The Mahindra Thar OG marks a new chapter for the iconic three-door off-road SUV. While its overall silhouette remains instantly recognizable, Mahindra has made several important changes underneath and around the cabin to improve its driving experience, comfort and off-road capability.
The 2026 Thar OG has been introduced in India with a starting price of ₹10.32 lakh ex-showroom, with the introductory price applicable until November 30, 2026. It is available in three trims — AXT, LXT and ZXT — with petrol and diesel engine options, manual and automatic transmissions, and both RWD and 4WD configurations depending on the variant.
Familiar Thar Shape With a Fresh Identity
At first glance, the Thar OG still looks unmistakably like a Thar. However, Mahindra has made enough changes to give the three-door SUV a more modern appearance.
The front gets a new five-slat grille, circular LED headlamps and C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned, while higher variants receive new 19-inch alloy wheels inspired by the larger Thar Roxx.
The wider track also contributes to the SUV’s stance, while the updated suspension hardware is intended to improve ride comfort without taking away from its off-road character.
Thar OG Gets a More Comfortable Cabin
The cabin is one area where the latest Thar OG benefits from the improvements introduced during the previous update. The three-door SUV gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, updated steering wheel, front centre armrest and power-window switches integrated into the door pads.
Rear passengers now also get dedicated AC vents and cup or bottle holders, making the back seat more usable than before. The seats receive updated upholstery, while additional storage around the centre console adds some everyday practicality.
However, the Thar remains a relatively compact three-door SUV. The rear seats are more comfortable than expected in terms of knee room, but headroom and shoulder room are tighter than at the front. Boot space is also limited, particularly with all four seats in use.
Behind the Wheel: What the Thar OG Feels Like
The first-drive experience shows that Mahindra has worked on more than just the visual appeal of the Thar. The updated SUV gets frequency-dependent damping on 4WD versions, which is designed to improve the balance between everyday ride comfort and off-road control.
On the road, the Thar retains the upright driving position and rugged character expected from a lifestyle off-roader. It doesn’t suddenly become a soft urban crossover, but the improvements make the experience more usable for everyday driving.
The three-door proportions also remain a major part of its character. The Thar feels compact compared with larger SUVs, although its upright body and chunky construction make it feel substantial from behind the wheel.
Three Engine Choices for Different Thar Buyers
The Thar OG continues with three engine options. The entry-level 1.5-litre diesel produces around 117bhp and 300Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox in the AXT configuration.
The larger 2.2-litre diesel produces 150bhp and 330Nm and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces around 174bhp and 300Nm according to Mahindra’s launch specifications, with manual and automatic options available.
The first-drive review specifically evaluated the 2.2-litre diesel with 4WD and an automatic transmission. The engine’s 330Nm output gives the SUV plenty of torque for both highway driving and difficult terrain.
4WD Hardware Remains the Main Attraction
The biggest reason buyers choose the Thar over conventional compact SUVs is its off-road hardware, and the Thar OG continues to focus heavily on this area.
The 4WD versions get dedicated Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes. These alter parameters such as traction control, throttle response, steering behaviour and gear shifts according to the selected terrain. An electronic differential lock is also available for situations where additional traction is required.
This makes the Thar OG more approachable for drivers who may not have extensive off-road experience while still retaining the mechanical capability expected from a serious lifestyle 4×4.
More Features Without Losing the Rugged Character
The updated Thar gets a considerably more comprehensive equipment package than the earlier three-door model. Depending on the variant, buyers can get keyless entry and start, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, steering-mounted controls, cruise control, electric ORVMs, rear wiper and parking sensors.
Safety equipment has also been upgraded. The new Thar OG is available with six airbags, while higher variants add features such as TPMS and a rear-view camera. Four-wheel disc brakes are also part of the updated package.
The 10.25-inch infotainment system is easy to read and relatively intuitive, although the first-drive review notes that it can occasionally feel laggy. Wireless Android Auto is supported, while Apple CarPlay remains a wired connection.
Thar OG Price and Variant Line-up
The Mahindra Thar OG starts at ₹10.32 lakh ex-showroom for the 1.5-litre diesel AXT with RWD and manual transmission. The LXT and ZXT trims offer a much wider selection of engines, transmissions and drivetrains.
The most expensive configuration is the ZXT 2.2-litre diesel with 4WD and automatic transmission, priced at ₹18.99 lakh ex-showroom. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and larger diesel engines also offer automatic transmission options, giving buyers more flexibility than the entry-level configuration.
Everyday Practicality Still Has Limits
Despite the improvements, the Thar OG remains a lifestyle SUV rather than a conventional family SUV. Its three-door layout makes rear-seat access less convenient, while the limited boot space can become an issue when travelling with four occupants.
The first-drive review also notes that front-seat ergonomics aren’t perfect, with the centre console potentially interfering with the driver’s knee position in the automatic version.
For weekend trips, however, the foldable rear seats provide additional cargo space. A roof rack could also become useful for owners planning longer adventures with additional luggage.
Market Positioning
The Thar OG occupies a distinctive position in Mahindra’s SUV portfolio. It sits below the larger Thar Roxx while retaining the compact three-door format that has become closely associated with the Thar name.
Its combination of rugged styling, available 4WD, terrain modes, multiple engines and a relatively accessible entry price makes it different from conventional urban SUVs. The Force Gurkha remains another direct lifestyle off-road alternative, while the Thar Roxx provides a larger five-door option for buyers who need more space.
AutoXRoom Verdict
The Mahindra Thar OG is not a complete reinvention of the three-door Thar. Instead, Mahindra has concentrated on improving the areas that matter most while preserving the SUV’s original identity.
The updated design, better cabin equipment, improved ride hardware, six-airbag availability and expanded powertrain combinations make the latest Thar more rounded than before. At the same time, its compact three-door layout, limited boot space and upright cabin mean it still demands some compromises as an everyday family vehicle.
For buyers attracted to the Thar specifically because of its off-road character and distinctive three-door design, the OG update adds more comfort and technology without moving the model away from what made it popular in the first place.