Archive · 27 Sep 2026
Mahindra Thar OG modernizes iconic 3-door SUV without losing ruggedness
The Mahindra Thar OG is a three-door SUV made for people who enjoy driving off-road.
Mahindra gave it new lights, a new grille, easier steering, and improved suspension.
It can climb large sand dunes very well, especially with the petrol engine and four-wheel drive.
It is also easier to drive slowly through narrow roads than the older version.
However, rough roads can make the ride loud and uncomfortable.
The back seats are difficult to reach, and there is very little space for luggage.
The petrol version also uses a lot of fuel in the reviewer's testing.
Expensive versions still miss some features found in other modern SUVs.
Overall, it is best for buyers who value style and off-road ability more than practicality.
The Thar OG starts at Rs 10.32 lakh ex-showroom and retains its body-on-frame, off-road-focused character.
New features include a five-slat grille, LED headlamps, electric power steering, wider tracks, and DaVinci suspension.
Engine choices include 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre diesels plus a 2.0-litre petrol, with rear- and four-wheel-drive options.
The SUV performs strongly on sand, but remains noisy, stiff over poor roads, and impractical for passengers and luggage.
The review calls it an emotional purchase with improved everyday usability, though expensive versions lack several expected comfort and safety features.
- Who
- Mahindra and buyers considering the updated Thar OG.
- What
- Mahindra launched an upgraded three-door Thar with revised styling, improved steering and suspension, and multiple engine and drivetrain choices.
- When
- The launch timing is not specified in the article.
- Where
- The SUV was tested on rural highways in Rajasthan and in the Thar Desert.
- Why
- Mahindra aimed to modernize the iconic SUV and improve everyday driving without removing its off-road character.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons for Caution
Off-road performance
Reasons to Buy
The Thar OG is described as highly capable in the dunes, with strong petrol power and an electronic locking rear differential helping it climb large sand dunes.
Reasons for Caution
Its off-road focus does not eliminate compromises in everyday use, including harsh impacts over rough roads and momentary loss of traction over fast road humps.
Everyday usability
Reasons to Buy
Electric power steering, wider tracks, and DaVinci suspension make the heavy SUV easier to maneuver at low speeds.
Reasons for Caution
The body-on-frame construction still brings noticeable thuds, pronounced wind noise above 80-90 km/h, and a less settled ride.
Value and practicality
Reasons to Buy
The range offers several engine, transmission, and drivetrain choices, with the entry price aimed partly at buyers seeking a lower-cost SUV.
Reasons for Caution
Top variants can approach Rs 20 lakh on-road while lacking automatic climate control, ventilated or powered seats, ADAS, an auto-dimming IRVM, and an electronic parking brake; rear-seat and luggage space are also limited.
- Starting price
- Rs 10.32 lakh ex-showroom
- Body style
- Three-door hardtop SUV; no convertible soft-top option
- Engines
- 1.5-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel, and 2.0-litre petrol
- Drivetrains
- Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, depending on variant
- Transmission options
- Six-speed manual and six-speed automatic options
- Tested petrol economy
- Approximately 8-9 km/litre in mixed driving
- Noted strengths
- Off-road performance, road presence, improved low-speed steering, and sand-dune ability
- Noted weaknesses
- Limited boot space, awkward rear-seat access, road thuds, wind noise, and missing premium features