The 3-door Thar is back, and this time it wears an 'OG' badge. It's the second update in just over a year, but this one runs deep. New platform, better suspension, stronger engines and a much safer top variant, all from ₹10.32 lakh.
What is the Thar OG and why it's more than a facelift?
This is the biggest change to the 3-door Thar since it landed in 2020. Mahindra calls it the Thar OG, and it's more than a facelift. The old model got a cabin refresh last year, so this update focuses on the bits you can't see. Under the body sit a new platform, new suspension and electric power steering, plus more power from two of the three engines. For anyone who loves the boxy Thar look but wanted better ride and safety, this is the version to wait for.
Thar OG price and variants in full
Prices start at ₹10.32 lakh and go up to ₹18.99 lakh, ex-showroom. These are introductory prices, valid for cars delivered up to 30 November 2026. Remember, on-road cost adds road tax, registration and insurance, so it will be higher and varies by state. The lineup has three trims: AXT, LXT and ZXT. The entry AXT comes only with the 1.5-litre diesel, manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive at ₹10.32 lakh. LXT starts at ₹12.99 lakh and ZXT at ₹13.99 lakh. The new diesel RWD automatic costs ₹16.49 lakh in LXT and ₹17.49 lakh in ZXT. The top ZXT 2.2 diesel 4WD automatic sits at ₹18.99 lakh.
Engines: which one should you pick?
You get three engine options. The 1.5-litre diesel makes 117 bhp and 300 Nm of torque (pulling power), and comes only with a manual and rear-wheel drive. The bigger 2.2-litre mHawk diesel now makes 150 bhp and 330 Nm. The 2.0-litre petrol makes about 160 bhp and 330 Nm. A 6-speed manual is standard, while both bigger engines also offer a 6-speed automatic. A useful new option is the 2.2 diesel with rear-wheel drive and automatic, so you can have the big engine and easy city driving without paying for 4WD. If you actually go off-road, you'll want the 4WD versions, which alone get the locking differential and terrain modes.
New platform and suspension: How it benefits you?
The Thar OG now sits on Mahindra's M_Glyde 4G platform, the same base as the bigger Thar Roxx. Mahindra says it's stiffer, which usually means a more planted feel. At the back is a new Pentalink suspension with a Watt's link, meant to keep the rear axle steadier through corners.
The top ZXT also gets DaVinci dampers (frequency-dependent damping that softens over bumps but firms up when needed). And the old hydraulic steering is gone, replaced by electric power steering, which cuts effort and feels lighter in the city. Mahindra also claims lower NVH (noise and vibration inside the cabin), so it should feel more refined on long drives.
Safety: 6 airbags, but only on ZXT
Here's the honest catch. The 6-airbag setup, all-wheel disc brakes, a tyre pressure monitor and rear camera are only on the top ZXT trim. The AXT and LXT still make do with two airbags, front discs and rear drum brakes. Mahindra calls the top setup a segment-first 4 HPTS system that protects head, pelvis, thorax and shoulder in a side crash. On the plus side, ESP with rollover mitigation, traction control and hill-hold is standard from the base AXT. If safety kit matters to you, the ZXT is really the only complete choice here.
Styling and features: what's new to look at?
The Thar OG gets a new five-slot grille with Thar branding, revised bumpers and a wider track. The classic upright shape, round headlamp look and tailgate-mounted spare wheel stay. But the good lighting and wheels are trim-specific. AXT gets halogen lamps and 18-inch steel wheels, LXT adds 18-inch alloys, and only ZXT gets the 19-inch alloys, LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs and LED fog lamps.
Two new colours, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue, join the list. Inside, you get new Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery, a second-row armrest with cupholders, and from LXT a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The ZXT adds a wireless charger.
Thar OG vs Gurkha vs Jimny: where does it sit?
The Thar OG rivals other proper ladder-frame off-roaders like the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The Jimny is the practical 5-door choice, lighter and easier on fuel, but far less powerful and priced in a similar bracket. The Gurkha is the hardcore off-roader with a raw feel and lower creature comforts.
The Thar OG splits the difference: strong engines, a proper 4WD system with terrain modes, plus a nicer cabin and modern kit. Its 150 bhp diesel comfortably out-muscles the Jimny's petrol. If you want lifestyle appeal with real off-road ability, the Thar still leads this small club.
Should you buy the Thar OG?
The Thar OG is a real step up, but the best bits live only on ZXT. The new platform, lighter steering and better suspension should make daily driving less of a chore, which was the old Thar's weak spot. At ₹10.32 lakh, the base AXT is tempting, but it's a two-airbag, steel-wheel, single-engine car with no terrain modes.
For most buyers, the sweet spot is the ZXT diesel, either the RWD automatic at ₹17.49 lakh for city ease or the 4WD automatic at ₹18.99 lakh if you head off the beaten track. It makes the most sense for the weekend adventurer who wants the iconic Thar look with proper safety and off-road hardware.
FAQs
What is the price of the new Mahindra Thar OG?
The Thar OG is priced from ₹10.32 lakh to ₹18.99 lakh, ex-showroom. These are introductory prices valid for cars delivered up to 30 November 2026. On-road cost will be higher after adding road tax, registration and insurance.
When do Thar OG deliveries start?
Deliveries begin on 11 October 2026. Introductory pricing applies only to vehicles delivered until 30 November 2026, so booking early helps you lock the lower price.
Does the Thar OG get 6 airbags?
Yes, but only on the top ZXT trim, which also gets all-round disc brakes and a tyre pressure monitor. The AXT and LXT trims continue with two airbags and front disc, rear drum brakes.
Which Thar OG engine is best for off-roading?
The 2.2-litre diesel or 2.0-litre petrol with 4WD is the pick for off-roading. Only the 4WD versions get the electronic locking differential and Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes.
