The Mahindra Thar has been a dominant player in the off-road SUV segment in India. With the introduction of the Thar Roxx, Mahindra raised the bar for rugged luxury. Now, to keep the momentum going, the brand is preparing to launch a facelifted version of the Thar, and early spy shots suggest that it’s heavily inspired by the Roxx variant in terms of styling and features.
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What’s New on the Outside?
The test mule of the Thar facelift was recently spotted, and the images offer a good glimpse at what’s changing. For starters, the front fascia gets a fresh makeover with a vertical slat grille, similar to the one seen on the Thar Roxx. The headlamps also appear to be shared with the upcoming five-door Thar, featuring LED projector units paired with C-shaped DRLs for a more modern and aggressive look.
The front bumper and fog lamps, along with LED turn indicators, also seem to mirror the design language of the Thar Roxx, indicating Mahindra’s plan to create a more uniform yet upmarket visual identity across its SUV lineup.
Interiors: A Significant Leap Forward
One of the most noticeable updates comes inside the cabin. The Thar facelift ditches its older infotainment system in favor of a floating 10.2-inch touchscreen unit. This updated screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it far more connected and user-friendly than before.
Adding to the tech-forward approach, the dashboard now features a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster—another carryover from the Thar Roxx. Even the steering wheel design is shared with the Roxx, giving the Thar facelift a more premium and cohesive feel.
However, a few cost-conscious choices remain. For example, the facelifted Thar still features a manual IRVM (inside rear-view mirror) and no visible camera sensors, which confirms that ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) will not be part of this update.
Powertrain: No Mechanical Changes Expected
Despite the major aesthetic and feature upgrades, Mahindra seems content with the current engine lineup. The facelifted Thar will continue with the tried-and-tested options:
- 1.5-litre diesel
- 2.2-litre diesel
- 2.0-litre turbo petrol
Buyers can expect the same transmission choices—manual and automatic gearboxes—across RWD and 4WD configurations, ensuring the SUV retains its off-road credentials.
More Facelifts on the Horizon
Mahindra isn’t stopping with the Thar. The company is also working on mid-cycle refreshes for several of its other models, including the Bolero, Bolero Neo, and XUV700. All these vehicles have been in the market for a while and are now due for feature and design enhancements to keep pace with evolving consumer expectations.
Final Thoughts
With the Thar facelift, Mahindra is clearly aiming to elevate the SUV’s appeal without disturbing its core DNA. By adopting premium features from the Thar Roxx, the facelifted version promises a more refined driving experience, especially in terms of infotainment and comfort, while retaining the rugged charm that made the Thar a fan favorite in the first place. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates leading up to the official launch.
FAQs
Q1. What are the major changes in the Mahindra Thar facelift?
The Thar facelift includes a 10.2-inch infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, LED projector headlamps, and design tweaks borrowed from the Thar Roxx.
Q2. Is ADAS available in the facelifted Mahindra Thar?
No, the facelifted model does not include ADAS features as there are no visible camera or radar sensors.
Will there be any changes to the engine options in the Thar facelift?
No mechanical changes are expected. It will continue with the same 1.5L diesel, 2.2L diesel, and 2.0L petrol engines.
When is the Mahindra Thar facelift expected to launch?
While an official date hasn’t been announced, the facelift is currently undergoing testing and is expected to launch soon.