Mahindra is preparing a more extensive update for the Thar 3-door in India. A newly spotted test mule has revealed changes to the front-end design, suggesting that the upcoming facelift could be more significant than the update introduced in 2025.
The launch timeline has not been confirmed yet. However, the updated Thar 3-door is expected to carry a slight premium over the current model.
Prices In India
The current Mahindra Thar 3-door is priced between Rs 10.32 lakh and Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom). The facelift is expected to cost slightly more than the existing SUV.
Mahindra has not announced the variant-wise pricing or launch date yet. More details should emerge closer to the official launch.
Exterior Design
The biggest changes appear at the front of the upcoming Thar 3-door facelift. Earlier test mules suggested a six-slot grille inspired by the Thar Roxx, but the latest prototype features a five-slot grille.
The new grille also has a small horizontal section on the right side, which could accommodate a badge. The difference between the prototypes may indicate that Mahindra is testing multiple grille designs or different editions.
Mahindra Thar 3-Door Gets New Alloy Wheels
The latest test mule also features newly designed five-spoke alloy wheels. These wheels give the SUV a slightly updated appearance while retaining its familiar upright proportions.
Other exterior details remain hidden under camouflage. However, the revised fascia and new wheels suggest that Mahindra is working on more than a minor cosmetic update.
Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift Engine Options
The updated Thar 3-door is expected to retain the current engine range. This includes a 1.5-litre diesel producing 119 HP, a 2.2-litre diesel producing 132 HP and a 2.0-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol producing 152 HP.
All three engines are expected to continue with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol will also retain the option of a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.
4X4 Options
The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are expected to continue with four-wheel-drive capability. Meanwhile, the 1.5-litre diesel will remain available with a rear-wheel-drive setup.
This engine and drivetrain combination should allow the Thar 3-door to retain its focus on off-road capability while offering different options for buyers with varied usage requirements.
Thar 3-Door Gets Electric Power Steering
One of the important mechanical changes could be the introduction of an electric power steering system. The facelift is expected to replace the current hydraulic steering setup with electric power assistance.
The change could improve steering assistance and reduce the mechanical load on the engine. It may also allow Mahindra to integrate additional driver-assistance and vehicle-control functions more easily.
Rivals
The Thar 3-door will continue to compete in India’s lifestyle SUV segment. Its key alternatives include the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Force Gurkha.
The Thar’s combination of four-wheel drive, removable roof options and multiple engine choices will continue to form an important part of its positioning. The facelift could further strengthen its appeal with updated styling and technology.
Conclusion
The upcoming Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift appears to be a more comprehensive update than the model received in 2025. The latest test mule reveals a redesigned front fascia and new five-spoke alloy wheels, while earlier prototypes showed a different grille design.
Mahindra is also expected to retain the existing engine range while introducing electric power steering. The launch date remains unknown, but the updated Thar 3-door is likely to carry a slight premium over the current model.
