Mahindra Thar car: A Beast on Wheels

The Mahindra Thar car has emerged as a true icon of adventure, known for its ruggedness and off-road prowess. Launched in 2010, this compact SUV was crafted to tackle the most challenging terrains while providing a distinctive driving experience that appeals to off-road lovers. With its bold design, robust engines, and sturdy construction, the Mahindra Thar has established itself as a favorite among adventure enthusiasts in India.

Over the years, the Thar car has transformed from a simple utilitarian vehicle into a more sophisticated, feature-rich SUV, while still retaining its off-road heritage. In this article, we will explore the Mahindra Thar in detail, discussing its history, design, performance, variants, safety features, and more. Whether you’re an off-roading aficionado or just someone wanting to stand out with a robust vehicle, the Mahindra Thar is an excellent option.

Table of Contents

Mahindra Thar Car Introduction:

The Mahindra Thar is frequently regarded as the spiritual successor to the iconic Mahindra CJ and MM series of 4×4 vehicles, which have been beloved in India since the 1970s. The Thar was designed to meet the demands of a rising number of enthusiasts eager to enjoy off-roading adventures while still enjoying style and comfort.

Originally introduced as a basic, practical vehicle, the Thar swiftly became a favorite among adventure lovers. As the desire for a more comfortable and contemporary SUV grew, Mahindra responded by launching a new generation of the Thar that merges off-road prowess with modern technology, comfort amenities, and improved safety features.

Mahindra Thar Car: Exterior Design

The Mahindra Thar car boasts a rugged and muscular exterior that stands out, appealing to those who have a passion for the outdoors and adventure. Its design showcases a blend of boxy elements and modern styling, embodying its off-roading roots while ensuring it commands attention on the road.

Front Grille and Bumper:

The front of the Thar car showcases a striking seven-slot grille, a hallmark of Mahindra’s iconic SUV styling. This grille is complemented by round LED projector headlights that provide excellent visibility, making it perfect for off-road adventures at night. The Thar’s front bumper is sturdy and built to handle tough challenges, making it well-suited for rugged terrains.

Wheel Arches and Tyres:

The Thar’s wide, flared wheel arches and robust tyres contribute to its rugged, off-road appearance. This SUV features 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with high-performance off-road tyres, ensuring outstanding grip and traction on uneven terrain. These tyres are crafted to effortlessly tackle tough and challenging trails.

Soft Top and Hard Top:

The Thar comes in both soft-top and hard-top options, allowing customers to select what suits them best. The soft-top version delivers an exhilarating open-air driving experience, ideal for those who crave adventure and want to enjoy the fresh air while navigating through nature. Conversely, the hard-top variant offers superior insulation and protection from the weather, making it a more comfortable option for everyday driving.

Side Design and Roof Rails:

The side profile of the Mahindra Thar showcases its bold wheel arches, sturdy side steps, and impressive ground clearance, all of which enhance its tough appearance. The hard-top variant also features roof rails, providing owners with the option to transport additional gear and luggage for their off-road adventures.

Rear Design:

At the back, the Thar car features a spare wheel attached to the tailgate. The rear design is straightforward but practical, showcasing clear lens tail-lights and a robust rear bumper built to handle the challenges of off-roading. Additionally, the tailgate swings open sideways, providing convenient access to the boot space.

Mahindra Thar Car: Interior and Comfort

The Mahindra Thar car boasts a tough exterior, but its interior is unexpectedly sophisticated and cozy, making it ideal for off-road escapades as well as everyday urban commuting. The cabin is crafted to be robust and simple to maintain, featuring materials that endure the elements, all while ensuring modern comforts are not sacrificed.

Seating and Cabin Space:

The Thar accommodates up to four passengers, with seats crafted for comfort during extended drives. The front seats are plush and adjustable, featuring high-quality upholstery that enhances the vehicle’s luxurious feel. Although the rear seats are slightly smaller, they still provide sufficient space for passengers. The two-door layout can make accessing the rear seats a bit tricky, but it’s manageable for short trips or when the vehicle is mainly used by two people.

Infotainment System:

The Mahindra Thar features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. This system allows for seamless access to navigation, music, and phone calls, keeping you connected even in the most remote areas. Additionally, it boasts a robust speaker system that delivers clear and immersive sound, whether you’re exploring off-road trails or enjoying a drive on the highway.

Air Conditioning and Climate Control:

The Thar comes with automatic climate control, ensuring a pleasant cabin temperature no matter the weather outside. Its air conditioning system works efficiently and rapidly cools the interior, keeping passengers comfortable even in the most extreme conditions.

Storage and Practicality:

While the Thar is mainly built for off-road adventures, it still offers a good level of practicality. The vehicle features a reasonably sized boot that can be increased by folding down the rear seats. Additionally, there are several storage options throughout the cabin, such as a glove box, door pockets, and cup holders, making it easy to keep your essentials within reach during your journeys.

Mahindra Thar Car: Performance and Engine Options

The Mahindra Thar car is designed for outstanding performance, ready to tackle the toughest challenges, whether that means climbing steep hills, crossing rivers, or navigating rocky paths. It offers both petrol and diesel engine options, allowing buyers to choose between performance and fuel efficiency.

Petrol Engine:

The petrol version of the Thar features a 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged engine that delivers 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. This petrol engine provides a smooth and robust performance, making the Thar ideal for both off-road adventures and on-road journeys.

Diesel Engine:

The Thar’s diesel variant features a robust 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged engine that produces 130 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Similar to the petrol model, the diesel option is available with both manual and automatic transmission choices. This diesel engine not only delivers superior fuel efficiency compared to its petrol counterpart but also offers enhanced low-end torque, making it an ideal choice for off-road enthusiasts eager to tackle tough trails.

4×4 Capability:

A key highlight of the Mahindra Thar car is its impressive 4×4 capability. Both the petrol and diesel models are equipped with a part-time four-wheel-drive system that can be activated for driving on challenging or slippery surfaces. Additionally, the Thar includes a low-range gearbox, offering extra torque for tough off-road situations, making it well-suited for navigating the most rugged terrains.

Mahindra Thar Car: Safety Features

Although the Mahindra Thar is built for adventure, safety remains a key focus. The vehicle is fitted with various safety features that safeguard both the driver and passengers, providing a secure and stable driving experience in any situation.

Airbags and Safety Equipment:

The Thar car comes with dual airbags for both the driver and passenger, which activate during a collision. It also includes an anti-lock braking system (ABS) paired with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) to provide safe braking under various conditions. With its sturdy construction and safety features such as roll-over protection, the Thar ensures that passengers are well-protected in case of an accident.

Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control:

For off-road driving, the Thar is equipped with hill hold control and hill descent control features. Hill hold control stops the vehicle from rolling back when starting on an incline, and hill descent control assists the vehicle in descending steep slopes smoothly, ensuring it maintains traction.

Safety Cage and Strong Body:

The Thar features a safety cage that offers extra protection in case of a rollover or collision. Its body structure is engineered to absorb and disperse energy during an accident, improving the safety of everyone inside.

Mahindra Thar Car: Pricing and Variants

The Mahindra Thar car comes in various variants to suit different customer needs. The price of the Thar depends on the chosen variant, engine option, and features. As of 2025, the price range for the Mahindra Thar is around ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh (ex-showroom), positioning it as an affordable yet premium SUV for those seeking off-road capability and adventure.

Variants:

AX (Petrol/Diesel)
LX (Petrol/Diesel)

The AX variant serves as the base model, providing essential features, whereas the LX variant includes enhanced offerings such as a bigger touchscreen, upgraded upholstery, and improved safety features.

Should You Buy the Mahindra Thar?

The Mahindra Thar car is a true powerhouse for off-road enthusiasts, blending rugged performance with stylish design. Equipped with robust engine choices, 4×4 capabilities, and contemporary features, the Thar has transformed into a vehicle that excels in both city streets and wild terrains.

If you’re passionate about off-roading or simply want a vehicle that stands out, the Mahindra Thar is a fantastic option. It excels in performance while also offering comfort, style, and safety, making every journey both exciting and secure. The Mahindra Thar car remains one of the most iconic SUVs in India and beyond, making it essential for anyone looking for a car that offers more than just the usual experience.