By Automotto 
Mahindra Thar OG launched in India at a starting price of Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom), and calling it “just a facelift” really undersells what’s actually changed here. This is the second update to the three-door Thar in just over a year, but instead of a light cosmetic touch-up, Mahindra’s handed it a genuinely new platform borrowed from the bigger Thar Roxx — all while keeping that boxy, unmistakable Thar silhouette that’s made it a cult favourite since 2020 fully intact.
Why the Mahindra Thar OG Launched Update Is a Bigger Deal
Mahindra’s Thar lineup has quietly split into two distinct personalities at this point. The Roxx handles the five-door, family-friendly, road-comfort side of things, while the OG sticks to the compact, three-door, enthusiast-first character that built the nameplate’s reputation in the first place. What’s actually changed here is the technology gap between the two. The OG now shares a genuinely modern platform, suspension, and safety setup with its bigger sibling, so three-door buyers finally aren’t stuck accepting hardware that feels a generation behind. As reported by CarDekho, the new Thar OG shares its M_Glyde 4G platform and Pentalink suspension with the Thar Roxx.
What’s Different to Look At
Now that the Mahindra Thar OG launched with fresh styling, the changes are easy to spot at a glance. The Thar OG keeps its familiar stance, but almost every visible detail has been reworked to pull it closer to the Roxx’s newer design language. Up front, there’s a redesigned grille running four vertical slats instead of the outgoing model’s six, fresh “Thar” lettering across it, and new circular LED projector headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights lifted straight off the Roxx. The fog lamps have moved up to the front fenders and switched to LEDs, and both bumpers have grown larger with a wider stance overall.
In profile, the standout addition is a new set of 19-inch alloy wheels — though that’s reserved exclusively for the top-spec ZXT trim. The base AXT sticks with steel wheels and halogen lamps, and the mid-spec LXT gets alloys but misses out on the new lighting package. Around back, the tailgate picks up fresh “OG” branding along with a redesigned spare-wheel mount, and new tail-lamps borrowed from the Roxx finish off the exterior refresh. Mahindra’s also thrown in two new colours, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue, alongside the existing shades.
What’s New Inside
The cabin picks up some genuinely useful comfort upgrades, not just cosmetic tweaks. Higher variants get new Truffle Brown leatherette seats along with second-row armrests that have built-in cupholders, giving the interior a noticeably more premium feel than before. Every trim level gets keyless entry with push-button start, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, manual AC with rear vents, a rear USB charging port, and front power windows.
You’ll also find Zip and Zoom drive modes, a wireless charger, and a colour display built into the instrument cluster. Mahindra’s claiming the 2026 Thar OG is quieter overall too, with lower noise and vibration levels than the outgoing model.
What’s Actually Changed Underneath
The Mahindra Thar OG launched with a genuinely new platform underneath, not just a cosmetic refresh. It now sits on Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, the same underlying structure introduced with the Thar Roxx, which the brand says is considerably stronger than what came before. Paired with that is a rear Pentalink suspension with a Watts Link, again borrowed from the Roxx, built to control lateral movement of the rear axle far better than the old setup managed.
Every variant now gets Mahindra’s “DAVINCI” damping tech as standard, and the range-topping ZXT adds Frequency Dependent Damping on top of that for an even more controlled ride. For actual off-roading, there’s a new Electronic Locking Differential that can lock the rear axle electronically, sending power to whichever wheel has the most grip.
Engine Options Stay the Same
Mechanically, nothing’s changed on the engine front. You still get the same three choices as before: a 119bhp 1.5-litre diesel, a 132bhp 2.2-litre diesel, and a 152bhp 2.0-litre turbo-petrol. A 6-speed manual is standard across the range, while a 6-speed torque-converter automatic comes exclusively with the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol.
Price and Variants
Since the Mahindra Thar OG launched at Rs 10.32 lakh, it undercuts several rivals in the same segment.
| Variant | Ex-showroom Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| AXT (base) | ₹10.32 lakh |
| LXT (mid) | Mid-range pricing, alloys but no new lighting |
| ZXT (top-spec) | Highest trim, 19-inch alloys, LED package, FDD suspension |
Safety Gets a Real Bump Too
Alongside everything else, the Mahindra Thar OG launched with a meaningfully upgraded safety package too. The AXT and LXT variants continue with dual airbags and the usual front safety essentials, while the lineup as a whole benefits from all-wheel disc brakes and up to six airbags depending on trim. Electric power steering also replaces the older hydraulic setup.
Is the Mahindra Thar OG Worth Buying?
If you’ve always liked the Thar’s raw, unmistakable off-road character but held back because of its rougher edges, this update genuinely addresses a lot of that. It’s still going up directly against the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. If you’re weighing this against other body styles entirely, our piece on why it’s time to embrace the crossover body style is worth a read too.
FAQs
What is the price of the Mahindra Thar OG? The Mahindra Thar OG launched at Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base AXT variant, with pricing rising through the LXT and range-topping ZXT trims.
What’s new in the Mahindra Thar OG compared to the outgoing Thar? It gets a new M_Glyde 4G platform borrowed from the Thar Roxx, revised Pentalink rear suspension with DAVINCI damping, redesigned front and rear styling, an Electronic Locking Differential, and updated interior features.
Does the Mahindra Thar OG get a new engine? No, it retains the same 1.5-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel, and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options as before, paired with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
Which variant of the Thar OG gets the new 19-inch alloy wheels? Only the range-topping ZXT variant gets the new 19-inch alloy wheels and full LED lighting package.
What does the Mahindra Thar OG compete against? The Mahindra Thar OG launched into direct competition with the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny in the compact off-roader segment.