Mahindra Thar OG 2026 : Mahindra has officially launched the new Mahindra Thar 3-door in India on 22 September 2026. The latest version brings a number of important changes to one of India’s most recognisable lifestyle SUVs, including updated styling, new suspension technology, electric power steering, stronger engine options and additional safety equipment.
The Mahindra Thar oG 2026 price starts at ₹10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to ₹18.99 lakh for the range-topping variant. Despite retaining the familiar three-door body style, Mahindra has made substantial changes underneath the SUV to improve its ride, handling, off-road capability and everyday usability.
The 2026 Thar continues to be available with petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations depending on the variant.
So, what exactly has changed in the new Mahindra Thar? Here is everything you need to know.
Mahindra Thar OG 2026 Price in India
The new Mahindra Thar price starts at ₹10.32 lakh for the entry-level AXT 1.5-litre diesel manual RWD variant.
The top-spec ZXT 2.2-litre diesel automatic 4WD is priced at ₹18.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
Mahindra Thar OG 2026 Variant-Wise Price
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXT | 1.5 Diesel | MT | RWD | ₹10.32 lakh |
| LXT | 1.5 Diesel | MT | RWD | ₹12.99 lakh |
| LXT | 2.0 Petrol | AT | RWD | ₹14.77 lakh |
| LXT | 2.0 Petrol | MT | 4WD | ₹15.60 lakh |
| LXT | 2.0 Petrol | AT | 4WD | ₹17.23 lakh |
| LXT | 2.2 Diesel | MT | 4WD | ₹16.43 lakh |
| LXT | 2.2 Diesel | AT | RWD | ₹16.49 lakh |
| LXT | 2.2 Diesel | AT | 4WD | ₹18.00 lakh |
| ZXT | 1.5 Diesel | MT | RWD | ₹13.99 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.0 Petrol | AT | RWD | ₹16.09 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.0 Petrol | MT | 4WD | ₹16.60 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.0 Petrol | AT | 4WD | ₹17.75 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.2 Diesel | MT | 4WD | ₹17.49 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.2 Diesel | AT | RWD | ₹17.49 lakh |
| ZXT | 2.2 Diesel | AT | 4WD | ₹18.99 lakh |
The base AXT variant is available in a single configuration with the 1.5-litre diesel, manual gearbox and RWD. LXT and ZXT variants offer a much wider combination of engines, transmissions and drivetrains.
New Mahindra Thar Gets a Fresh Exterior Design
At first glance, the Mahindra Thar OG 2026 still looks unmistakably like a Thar. Mahindra has not changed the basic three-door silhouette because that design is an important part of the SUV’s identity.
However, the front end has been noticeably updated.
The SUV now gets a redesigned grille carrying Thar branding, along with new LED headlamps. The headlights feature distinctive C-shaped daytime running lights, giving the Thar a closer visual connection with the larger Thar Roxx.
The SUV also gets LED fog lamps with a cornering function.
The front and rear bumpers have been revised as well. Mahindra has also increased the track width compared with the outgoing model.
Another major visual update is the availability of new 19-inch alloy wheels on higher variants. At the rear, the SUV gets revised LED tail-lamps and OG branding on the tailgate.
Two new exterior colours have also been added:
- Artemis Silver
- Jeans Blue
The updated design therefore remains evolutionary rather than completely new. The basic Thar shape remains intact, but the lighting, wheels, bumpers and detailing make the SUV look more modern.
New Mahindra Thar Interior and Features
The interior of the new Mahindra Thar does not receive a completely new dashboard layout. Instead, Mahindra has concentrated on adding comfort and convenience improvements.
One of the changes is the availability of Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery.
The second row also gets an armrest with integrated cupholders. This is a small addition, but it can make a difference during longer journeys.
Mahindra has also worked on reducing cabin noise, vibration and harshness. The company claims that the updated Thar offers lower NVH levels compared with the previous model.
The higher variants continue to get modern features such as a large touchscreen infotainment system, while the overall cabin retains the rugged character expected from the Thar.
The focus appears to be on making the three-door SUV easier to live with without taking away its adventure-oriented personality.
New M_Glyde 4G Platform
One of the biggest changes to the new Mahindra Thar 2026 is hidden underneath the familiar body.
The updated three-door Thar is now based on Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, which was first introduced with the Thar Roxx.
According to Mahindra, the platform offers higher structural stiffness compared with the previous setup.
This is important because the Thar is a body-on-frame SUV that has to handle both everyday roads and challenging off-road conditions.
The new platform is combined with a revised rear suspension setup.
Pentalink Suspension and DAVINCI Dampers
The new Thar gets a Pentalink rear suspension with Watts Link.
The purpose of the Watts Link arrangement is to better control lateral movement of the rear axle.
The SUV also receives Frequency Dependent Damping technology, which Mahindra calls DAVINCI dampers.
The company claims that the updated suspension provides a more comfortable and controlled ride compared with the outgoing Thar.
This is one of the most significant changes because the new setup is intended to improve not only highway comfort but also overall stability and control on uneven surfaces.
Electric Power Steering
The new Mahindra Thar also moves from hydraulic power steering to electric power steering.
This is particularly important for urban users.
The previous Thar’s steering could feel heavy during low-speed manoeuvring and parking. The electric setup should make these situations easier while also allowing Mahindra to offer more modern steering assistance.
For an SUV that is increasingly used as a daily vehicle, this change could improve its everyday usability.
Mahindra Thar OG 2026 Engine Options
Mahindra continues to offer three engine options with the 2026 Thar.
However, two of them have received power upgrades.
2.0-Litre Turbo Petrol
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine now produces:
162 hp and 330 Nm
This represents an increase of 10 hp and up to 30 Nm compared with the previous version.
The petrol engine can be paired with manual and automatic transmissions depending on the variant and is available with RWD or 4WD configurations.
2.2-Litre Diesel
The 2.2-litre diesel engine has also received a significant output increase.
It now produces:
152 hp and 330 Nm
That is an increase of 18 hp and 30 Nm over the outgoing engine.
The engine is available with manual and automatic transmissions and is offered with 4WD on applicable variants.
1.5-Litre Diesel
The entry-level 1.5-litre diesel engine continues unchanged.
It produces:
119 hp and 300 Nm
This engine is available with a six-speed manual gearbox and RWD.
Therefore, buyers looking for the lowest entry price still get the smaller diesel powertrain, while the larger engines provide more performance and additional drivetrain choices.
4WD and New Off-Road Technology
Off-road capability remains one of the main reasons buyers choose the Thar.
For 2026, Mahindra has added an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD).
The system can electronically lock the rear axle to help direct power to the wheel with better available grip. This can be particularly useful on surfaces such as mud and sand.
The updated Thar also gets dedicated terrain modes:
- Mud
- Sand
- Snow
These additions are aimed at making the SUV’s off-road systems easier to use across different surfaces.
The combination of 4WD, electronic assistance and revised suspension keeps the Thar focused on its traditional strength while adding more technology to the package.
Safety Features Get a Major Upgrade
Safety is another important area where Mahindra has upgraded the three-door Thar.
For the first time, six airbags are available on select variants of the Thar.
Mahindra also introduces its HPTS airbag system, which stands for Head, Pelvis, Thorax and Shoulder protection. The system is designed to provide additional protection to occupants during side impacts.
The braking system has also been upgraded.
The new Thar now gets disc brakes on all four wheels.
The SUV also gets an ESP suite across all trims. This includes electronic safety functions such as:
- Roll-over mitigation
- Traction control
- Hill-hold control
- Vehicle dynamics control
Higher variants additionally get front parking sensors.
These changes are significant because the Thar’s usage has expanded beyond weekend off-roading. Many owners now use it regularly in cities and on highways as well.
New Mahindra Thar vs Thar Roxx
The new three-door Thar continues to sit below the larger Thar Roxx in Mahindra’s SUV portfolio, but the two vehicles have different purposes.
The three-door Thar remains more compact and focused on lifestyle and off-road use.
The Thar Roxx, with its five-door layout, provides greater cabin and rear-seat practicality.
Interestingly, the new Thar now shares several technologies with the Roxx, including the M_Glyde 4G platform and rear suspension technology.
However, Mahindra has retained the three-door layout to keep the Thar’s original character intact.
New Mahindra Thar Rivals
The updated Thar continues to compete with lifestyle-oriented SUVs such as the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
However, the Thar has a broader powertrain and drivetrain portfolio, with petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and RWD and 4WD configurations across the range.
The new suspension, steering and safety upgrades also broaden its appeal beyond buyers who are primarily interested in off-road driving.
New Mahindra Thar 2026: What Has Actually Changed?
The 2026 update is more than a cosmetic facelift.
Yes, the SUV gets a redesigned grille, new LED lighting, new wheels, revised bumpers and new colours.
But the more important changes are underneath.
The M_Glyde 4G platform, Pentalink rear suspension with Watts Link, DAVINCI dampers and electric power steering represent meaningful mechanical changes.
At the same time, the stronger petrol and diesel engines give the Thar more performance, while the electronic locking differential and terrain modes add to its off-road technology.
The addition of six airbags on selected variants and four-wheel disc brakes also strengthens the safety package.
New Mahindra Thar 2026 Verdict
The new Mahindra Thar 2026 remains true to the formula that has made the three-door SUV one of India’s most recognisable lifestyle vehicles.
Mahindra has not replaced its boxy design or three-door format with something completely different. Instead, the company has concentrated on improving the areas that matter for long-term ownership.
The starting price of ₹10.32 lakh keeps the entry point unchanged from the previous equivalent, while the top-end version now reaches ₹18.99 lakh.
More importantly, buyers now get a stronger 2.0-litre petrol engine, a more powerful 2.2-litre diesel, electric power steering, revised suspension, new off-road electronics and improved safety equipment.
For someone looking for a compact three-door SUV with a strong off-road identity, the updated Thar remains one of the most distinctive choices in this price range.
In short, Mahindra has kept the Thar’s familiar character but made the underlying package more modern, more capable and better equipped.
New Mahindra Thar 2026 FAQs
What is the price of the new Mahindra Thar 2026?
The new Mahindra Thar starts at ₹10.32 lakh and goes up to ₹18.99 lakh, ex-showroom.
How many engines are available with the new Thar?
The Thar continues with three engines: a 1.5-litre diesel, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel.
Does the new Mahindra Thar get 4WD?
Yes. Selected petrol and diesel variants are available with four-wheel drive.
Does the new Thar get an automatic gearbox?
Yes. The higher engine options are available with a six-speed torque-converter automatic depending on the variant.
Does the new Mahindra Thar get six airbags?
Yes. Six airbags are available on selected variants of the 2026 Thar.
What is new in the 2026 Mahindra Thar?
Major updates include the M_Glyde 4G platform, revised rear suspension with Watts Link, DAVINCI dampers, electric power steering, stronger petrol and diesel engines, electronic locking differential, terrain modes, updated styling and improved safety equipment.
