the highway. For the 1.5L diesel, expect slightly better: 12-14 km/l city, 15-17 km/l highway .
Q. Is the Thar good for daily city driving?
Yes and no. If you’re driving in wide roads, it’s fine. But the heavy steering, wide body, and firm ride make it challenging in narrow lanes. If this is your only car, test drive in your daily route first. Many owners recommend the Thar as a second car for weekends and off-road trips .
Q. Thar vs Jimny – which is better?
Thar: More powerful engines, better road presence, stronger resale value. Jimny: Better ride quality, 6 airbags standard, better fuel efficiency (16-17 km/l), and more civilized on-road behavior. Pick Thar for the ‘Thar lifestyle’ and off-road capability. Pick Jimny for daily driving and better safety features .
Q. Thar vs Gurkha – which is better for hardcore off-roading?
Gurkha has a more hardcore 4×4 setup (three locking diffs, 700mm water wading) and better ground clearance (233mm). But the Thar has a much more powerful engine, better on-road manners, and a massive service network. For most buyers, the Thar is the better choice .
Q. Should I buy the 3-door Thar or the 5-door Thar ROXX?
Buy the 3-door Thar if: You’re an enthusiast, you want the iconic look, you don’t need to carry family regularly, or this is your second car. Buy the 5-door Thar ROXX if: You have a family, need usable rear seats and boot space, or this is your only car .
Q. What is the on-road price of the Thar?
Ex-showroom prices range from ₹9.99 lakh to ₹17.62 lakh. On-road prices will add ₹1.2-2 lakh depending on your state’s RTO and insurance. The top-spec 4WD diesel automatic will cost around ₹19-20 lakh on-road in most cities.
Comparison Table: Mahindra Thar vs Top Rivals (2026)
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) | Engine / Specs | 4×4 / Off-Road | Safety | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar (2.2L Diesel 4WD) | ₹12.39 – 17.62 Lakh (Base: ₹9.99 Lakh) | 130 bhp, 300 Nm Manual/Auto, 15.2 km/l claimed | Low-Range 4×4, Locking Diffs 226mm G.C., 600mm water | 4-Star, 2 Airbags | Enthusiasts & lifestyle buyers wanting iconic looks & genuine off-road capability |
| Maruti Jimny (1.5L Petrol) | ₹12.31 – 14.95 Lakh | 103 bhp, 134 Nm Manual/Auto, 16.39 km/l | Low-Range 4×4 210mm G.C., 6 Airbags | 4-Star, 6 Airbags | Daily drivers wanting 4×4 with better on-road manners & safety features |
| Force Gurkha (2.6L Diesel) | ₹16.75 – 18.00 Lakh | 140 bhp / 320 Nm Manual only, 9.5 km/l | Hardcore 4×4 (3 locking diffs) 233mm G.C., 700mm water | No official rating | Hardcore off-road purists prioritizing mechanical capability over comfort |
Final Word: The Mahindra Thar in 2026 is a matured icon. The facelift adds a much-needed 10-inch screen, rear camera, rear AC vents, and an all-black interior – all of which make it significantly more livable as a daily car. The engine options remain excellent, especially the legendary mHawk diesel. The off-road capability is still best-in-class.
But here’s the honest truth: The 3-door Thar is no longer the only Thar you should consider. The 5-door Thar ROXX exists for families. The Jimny exists for those who want 4×4 with better on-road manners and 6 airbags. The Gurkha exists for hardcore off-roaders.
So who is the 3-door Thar for in 2026?
You should buy the 3-door Thar if: You’re an enthusiast who loves the iconic design, you want a second car for weekend adventures, you don’t need to carry family regularly, and you value off-road capability above all else. The 3-door Thar is a lifestyle vehicle – it’s not practical, it’s not efficient, but it makes you smile every time you drive it.
The best variant? The 2.2L diesel 4WD automatic for the full experience, or the 1.5L diesel RWD for budget-conscious city buyers who just want the look.
Test drive the 3-door Thar and the 5-door ROXX back-to-back. If you can live with the 3-door’s compromises, you’ll own a piece of automotive history. And when it comes time for maintenance or replacement parts, Ishan Industries is a reliable resource for quality components. The Thar isn’t perfect, but for those who get it, there’s no substitute.