Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift spied testing, new details emerge

The Thar facelift is expected to be launched in India in 2026. (Representative image - Mahindra website)

When it comes to lifestyle SUVs, no model has been able to challenge the dominance of the Mahindra Thar. Since its entry into the market, the three-door version has garnered high volumes. And now, its facelift has been spied testing.

The Thar is currently sold in its second-generation avatar, which was launched in 2020. We expect the facelift to arrive in 2026.

A semi-camouflaged image of the Thar facelift's exterior and another image of its interior were shared on Motorbeam's X handle. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the source of these images.

Mahindra Thar facelift spotted testing
• Receives redesigned front grille inspired by Thar Roxx
• Minor updates include new bumpers, revised headlamps and tail lamps, reworked fenders and fresh alloy wheel design
• Interior expected to feature a larger touchscreen, ventilated… pic.twitter.com/Ltsz0qf8ZN

— MotorBeam (@MotorBeam) June 18, 2025

The first major change that you will notice in the Mahindra Thar facelift is the updated grille, which has been borrowed from the Mahindra Thar Roxx. The company has also added new headlights and taillights. Even the bumpers have been redesigned. The facelifted model gets new alloy wheels as well.

While the Thar has always been known for its off-roading prowess, Mahindra has tried to enhance the premium appeal in the facelift by adding more features inside the cabin.

Most of the facelifted models come with better, and often bigger, infotainment screens and similar is the case with the Thar facelift, which will also have a bigger touchscreen infotainment system. The SUV is also expected to get front ventilated seats.

The engine options in the Thar facelift are expected to remain unchanged. The SUV currently has three engine options -- 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel (118 PS/300 Nm), 2.2-litre mHawk 130 CRDe diesel (132 PS/300 Nm) and 2.0-litre mStallion 150 TGDi petrol (152 PS/320 Nm). Among the transmission options are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic torque converter. The Thar has both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) options.

While the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines come with both RWD and 4WD options, the 1.5-litre diesel mill only has RWD.

Apart from the Thar and Thar Roxx, Mahindra sells SUVs like the Bolero, Bolero Neo, XUV 3XO, Scorpio Classic, Scorpio-N, XUV700, XUV400, BE 6 and XEV 9e.