Mahindra has once again captured the hearts of SUV enthusiasts across India with the latest version of its iconic off-roader — the new Mahindra Thar. With a bolder design, advanced features, and most importantly, a claimed mileage of up to 22kmpl, the Thar is now more accessible, practical, and attractive than ever before.
Everyone’s Dream Will Come True: Mahindra Thar’s New Beast Unleashed with 22kmpl Mileage and Powerful Features
The company is eyeing not just the hardcore off-roaders but also the average Indian car buyer who wants ruggedness blended with comfort and fuel efficiency. In this in-depth article, we explore everything you need to know about the newly launched Mahindra Thar variant — from its design upgrades, engine options, and tech-loaded interiors to its fuel economy, safety features, price, and booking updates. Whether you’re a die-hard Thar fan or a first-time SUV buyer, this model could be the dream car you’ve been waiting for.
A New Era of Mahindra Thar: What’s So Special?
The Mahindra Thar has always been a cult favorite in the Indian market. Known for its bold design, off-road prowess, and strong road presence, it has always maintained a distinct position among adventure-loving Indians. But the new version brings more than just cosmetic upgrades. Mahindra has strategically transformed it into a more fuel-efficient, feature-rich, and family-friendly SUV. What makes this launch so special is the 22kmpl mileage — a major leap for an SUV that was previously known more for power than economy. Mahindra has now successfully merged rugged appeal with daily driving convenience, opening the door for broader audiences.
Mahindra Thar: Stunning Exterior Upgrades: A Road Beast with Style
The new Mahindra Thar has undergone impressive changes in its exterior styling. Although the iconic boxy stance and round headlamps are retained, the updates add a more modern and premium feel. You now get LED headlights, revised DRLs, and a muscular grille that enhances its aggressive road presence. The wheel arches are more prominent and now house 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels in the top variant.
There are added color options, including premium metallic finishes, giving buyers a wide range of choices. The hardtop version now comes with improved insulation and soundproofing, making it more suitable for city use and long-distance travel. The soft-top convertible variant remains available for those who want that wind-in-the-hair off-road experience.
Mahindra Thar: Interiors Designed for Comfort and Tech-Lovers
Step inside the new Mahindra Thar, and you’ll instantly notice how far it has evolved from its previous utilitarian interior. Mahindra has focused heavily on comfort, technology, and practicality. You now get premium upholstery, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, connected car technology, and a customizable digital instrument cluster.
The cabin has also been redesigned to provide more legroom and shoulder space, especially in the second row — something that previous Thar users often complained about. The new Thar now features automatic climate control, wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and even ambient lighting, depending on the variant. These additions aim to make the Thar a practical SUV not only for weekend adventures but also for daily commutes.
Mahindra Thar: Engine and Performance: Refined Power Meets Fuel Efficiency
The most significant update in this new variant of the Mahindra Thar lies under the hood. While the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engines continue to be offered, Mahindra has now introduced a new 1.5-litre diesel engine in the entry-level 2WD variant. This new engine is the star of the show when it comes to fuel economy.
With advanced fuel injection technology and weight-optimized design, it delivers an impressive mileage of up to 22kmpl, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its segment. Performance-wise, the Thar still delivers strong torque figures, smooth gearshifts (both manual and automatic), and excellent handling both on and off the road. The ride quality has also been improved thanks to updated suspension tuning, which absorbs bumps more effectively, making long drives more comfortable.
Mahindra Thar Off-Road Capabilities: The True DNA of Thar Lives On
Despite the shift towards better fuel efficiency and comfort, Mahindra has made sure not to compromise on the Thar’s off-road DNA. The 4WD variants continue to offer mechanical locking differentials, low-range transfer case, and excellent approach and departure angles. The Thar boasts high ground clearance, water-wading capacity of 650mm, and multi-terrain modes in its higher variants. Whether it’s rocky hills, sandy dunes, or forest trails — the Thar remains a beast where the road ends. For urban users, the new 2WD variant with better mileage and lighter engine options offers a more practical solution without missing the SUV flair.
Safety Features: Built for Protection and Peace of Mind
In terms of safety, Mahindra has gone all out with the new Thar. The SUV comes equipped with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Hill Hold Control, and Hill Descent Control. Higher variants also get rear parking camera, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), ISOFIX child seat mounts, and roll cage reinforcements. The SUV is built on a ladder-frame chassis, giving it an added layer of protection in off-road conditions. Mahindra is targeting a Global NCAP safety rating of 4-star or higher, which will make the Thar a more trusted choice for family buyers too.
Mileage Matters: 22kmpl is a Game-Changer
Let’s talk about what has created the maximum buzz — 22kmpl mileage. This is particularly surprising considering the Thar’s rugged build and off-road orientation. But with rising fuel costs, Mahindra has read the market well and introduced a variant that addresses this crucial pain point. The new 1.5L diesel engine in the 2WD model is not only lighter but also uses advanced combustion optimization to maximize mileage without sacrificing too much power. For users looking to own an SUV that doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket during daily travel, this Thar variant is the answer. Even the petrol variants have seen slight mileage improvements due to tuning enhancements and weight reduction strategies.
Price and Variants: More Affordable than Ever
Mahindra has also made the new Thar surprisingly accessible. The entry-level Thar 2WD diesel variant starts at around ₹11 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a lucrative choice for buyers who previously admired the Thar but couldn’t afford the earlier models. Here’s a rough price list for the new Thar variants (ex-showroom): Thar 2WD 1.5L Diesel Manual – ₹11.00 lakh, Thar 2WD 2.0L Petrol Automatic – ₹13.50 lakh, Thar 4WD Diesel Manual – ₹14.25 lakh, Thar 4WD Diesel Automatic – ₹15.75 lakh, Thar 4WD Petrol Automatic – ₹16.10 lakh. With multiple engine options, 2WD and 4WD configurations, and several trims to choose from, buyers now have more flexibility than ever before.
Booking, Delivery and Availability
Bookings for the new Mahindra Thar have already begun at authorized dealerships and on Mahindra’s official website. Initial reports suggest that the response has been overwhelming, especially for the 22kmpl mileage diesel variant. Delivery timelines range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the color and variant. Mahindra is ramping up production capacity to meet the increasing demand and avoid the long waiting periods that previous Thar buyers experienced. There are also exchange offers, financing schemes, and accessories bundles being offered for early buyers, which makes the deal even sweeter.
Competitors and Segment Comparison
In the Indian market, the Mahindra Thar’s closest competitors include the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Force Gurkha, and in terms of price, some urban SUVs like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, none of these rivals offer the same combination of off-road credibility, bold design, and high mileage that the new Thar now brings to the table. The Jimny offers similar 4×4 capabilities but lacks in-road presence and engine performance. The Gurkha is rugged but not as refined or feature-rich. This puts the new Mahindra Thar in a sweet spot — it’s now urban-smart, highway-efficient, and still an off-road monster.
Why This Mahindra Thar Could Be India’s Favorite SUV
This launch could redefine how Indians look at lifestyle SUVs. Mahindra has not just offered an upgrade — they’ve rewritten the Thar’s rulebook to make it relevant for families, urban professionals, and mileage-conscious users, all while staying true to the brand’s core philosophy of freedom and exploration. From long highway drives to city commuting, from weekend getaways to hardcore off-roading — this Thar is ready for it all. The new mileage figure, practical interiors, strong safety net, and modern features ensure it’s not just a toy for off-road lovers but a practical vehicle for daily life.
Final Verdict: Mahindra Thar 22kmpl Version — A Revolution on Wheels
The latest version of the Mahindra Thar is more than just an SUV — it’s a statement. With mileage figures that match hatchbacks, features that rival premium SUVs, and heritage that appeals to generations, this Thar is set to become one of the most aspirational yet achievable vehicles in India. If you ever dreamed of owning a Thar but were concerned about fuel economy, daily usability, or price — now is the perfect time. Mahindra has not just launched a car; they’ve launched a dream on four wheels — and it’s finally within your reach.
