Mahindra Thar 2025 Review: Key Upgrades & Driving Impressions

What’s New in the 2025 Mahindra Thar?

If you hesitated buying the Thar due to missing features, Mahindra has answered. The 2025 model addresses critical pain points while retaining its off-road DNA. After analyzing detailed walkarounds and test drives, I confirm this isn’t just a facelift—it’s a thoughtful evolution. The most significant upgrades? A rear camera, revised steering, and cabin enhancements that transform daily usability.

Exterior Design Updates

Vertical grille slats now come body-colored, creating a more premium look. The redesigned bumper features dual-tone grey/black finishes, a departure from the previous single-color approach. Two new shades—Dango Red and Battleship Grey—expand customization options. Notably, side steps remain standard, but the added grab handle dramatically improves entry/exit.

Interior & Comfort Upgrades

Mahindra finally added a dead pedal for automatic variants—a critical omission in earlier models. The new steering wheel houses voice commands, cruise control, and menu navigation for the upgraded 10.25-inch infotainment system. Key practical improvements include:

Internal fuel lid release (no more exiting at pumps)
Driver-side sliding armrest
Rear AC vents with USB-C and 12V sockets
Height-adjustable headrests

The Gen 2 display now shows adventure statistics like pitch/roll angles and off-road timers. While cabin materials remain utilitarian, the all-black theme elevates the ambiance.

Driving Dynamics & Mechanical Changes

Steering and Suspension Tuning

The most transformative update is the recalibrated steering. Previous models transmitted excessive vibration on rough terrain—a flaw significantly reduced in the 2025 version. Though still firm, the suspension exhibits marginally better compliance. As an off-road specialist, it prioritizes capability over plushness, but urban drivability sees tangible gains.

Powertrain & Variant Strategy

Engine options remain unchanged:

2.0L petrol (150PS/320Nm)
2.2L diesel (130PS/300Nm)

However, variant combinations now span seven configurations across two trills: AX (base) and LX (top). Critical notes:

Petrol manual isn’t available in LX trim
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) persists for budget-conscious buyers
4x4 comes with manual/automatic choices

Practical Considerations: What Still Needs Improvement?

Despite upgrades, some limitations persist. The Thar lacks ventilated seats, keyless entry, and a start-stop button. Rear seat access remains cumbersome, though the extra grab handle helps. Crucially, Mahindra maintains a clear gap between the Thar and comfort-focused Scorpio/Thar RX to avoid model cannibalization.

Off-Road Capability Assessment

During controlled incline tests, the Thar 2025 conquered 45-degree slopes effortlessly. The mechanical LSD and robust 4x4 system remain its core strengths. The added rear camera aids during tricky descents, addressing a major oversight in earlier models.

Should You Buy the Thar 2025?

Pros

Meaningful feature additions (rear camera, dead pedal, AC vents)
Improved on-road manners
Retained off-road prowess
Expanded color and variant options

Cons

Still lacks premium comforts
Rear seat access remains tight
No ventilated seats

Verdict

For off-road enthusiasts wanting authenticity without luxury taxes, the 2025 Thar hits a sweet spot. If comfort tops your priorities, consider the Thar RX. But for enhanced daily usability paired with trail capability, this update makes the strongest case yet.

Actionable Checklist for Test Drives:

Test rear seat entry/exit using the new grab handle
Evaluate steering feedback on broken roads
Verify rear camera visibility angles
Check infotainment responsiveness
Assess dead pedal positioning in automatics

Recommended Resources:

Mahindra Adventure Trails (official off-road training) for beginners
Team-BHP Ownership Reviews for real-world reliability data
OFFROADX app (Android/iOS) for trail mapping

Which upgrade matters most for your driving needs? Share your deal-breakers below! Your experience helps future buyers.