2025 Thar Refresh: More Livable, Still a Beast!
Mahindra’s iconic Thar, the off-road darling that’s turned heads since its 2020 reboot, gets a smart mid-cycle tweak for 2025, blending rugged vibes with everyday tweaks that make it less of a compromise. Fresh off a first-drive spin through Igatpuri’s trails and twisties, this update nails comfort fixes without diluting the Thar’s go-anywhere soul—think better ergonomics and borrowed Roxx tech, all while keeping prices sharp from Rs 9.99 lakh. It’s a win for lifestyle adventurers who crave capability without constant caveats.
The 2025 Thar sticks to its guns mechanically, carrying over the proven powertrains that define its punchy personality. Opt for the zippy 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (150 hp, 320 Nm) with a slick six-speed auto in rear-wheel drive for city jaunts, or the torquey 2.2-liter mHawk diesel (130 hp, 300 Nm) in 4×4 glory with manual or auto options—the diesel’s low-end grunt shines off the line, hitting 0-100 kmph in about 11 seconds while sipping 15 kmpl on highways. The smaller 1.5-liter diesel (117 hp) pairs exclusively with a manual RWD setup for budget buyers. Suspension remains that body-on-frame toughness with independent front and live rear axle, tackling ruts like a champ—226 mm ground clearance and 650 mm water-wading depth unchanged. Brakes? Still drums at the rear, but they haul the 1.8-tonne beast to a stop without drama in mixed conditions.
What elevates this refresh is the cabin’s glow-up, borrowing from the five-door Thar Roxx to fix niggles that irked daily drivers. The all-black dash stays flat and functional, but now sports a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a crisp seven-inch digital cluster, and a new flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leatherette for better grip. Front folks get a sliding center armrest with under-storage, repositioned power window switches on the door pad for thumb-friendly access, and A-pillar grab handles on both sides—egress from that high perch feels less like a workout now. Rear AC vents pamper the two-up passengers, and the overall NVH drops noticeably, making 80 kmph cruises serene. Safety holds at four stars from Global NCAP, with six airbags standard across the board, but no fresh ADAS here—it’s pure analog off-road focus.
Off the beaten path at Mahindra’s Igatpuri academy, the Thar facelift proved it’s no slouch. Crawling over boulders in 4L low-range, the electronic aids—hill descent control, rear diff lock, and crawl ratios—handled the grunt, letting you point and shoot with minimal throttle inputs. It powered through a 45-degree incline without breaking a sweat, articulation flexing beautifully over whoops. On tarmac, the diesel auto felt planted, though wind noise at triples demands the optional hardtop. “This update makes the Thar more livable without losing its wild heart—perfect for weekend warriors,” noted a Mahindra engineer during the drive, echoing the sentiment that five years in, it’s evolved smartly.
Priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh ex-showroom (a Rs 1.36 lakh drop on base thanks to GST tweaks), the 2025 Thar undercuts rivals like the Maruti Jimny (Rs 12.74 lakh up) while out-muscling the Force Gurkha in features. It’s not a full redesign—the Thar Roxx stole that thunder last year—but these ergonomic wins and fresh shades like Battleship Grey and Tango Red keep it fresh amid India’s SUV frenzy. Owners rave about its “black horse” swagger and 80,000 km durability in user reviews.
As US News Today eyes global rugged revamps, the Thar’s tweaks vibe with America’s off-road surge, like the updated Wrangler’s tech infusions. In Breaking News USA, it’s a nod to how icons adapt without selling out. For America Updates, Mahindra’s export push could land this Stateside via rebadges—imagine trail-rated Thars in U.S. lots. Does it tempt you from your daily driver? Hit the trails and find out; this Thar’s throttle begs for it.
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