The Mahindra Thar 4X4 isn't just a machine, it's a vehicle on wheels everyone dreams of driving. One look at it brings to mind dusty roads, river crossings, and impromptu weekend plans. But there's a twist: it's not built for 2025. It wants to live two lives. It wants to roar off-road and sprint through city lights. Can it do both? I spent some time with it, and that's what I found. Let me explain in the table below.
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| Model | Mahindra Thar 4x4 2025 |
| Engine Options | 2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Diesel |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Power Output | Petrol: 150 bhp / Diesel: 130 bhp |
| Drive Type | 4x4 with Low Range |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Price Range (India) | ₹11.35 – ₹17.60 Lakh (Ex-showroom) |
| Main Rivals | Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha |
| Fuel Efficiency | Petrol: ~13 km/l | Diesel: ~15 km/l |
Design and Exterior
Mahindra Thar 4X4 looks simple but quite sturdy. Its design has retained its old charm. The call headlight, large front grille and wide tyres make it strong and ready to run on any kind of road. It is not showy but gives a board look in itself. Its high back and clear yard support gives it a strong grip while running on the road.
A closer look will tell you its unique features that heavy door squeak, that metallic smell. Its mechanical feel is excellent. Thanks to Tropius, you can choose between a soft top or a convertible, whichever you prefer. The rear tailgate guard opens to the side, true Jeep style. Once parked, it's ready to climb hills.
Engine, Power & Performance
As soon as you open the hood, you'll find a powerful engine. For thrill seekers, there's the 2.2-litre Travel petrol, or for torque-lovers, there's the 2.2-litre diesel. My choice is the diesel. It's powerful, stable and confident. It has around 130 horsepower, but what really matters is the 320NM of torque, which makes it a breeze to climb hills. The Mahindra Thar doesn't panic when the road ends, but instead gets more excited.
The 6-speed manual invites you in, and every gear shift is mechanical and satisfying. The automatic is smooth for city riding, but on rough roads, the manual feels lively and good. The suspension is firm but tolerant. It's a blast on the highway, but it's invincible on the trails. The 4x4 low range is just a switch away, and you'll find yourself finding excuses to use it.
Interior & Features
The inside of the Mahindra 4x4 is a different story. The new cabin gives the front end a more SUV-like feel than a tractor. Dual-tone black interior, waterproof switches, a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's all there. The 7-inch infotainment screen works very well; although not the sharpest, it gets the job done. It also has a digital compass, pitch, and roll meters, making it a fun addition for off-road enthusiasts.
The seats are upright and supportive. The front seat is quite comfortable. The rear seat is a bit tight. To be honest, it's not very suitable for tall real people, but for two passengers and luggage, it's a perfect choice. The roof-mounted speakers produce excellent sound when the roof is lowered. Sitting in it, you feel connected to the outside world, as if you're part of the scene, not just passing by.
Safety and Technology
Mahindra has spared no expense on this car. Dual rear seats, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill climb, and hill descent are all included. The Thar 4x4 also scored well in the Global End Cap. It gives you confidence even when you're hundreds of kilometers from the nearest city. The chassis feels solid. The doors are quite heavy. The brakes are strong. It feels like it's built for any kind of adventure.
You get the technical essentials, no fancy gimmicks. Just functional, practical tools. Bluetooth connects quickly. Voice commands are average and Mahindra's connected technology even provides vehicle information directly to your phone. It's quite easy to use in real life.
Price and Rivals
Prices start at ₹11.35 lakh and go up to around ₹17.60 lakh. It's not cheap, but for that money, you get good, authentic hardware. Rivals? The Maruti Jimny looks decent and city-friendly, but lacks the Thar's power. The Force Gurkha has hardcore off-road capabilities, but lacks a lot of polish. The Thar sits firmly between the two, looking very cool yet modern.
So is the Mahindra 4x4 an adventure king or a daily driver? Probably both. It can climb mountains with ease and also handle office work. Yes, the rear seat is handy. The ride may be bumpy, but who buys a Thar for perfection? You buy it for the smile that comes when it splashes with mud or the roof falls off at sunset.
After so many years of evolution, the Thar still retains its charm. It's not just a car, it's the feeling of freedom with four wheels and a heartbeat. That's what makes it so special and yes, it's still a king in its own right.