Mahindra’s popular SUV, the Thar, has crossed the 3 lakh sales mark within five years of its launch. This includes both the 3-door Thar and the bigger Thar Roxx. This achievement highlights the growing appeal of lifestyle off-road vehicles in India, a segment that was once considered niche. The second-generation Thar, introduced in 2020, played a crucial role in Mahindra’s success, contributing to about 15 percent of Mahindra’s SUV sales. It offered a blend of rugged design and off-road capability. The sales momentum has been steady despite challenges such as rising competition, regulatory changes, and supply chain disruptions in the automotive industry.
Analyzing The Growth
The table below provides a year-wise breakdown of the Thar (3-door and Roxx) sales:
| Year | Units Sold |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 4,865 |
| 2021 | 32,139 |
| 2022 | 46,297 |
| 2023 | 62,692 |
| 2024 | 77,013 |
| 2025 | 73,217 |
The Thar Roxx, launched in September 2024, has contributed to this feat too. It has sold 71,000 units in less than a year, accounting for nearly 68 percent of the Thar sales in the first five months of FY2026. While it has rivals such as the Jimny and Gurkha, the Thar’s wide appeal can be attributed to its versatility. The petrol and diesel options, paired with both manual and automatic transmissions, have allowed Mahindra to reach a broader audience. Furthermore, the 3-door version appeals to seasoned off-roaders, whereas the Roxx is a good option for families wanting space and features.
The introduction of the rear-wheel-drive version made the SUV even more accessible by bringing down the entry price. Meanwhile, the 4×4 variants have continued to draw enthusiasts who value its off-road capability. This diverse lineup has ensured that the model remains relevant for both adventure seekers and everyday users.
Powertrains On Offer
The Thar 3-door gets three engine options, including a 2.0 L mStallion turbo petrol (150HP, 320NM), a 1.5 L mHawk turbo diesel (118HP, 300NM), and a 2.2 L mHawk turbo diesel engine (130HP, 300NM). The smaller 1.5-litre diesel engine is available only with RWD, whereas the other two engines get both RWD and 4WD. Meanwhile, the Thar Roxx gets a 2 L mStallion turbo petrol (174HP, 380NM), and a 2.2 L mHawk diesel engine (172HP, 370NM). Here, the petrol is offered only with RWD, whereas the diesel engine gets both RWD and 4WD. These wide range of powertrains, along with manual and automatic gearbox options, ensures that there is a Thar for everyone out there.
Looking Ahead For The SUV
The success of the Thar has not only boosted Mahindra’s portfolio but has also influenced the wider SUV market in India. The Thar’s popularity has also encouraged Mahindra to expand its product line with the Thar Roxx. The trend shows that lifestyle-oriented vehicles, once considered a small niche, are increasingly becoming part of mainstream buyers.
Following the GST 2.0 revision, a price cut of up to ₹1.33 lakh for the Thar Roxx and a ₹1.35 lakh for the 3-door model has resulted in a more competitive pricing. Mahindra plans to launch the facelift of the Thar 3-door model soon, scaling its next milestone even faster. Future updates could bring more features and design revisions to keep the model competitive. As customer expectations evolve, the challenge for Mahindra will be to balance the Thar’s rugged identity with the need for modern comfort and efficiency.
