Mahindra Thar OG vs Old Thar: What's Really Changed

Comparing Mahindra Thar OG to Old Thar is important to conduct correctly because the updates in the vehicle are not limited to looks alone. 

Since 2020, the Mahindra Thar has established itself as one of the biggest lifestyle SUVs in India, and with the introduction of the new Thar OG, the hit vehicle gets an overhaul which includes changes that are much deeper than the typical cosmetic changes seen in a standard vehicle facade.

New Platform Underneath

One of the biggest changes sits entirely underneath the skin. The Thar OG moves to a new platform that Mahindra says has been developed for greater structural stiffness. This stiffer platform is expected to improve the SUV's behaviour both on and off the road, and it suggests Mahindra is trying to make the new Thar more polished without moving it away from its rugged character.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar OG: Price, Variants, and Engine Upgrades Explained

Reworked Rear Suspension and Damping

The Thar OG gets a new rear PENTALINK suspension setup with a Watts Link, intended to improve cornering stability and give the driver more control. In addition to this, Mahindra has also unveiled what they are calling DAVINCI damping technology which is based on frequency-dependent damping or FDD, and is used to enhance the riding experience. In simple words, the properties of damping will remain different at distinct frequencies of suspension action thus making the little bumps different from bigger shock impacts.

• New PENTALINK rear suspension with Watts Link for better cornering stability
• DAVINCI damping tech (FDD) for frequency-based ride comfort
• Designed to improve both on-road manners and off-road composure

Steering, Traction, and Terrain Tech

The Thar OG also switches to electric power steering, replacing the older hydraulic setup. This could prove to be one of the changes owners notice most in everyday driving, since Mahindra says the new electric system makes maneuvering considerably easier, particularly at low speeds and while parking.

On the traction front, the Thar OG gets an electronic locking differential on its 4WD variants, designed to improve grip when one of the driven wheels starts losing traction, helping the vehicle maintain forward momentum over difficult terrain. The 4WD versions also get dedicated mud, sand, and snow terrain modes.

More Power Across the Range

Both the larger petrol and diesel engines get genuine power and torque increases, while the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel continues largely unchanged, remaining the more budget-friendly, lower-maintenance option within the range.

Design and Cabin Changes

At first glance, the Thar OG doesn't look drastically different from the old model, but the changes add up once you look closely, both outside and in.

Exterior

• New front grille with revised badge placement
• Circular LED headlamps replacing the older units
• C-shaped daytime running lights
• New LED fog lamps with a cornering function
• Redesigned front and rear bumpers
• Wider track compared to the outgoing model
• New 19-inch alloy wheels on higher variants

Interior

• Embossed leatherette seats on higher variants
• Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
• Soft second-row armrest with an integrated cupholder
• Big infotainment touchscreen with a display in color
• Wireless charging, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay provided
  
  

Also Read: Rs 5 Lakh vs Rs 10 Lakh Cars: What's Really Changed

More Safety Features

Safety equipment has also moved forward meaningfully compared to the outgoing Thar.

• Six airbags for front and rear occupants
• Four-wheel disc brakes across the range
• Tyre pressure monitoring system on the ZXT variant
• Rear-view camera on the ZXT variant

Price and Variant Changes

The Thar OG continues in AXT, LXT, and ZXT trims, with a fairly broad combination of engines, transmissions, and drivetrains across the range.

The AXT trim's starting price matches the base trim of the outgoing model almost exactly, meaning buyers effectively get a mechanically superior, better-equipped SUV without paying a premium at the entry point. The ZXT range, by comparison, stretches considerably higher depending on the exact engine, transmission, and drivetrain combination chosen.

Conclusion

Mahindra Thar OG vs Old Thar makes it clear this update is far more than a styling refresh. From the stiffer new platform and reworked PENTALINK suspension to genuine power gains on the petrol and diesel engines, added safety kit, and a noticeably upgraded cabin, the Thar OG represents a meaningful step forward for one of India's most iconic SUVs. With pricing starting almost exactly where the old Thar left off, buyers get considerably more capability, refinement, and equipment without paying extra at the entry level, making the Thar OG a genuinely stronger proposition for anyone cross-shopping this segment.