Few vehicles in India carry the kind of cultural weight that the Mahindra Thar does. It is simultaneously a lifestyle statement, a genuine off-road tool, and one of the most recognisable silhouettes on Indian roads. Since its second-generation launch in 2020 and its subsequent evolution through facelifts and the introduction of the five-door Thar Roxx, the Thar has grown from a niche enthusiast product into a mainstream phenomenon — averaging over 13,000 units in monthly sales and consistently occupying a place in India’s top-selling SUV list. In 2026, the Thar lineup has expanded and matured, offering buyers more choice than ever across three-door and five-door formats.
Thar Variants and Price Range
The Mahindra Thar 3-door lineup starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base AXT 1.5-litre diesel 4×2 manual variant and goes up to Rs. 17.62 lakh (ex-showroom) for the fully loaded LXT 2.2-litre diesel automatic 4×4 variant. Seven variants are available in the 3-door format, spanning the 4×2 rear-wheel-drive configuration at the entry level to full-time 4×4 capability at the top. On-road prices, inclusive of registration, insurance, and other charges, range from approximately Rs. 11.48 lakh to Rs. 20.87 lakh depending on variant and city.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx — the five-door family-friendly evolution — starts at Rs. 12.40 lakh (ex-showroom) and extends upward depending on variant selection. The Roxx adds meaningful practicality to the Thar formula with genuine rear-seat space, usable boot capacity, a metal roof with better insulation, and a richer feature set compared to the 3-door.
Engine Options
Three engine choices are available across the range. The 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 119 bhp is reserved for the 4×2 entry variants and is available only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 2.2-litre diesel producing 132 bhp offers stronger torque, available with both manual and automatic transmissions, and comes with 4×4 capability on top variants. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 152 bhp is the most powerful option, mated to manual or automatic gearboxes and available with 4×4.
Features
The Thar’s feature set has grown considerably with recent updates. The top variants carry a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a digital instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera, a rear-view camera, six airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Programme, and Level 2 ADAS — including lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Thar Roxx additionally offers a panoramic sunroof (called Skyroof), electrically adjustable driver seat, ventilated front seats, a cooled glovebox, and a premium Harman sound system. Design updates have brought a body-coloured front grille, new colour options including Tango Red and Battleship Grey, and an overall more premium presentation inside the cabin.
The Thar’s off-road credentials remain intact with high ground clearance, a transfer case for 4×4 variants, dedicated off-road drive modes, and a robust ladder-frame chassis — hardware that no soft-roader competitor in this price range can match.
Mileage
The 1.5-litre diesel 4×2 variant returns approximately 14 to 15.2 kmpl in mixed conditions — the most fuel-efficient option in the lineup. The 2.2-litre diesel delivers 12 to 15 kmpl depending on driving style and conditions. The 2.0-litre petrol is less frugal, dropping to single-digit figures in city conditions and improving somewhat on the highway. Buyers approaching the Thar for serious off-road use or daily city driving should factor in that fuel efficiency takes a notable hit under both conditions — the vehicle’s heavy ladder-frame construction and capable drivetrain prioritise performance over economy, a trade-off its audience typically accepts without complaint.
FAQs
Q: What is the starting price of the Mahindra Thar in India in 2026?
A: The Thar 3-door starts at Rs. 9.99 lakh and the Thar Roxx 5-door starts at Rs. 12.40 lakh, both ex-showroom.
Q: Does the Thar come in automatic?
A: Yes — both the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines are available with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.
Q: What is the Thar’s mileage on the 1.5-litre diesel?
A: ARAI-certified mileage is 15.2 kmpl for the 1.5-litre diesel 4×2, though real-world figures in mixed conditions typically run 13 to 15 kmpl.
Q: Is ADAS available on the Thar?
A: Yes — Level 2 ADAS is available on higher variants of the Thar Roxx and on top trims of the 3-door.
Q: What colours does the Thar come in 2026?
A: Available colours include Tango Red, Battleship Grey, Deep Forest, Everest White, Stealth Black, Nebula Blue, and Rocky Beige, among others.
