2026 Mahindra Thar OG Launched at ₹10.32 Lakh – Prices, Variants, Engines and Key Changes

Mahindra has launched the extensively updated three-door Thar in India under a new name – Mahindra Thar OG. Introductory prices start at ₹10.32 lakh ex-showroom and extend up to ₹18.99 lakh for the range-topping diesel automatic 4WD version.

The new Thar OG is offered in three trim levels – AXT, LXT and ZXT – and continues with three engine choices, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations, and manual and automatic gearbox options.

Although widely referred to as the 2026 Mahindra Thar facelift ahead of its launch, the changes go significantly deeper than a conventional mid-cycle cosmetic update. Mahindra has revised the platform, suspension, steering, powertrain outputs, safety equipment and off-road electronics while retaining the familiar compact three-door Thar formula.

Mahindra Thar OG: Variant-Wise Prices

Mahindra has announced introductory pricing for the Thar OG across the AXT, LXT and new ZXT trims.

Mahindra Thar OG Introductory Prices

All prices are ex-showroom, in ₹ lakh.

• The AXT remains the entry point to the line-up and is available with the 1.5-litre diesel, rear-wheel-drive and manual gearbox combination.

• The LXT dramatically expands the powertrain choices, covering diesel and petrol engines along with RWD and 4WD configurations.

• The newly introduced ZXT sits at the top of the range and brings the highest equipment level.

• The most expensive Thar OG is the ZXT 2.2-litre diesel 4WD automatic at ₹18.99 lakh.

The price range therefore stretches from ₹10.32 lakh to ₹18.99 lakh ex-showroom.

Thar OG Is Much More Than a Cosmetic Facelift

The biggest story with the Thar OG lies beneath the familiar body.

Mahindra has moved the three-door SUV to its newer M_Glyde 4G platform, accompanied by revised chassis and suspension hardware.

Launch-day reports confirm that the updated model gets a new Pentalink rear suspension with Watts Link, Frequency Dependent damping and electric power steering.

The engineering changes appear aimed at improving the Thar's road manners while retaining the ruggedness and off-road ability that remain central to the model.

New Pentalink Suspension With Watts Link

The rear suspension is one of the most significant upgrades.

The Thar OG now uses a Pentalink suspension arrangement with Watts Link, designed to better control lateral axle movement.

Mahindra has also introduced Frequency Dependent DaVinci dampers.

The system is intended to deliver greater ride compliance over smaller road imperfections while maintaining better body control during larger suspension movements.

For owners who use the Thar as an everyday vehicle, these changes could prove more meaningful than the exterior redesign.

Electric Power Steering Replaces Hydraulic Setup

The Thar OG also switches to electric power steering.

The previous hydraulic system gave the Thar a relatively heavy steering feel at lower speeds. Moving to electric assistance should make parking and urban manoeuvring easier.

It also allows the steering system to integrate more effectively with the SUV's electronic terrain and stability-control systems.

Together with the revised suspension, this suggests that Mahindra has put substantial effort into improving everyday drivability.

Exterior Design: Familiar Thar, New Details

Mahindra has retained the unmistakable three-door Thar shape but refreshed several visual elements.

The Thar OG gets:

• New LED projector headlamps

• C-shaped LED daytime running lamps

• Revised five-slot grille

• Updated front and rear bumpers

• LED fog lamps

• Cornering lamps

• Revised LED tail-lamps

• Wider track

• New alloy-wheel designs

• Up to 19-inch alloy wheels on higher trims

The result is evolutionary rather than revolutionary.

Mahindra has deliberately preserved the traditional Thar proportions while bringing its detailing closer to newer models such as the Thar Roxx.

New Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue Colours

Mahindra has introduced new exterior colour choices with the Thar OG, including:

• Artemis Silver

• Jeans Blue

These provide additional visual differentiation from the outgoing three-door Thar.

Updated Cabin and Comfort Features

The interior also receives several upgrades.

Higher variants feature Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery, giving the cabin a more premium appearance compared with the predominantly utilitarian themes offered previously.

Depending on the variant, the Thar OG also brings additional convenience equipment such as:

• Wireless phone charging

• Soft-touch interior elements

• Front armrests

• Rear armrest with cupholders

• Revised trim materials

• Updated connectivity features

Mahindra has also worked on reducing engine and cabin noise, which should improve refinement during highway driving.

Three Engine Options Continue

The Thar OG retains the familiar three-engine strategy, although the larger engines now produce more power.

1.5-Litre D117 CRDe Diesel

The 1.5-litre diesel develops approximately:

117hp

300Nm

This engine remains the most affordable entry into the Thar OG line-up and is primarily paired with rear-wheel drive.

2.2-Litre mHawk Diesel

The larger 2.2-litre mHawk diesel now develops around:

150hp

330Nm

This represents a significant increase compared with the previous three-door Thar's state of tune.

Importantly, the new line-up also introduces a rear-wheel-drive automatic option with the 2.2-litre diesel, widening the appeal of the larger diesel engine beyond traditional 4WD buyers.

2.0-Litre mStallion Turbo-Petrol

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol produces approximately:

160hp

330Nm

The petrol engine remains the most powerful option in the Thar OG family.

Transmission options include six-speed manual and six-speed torque-converter automatic gearboxes depending on the chosen engine and drivetrain.

RWD and 4WD Continue

Mahindra continues its two-pronged drivetrain approach.

RWD versions target buyers primarily interested in the Thar's styling, road presence and lifestyle appeal.

4WD versions retain the hardware required for more demanding off-road use, including low-range capability on applicable variants.

This enables Mahindra to maintain a relatively accessible starting price while still offering serious off-road versions higher in the range.

Mud, Sand and Snow Terrain Modes

The Thar OG introduces dedicated terrain modes including:

• Mud

• Sand

• Snow

These modes alter parameters such as traction control, accelerator response, steering behaviour and, on automatic variants, transmission calibration.

Higher-spec versions also get an electronic locking rear differential, strengthening the SUV's off-road capability.

Six Airbags Standard

Safety has received one of the largest upgrades.

The Thar OG now gets six airbags as standard, along with four-wheel disc brakes. Current launch reports also list upgraded stability and driver-assistance electronics.

Depending on configuration, safety equipment includes:

• Six airbags

• Four-wheel disc brakes

• ABS with EBD

• Electronic Stability Control

• Hill Hold Control

• Hill Descent Control

• Rollover Mitigation

• Traction Control

• Vehicle Dynamics Control

• Front parking sensors

• Rear parking sensors

The move to six airbags and disc brakes at all four wheels represents a substantial safety upgrade for the three-door Thar.

New ZXT Variant Expands the Line-Up

The introduction of the ZXT trim is another important change.

Previously, the three-door Thar line-up was centred largely around AXT and LXT variants.

ZXT now creates a new flagship trim above LXT, allowing Mahindra to offer more premium features without moving buyers directly into the larger Thar Roxx.

This also explains why the revised Thar OG now reaches ₹18.99 lakh at the top of the range.

Mahindra Thar OG vs Previous Thar – What Has Changed?

The Bigger Story: Mahindra Is Making the Thar Easier to Live With

The most important changes to the Thar OG are arguably those that are least visible.

Mahindra has already established the Thar as one of India's most recognisable lifestyle SUVs. The bigger challenge now is widening its appeal without diluting what made the vehicle successful.

The outgoing three-door Thar's compromises were well known: heavy steering, a relatively busy ride, limited rear-seat accessibility and less refinement than conventional monocoque SUVs.

The Thar OG directly targets several of those areas.

Electric steering should improve urban usability, while the Watts Link rear suspension and frequency-dependent dampers aim to deliver better ride behaviour.

More sound insulation and richer interior materials should improve refinement, while six airbags and four-wheel discs address safety expectations that have risen considerably in the Indian market.

Thar OG and Thar Roxx Now Have More Distinct Roles

Mahindra's Thar family now effectively serves two different customer groups.

The Thar OG remains the compact three-door model with a stronger lifestyle and enthusiast focus.

The Thar Roxx provides five doors, greater rear-seat accessibility and more family-oriented practicality. What has changed is the technology gap between them.

With the Thar OG adopting newer suspension technology, EPS, terrain modes and upgraded safety equipment, customers choosing the three-door version no longer need to accept as many compromises in terms of hardware.

The decision between Thar OG and Thar Roxx therefore increasingly becomes one of size, practicality and intended use.

Auto Punditz Take

The 2026 Mahindra Thar OG should not be viewed merely as another facelift.

Mahindra has preserved the familiar exterior proportions while carrying out a much deeper engineering upgrade underneath.

The M_Glyde 4G platform, Pentalink suspension with Watts Link, electric power steering, more powerful engines, six standard airbags and four-wheel disc brakes address several of the biggest limitations of the outgoing model.

The introduction of the ZXT variant also allows Mahindra to push the three-door Thar further upmarket, with the range now topping out at ₹18.99 lakh.

At the other end, the ₹10.32 lakh AXT keeps the entry point relatively accessible.

That broad ₹10.32 lakh-₹18.99 lakh spread is important. Mahindra can now address buyers seeking a relatively affordable RWD lifestyle SUV as well as customers looking for a high-spec diesel automatic 4WD.

The Thar OG therefore represents an evolution of the original three-door formula rather than a departure from it – retaining the design and off-road identity that built the Thar brand while improving the areas that matter during everyday use.

Mahindra Thar OG – Key Highlights

Starting price: ₹10.32 lakh

Top price: ₹18.99 lakh

Variants: AXT, LXT and ZXT

Engines: 1.5-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol

Transmissions: 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-converter automatic

Drivetrains: RWD and 4WD

Platform: M_Glyde 4G

Major mechanical upgrades: Pentalink rear suspension, Watts Link, frequency-dependent dampers and electric power steering

Safety: Six airbags and four-wheel disc brakes standard

Off-road technology: Mud, Sand and Snow modes; electronic locking differential on applicable variants

New flagship variant: ZXT

New colours: Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue