Mahindra has introduced the Thar OG, a refreshed edition of its legendary 3-door SUV, with an ex-showroom price starting at ₹10.32 lakh. This update arrives just over a year after the last refresh and incorporates a new platform, revised suspension, stronger engines, and a blend of cosmetic and safety enhancements.
Trim Options and Pricing
The base AXT trim remains unchanged at ₹10.32 lakh, offering only the 1.5-litre diesel engine paired with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The LXT and ZXT trims now provide all three powertrain options—the 1.5-litre diesel, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol, and 2.2-litre diesel—along with both manual and automatic transmission choices. The top-tier ZXT 2.2D 4WD automatic has risen in price to ₹18.99 lakh, an increase of approximately ₹1 lakh from its previous listing.
The Thar OG competes directly with rivals like the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
Exterior Design Refinements
The front fascia now displays a restyled grille with Thar lettering, complemented by updated LED headlamps and C-shaped daytime running lights. LED fog lamps have been integrated as cornering lights, and the bumpers have been reshaped while the wheel track has been widened. A new “OG” badge appears on the tailgate, though the most visually striking upgrades, 19-inch alloy wheels and full LED lighting, remain exclusive to the ZXT trim.
Lower trims continue with steel wheels and halogen lamps, while the LXT offers alloy wheels without LED upgrades. Two new paint options, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue, expand the color palette without affecting pricing.
Interior and Technology Improvements
Inside, the cabin now features Truffle Brown leatherette seats and a rear armrest with cupholders, alongside claims of reduced noise and vibration levels. Starting with the LXT, buyers gain a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a color instrument cluster, rear USB charging ports, a 6-speaker audio system, power-folding mirrors, Zip and Zoom drive modes, cruise control, and a rear wiper-washer. The ZXT further adds a wireless phone charger and a reversing camera.
Safety features vary significantly across trims. The AXT and LXT retain dual airbags and a front-disc/rear-drum brake system, while the ZXT introduces six airbags, including a first-of-its-kind 4 Head Pelvis Thorax Shoulder (HPTS) protection system for side impacts. It also includes four-wheel disc brakes, tyre-pressure monitoring, and a rearview camera. All variants come with Mahindra’s ESP 9.3 electronic stability package, though front parking sensors remain exclusive to the ZXT.
Mechanical and Off-Road Enhancements
The Thar OG adopts Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, shared with the Thar Roxx, which the manufacturer claims improves structural rigidity. The rear suspension now uses a Pentalink setup with a Watts Link, enhancing control over rear axle movement. DAVINCI damping technology is standard across all trims, with the ZXT adding Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) for a smoother ride.
Off-road performance has been bolstered by a new electronic locking differential, directing power to the wheel with the best traction, a critical feature for uneven terrain. Mud, Sand, and Snow drive modes are now available on 4WD LXT and ZXT models. A major mechanical shift involves replacing the original’s hydraulic power steering with electric power steering (EPS), addressing long-standing criticisms about sluggish low-speed maneuverability.
Engine and Powertrain Updates
The Thar OG retains its three engine options but with revised outputs. The 1.5-litre diesel (exclusive to the AXT) remains at 119PS and 300Nm, paired solely with a 6-speed manual. The 2.2-litre diesel now delivers 152PS and 330Nm, an increase of 18PS and 30Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol reaches 162PS and 330Nm, up by 10PS and 30Nm. Both larger engines are compatible with manual or automatic transmissions and RWD or 4WD setups, depending on the trim.