The Mahindra Thar has earned its place as one of the most iconic SUVs in India, blending rugged off-road capability with a modern lifestyle-oriented appeal. Known for its bold design, road presence, and modification potential, the Thar appeals to adventure enthusiasts, city dwellers, and those who crave a vehicle that makes a statement on the road. In this detailed review, we will explore real driving experiences, comfort, features, engine performance, fuel efficiency, and top modification ideas to help you understand why the Thar is such a sought-after SUV.
Thar’s Bold Design and Road Presence
When it comes to design, the Mahindra Thar stands out immediately. Its boxy silhouette, muscular wheel arches, bold front grille, and LED DRLs create a strong visual appeal. On city roads, the Thar commands attention like no other SUV in its price bracket. The high ground clearance, wide stance, and chunky tyres add to its authoritative presence, making it equally comfortable in urban traffic and rural terrains.
From a road presence perspective, the Thar is a true head-turner. Whether you drive through crowded city streets or park it outside a café, the SUV instantly draws eyes. Its convertible top and hard-top options give owners the freedom to style it according to their preference, while the overall build reflects durability and strength.
Driving Experience: City and Off-Road Adventures
One of the strongest points of the Mahindra Thar is its dual personality—it feels at home in the city and shines in the toughest off-road conditions.
City Driving Experience:
Despite its rugged nature, the Thar has been engineered to handle urban driving. The steering is light enough for city commutes, and the engine’s torque makes navigating traffic effortless. However, due to its height and wide stance, parking in tight spots may require extra attention.Off-Roading Experience:
Off-road is where the Thar truly comes alive. With its 4×4 drivetrain, high approach and departure angles, and robust suspension setup, the SUV can take on rocky trails, muddy paths, river crossings, and sand dunes with ease. The low-range gearbox, mechanical locking differentials, and water-wading ability make it one of the most capable off-road machines available in India today.
The Thar bridges the gap between an adventure-ready SUV and a city lifestyle vehicle, making it suitable for a wide audience.
Comfort and Features: Honest Review
The previous generation Thar was often criticized for being too basic and uncomfortable for daily use. Mahindra has transformed the new Thar into a much more refined SUV that balances comfort and ruggedness.
Seating Comfort:
The seats are well-cushioned, supportive, and designed for long drives. The rear seats now offer more legroom than before, although taller passengers may still find the space slightly tight.Interior Features:
The cabin is equipped with modern features such as a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, roof-mounted speakers, steering-mounted controls, USB ports, and a well-laid-out dashboard.Practicality:
The Thar comes with washable interiors and water-resistant switches, which make it practical for off-road trips. However, the boot space is limited, especially when the rear seats are up.Ride Comfort:
On highways and city roads, the ride quality has improved significantly compared to the older version. While it still has a rugged feel due to its off-road suspension, it is no longer uncomfortable for daily use.
Fuel Efficiency and Engine Performance
The Mahindra Thar comes with two powerful engine options:
2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol producing 150+ bhp with strong torque delivery.
2.2L mHawk Diesel delivering excellent low-end grunt ideal for both off-roading and city drives.
Both engines are offered with 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission options, catering to different driving preferences.
Performance: The petrol engine feels more refined and powerful on highways, while the diesel shines in off-road and low-speed conditions. The acceleration is smooth, and overtaking on highways is effortless.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Thar is not designed to be the most fuel-efficient SUV, but it offers respectable figures considering its weight and power. Expect:Diesel: 12–14 km/l (city/highway mix)
Petrol: 9–11 km/l (city/highway mix)
For buyers prioritizing efficiency, the diesel engine makes more sense.
Modification Ideas for the Mahindra Thar
One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Thar is the endless modification possibilities. Enthusiasts love customizing their Thar to make it unique and adventure-ready. Here are some popular modification ideas:
Alloy Wheels and Tyres: Upgrading to larger off-road alloys with all-terrain tyres enhances both looks and performance.
Roof Options: Owners can switch between soft-top, hard-top, or convertible roof styles depending on lifestyle needs.
Lighting Upgrades: Adding LED light bars, projector headlamps, and fog lights improves night driving and gives the SUV a more premium look.
Interiors: Customized seat covers, leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and upgraded infotainment systems can enhance comfort and luxury.
Off-Road Accessories: Bull bars, roof racks, snorkels, and winches can make the Thar an even more capable adventure machine.
These modifications not only improve the SUV’s utility but also add a personal touch, making each Thar truly one of a kind.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Mahindra Thar?
The Mahindra Thar is not just an SUV; it’s a lifestyle statement. It’s perfect for:
Adventure Seekers: Those who love off-roading, camping, and exploring rugged terrains.
Urban Enthusiasts: Buyers who want a car that stands out in city traffic and makes a style statement.
Young Professionals: People looking for a fun, versatile, and head-turning vehicle.
Car Modifiers: Enthusiasts who enjoy customizing and personalizing their vehicle.
However, if you prioritize large boot space, rear-seat comfort for long journeys, or high fuel efficiency, you may need to consider your requirements carefully.
Overall, the Mahindra Thar is an unbeatable combination of ruggedness, design, and lifestyle appeal. It is more than just a vehicle—it is an emotion for many SUV lovers in India.
