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▼The Mahindra Thar OG has been launched in India, which is the second major update to the three-door SUV in just a year. The introductory pricing starts at Rs. 10.32 lakh and this price is applicable for vehicles delivered by November 30. However, it is not just a cosmetic upgrade; Mahindra has made changes to the platform and suspension, steering system, and engine performance elements.
Deliveries begin from October 11, 2026, and Mahindra says more than four lakh customers have joined the Thar community since the nameplate's earlier generations arrived.
What Makes the Thar OG Different?

Most mid-cycle updates in this segment settle for a new grille and a couple of feature additions. The Mahindra Thar OG, however, goes considerably further, moving to an entirely new platform borrowed from the larger Thar Roxx, reworking the rear suspension, and switching to electric power steering, changes that go well beyond what a typical facelift usually covers.
Also Read: Tata Sierra Dark Edition: Price, Variants, and Feature Upgrades Explained
Price and Variants in India

|
Variant |
Powertrain Availability |
Drivetrain Options |
|---|---|---|
|
AXT |
1.5L Diesel, 2.2L Diesel, 2.0L Petrol |
RWD/4WD (varies) |
|
LXT |
2.2L Diesel, 2.0L Petrol |
RWD/4WD |
|
ZXT |
2.2L Diesel, 2.0L Petrol |
RWD/4WD |
The Thar OG's starting price matches the base AXT trim of the outgoing model, meaning buyers get a substantially updated SUV without paying more at the entry point.
Feature Breakdown by Variant

- The AXT remains the entry point into the range and is the only trim offered with the 1.5-litre diesel, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
- The LXT onward gets the bigger touchscreen setup, a 10.25-inch unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a colour MID in the instrument cluster, electrically adjustable ORVMs, cruise control, and a rear wiper and washer.
- The ZXT is the only trim to get the new Frequency Dependent Damping suspension technology, referred to internally as DAVINCI dampers, along with the new 19-inch star-pattern alloy wheels.
- Every variant gets Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery, soft-touch door panels with stitched trim, wireless charging, front armrests, and a rear armrest with integrated cupholders, along with two new exterior colours, Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue.
Engine and Performance Specs
|
Spec |
1.5L Diesel |
2.2L mHawk Diesel |
2.0L mStallion Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Power |
117 hp |
152 hp |
162 hp |
|
Torque |
300 Nm |
330 Nm |
330 Nm |
|
Change vs Outgoing |
Unchanged |
+18 hp, +30 Nm |
+10 hp, up to +30 Nm |
|
Transmission |
6-speed Manual only |
Manual/Automatic |
Manual/Automatic |
|
Trim Availability |
AXT only |
LXT, ZXT |
LXT, ZXT |
Every engine here carries a genuine power bump over the outgoing model except the entry-level diesel, and both the larger diesel and petrol units now come with the option of a 6-speed torque-converter automatic across the LXT and ZXT trims.
Thar OG vs Competitors: Where It Stands
|
Feature |
Mahindra Thar OG |
Force Gurkha |
Maruti Suzuki Jimny |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Starting Price |
Rs. 10.32 Lakh |
Comparable range |
Comparable range |
|
Engine Options |
3 (2 Diesel, 1 Petrol) |
Diesel only |
Petrol only |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD/4WD |
4WD only |
4WD only |
|
Platform |
M_Glyde 4G (New) |
Ladder-frame |
Ladder-frame |
|
Verdict |
Broadest Powertrain Choice |
Hardcore Off-Roader |
Compact Off-Roader |
The Thar OG's biggest advantage over its closest rivals continues to be its combination of genuine off-road capability with everyday usability, something reinforced further by this generation's suspension, steering, and refinement upgrades. No direct rival in this segment currently offers the same spread of engine and drivetrain choices under one nameplate.
Also Read: BMW 7 Series and i7 2026: Price, Variants & Upgrades Explained
Should You Buy the Thar OG?
Buy it if you:
- Already had the outgoing Thar on your shortlist and want a genuinely stiffer, more refined platform at the same entry price
- Want the widest engine choice in this segment, spanning two diesels and a petrol
- Value off-road hardware like the Electronic Locking Differential and dedicated terrain modes
- Like the idea of a more premium-feeling cabin without stepping up to the larger Thar Roxx
Think before buying if you:
- You specifically want the Frequency Dependent Damping suspension, since it's restricted to the top ZXT trim only
- The 1.5-litre diesel's limited AXT-only, manual-only availability doesn't suit your transmission preference
- You need a five-door layout, in which case the Thar Roxx remains the more practical choice
Conclusion
The new Mahindra Thar OG is a major update of one of the most popular SUVs in India. The Stiffer platform along with a major increase in performance of both diesel and petrol engines leads to much better off-roading technology, including Electronic Locking Differential, as well as different terrain modes to choose from. The price starts from Rs. 10.32 lakh with the same entry-level price as the older version, but the newer vehicle will be much better equipped, advanced, and with higher performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aakash Mehra
Automotive Journalist & Car Reviewer. Aakash Mehra is a seasoned automotive journalist with over 9 years of experience in car journalism and consumer-focused reviews. Having test-driven more than 550+ vehicles, he delivers detailed comparisons, expert insights, and unbiased advice to help readers confidently choose the right car.