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As of September 14, 2025 – Mahindra has officially issued media invitations for a product launch and drive event scheduled from September 22 to 24 in Jodhpur, India. While the invite avoids naming the vehicle outright, the silhouette of a boxy three-door SUV in the background – combined with the tagline “We are giving India a new reason to love adventure” – strongly points to the 2026 Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift.
The timing aligns with recent spy shots that have surfaced online, showing heavily camouflaged test mules of the updated Thar. This suggests Mahindra is ready to roll out the mid-cycle refresh for its popular lifestyle SUV.
The invitation, received by automotive media including V3Cars, does not explicitly state “Thar.” However, the silhouette is unmistakably the three-door Thar, and the adventure-centric wording reinforces the vehicle’s positioning. The event includes both the official launch and a drive experience, indicating that journalists and potential buyers will get behind the wheel shortly after the reveal.
Mahindra has yet to confirm the name of the SUV being showcased, but the September date falls within the expected launch window that industry insiders had previously hinted at.
Based on multiple spy shots, the Thar 3-door facelift will receive more significant cosmetic updates than the minor revision seen in 2025. The front fascia is heavily camouflaged in test mules, suggesting changes to the grille, bumper, and headlamp design.
What’s particularly interesting is that different prototypes have been spotted with different grille patterns. One test mule features a six-slot grille arranged in two rows – similar to the larger Thar Roxx – while another shows a five-slot grille with an additional horizontal element. This could indicate multiple trim-specific designs or a final decision still being tested.
Other likely exterior updates include new alloy wheel designs. The rear is expected to see more subtle changes, such as a revised bumper and updated LED tail lamps. The iconic boxy silhouette and side profile are expected to remain largely unchanged, preserving the Thar’s rugged character.
The current Thar 3-door already offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, powered ORVMs, and a 6-speaker audio system. For the 2026 facelift, Mahindra is expected to add several new features to bring the Thar closer to newer Mahindra models like the XUV700 and Scorpio-N.
Likely additions include a fully digital driver’s display, ventilated front seats, upgraded upholstery, and a 360-degree camera system. These enhancements would improve comfort and convenience, especially for off-road enthusiasts who use the Thar as a daily driver.
The facelift is expected to retain the current engine lineup with no major mechanical changes. The entry-level variants will continue with the 1.5-liter turbo-diesel (119 PS/300 Nm) paired to a 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. Higher trims will offer the 2.2-liter turbo-diesel (132 PS/300 Nm) with a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic, and the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (152 PS/300 Nm manual, 320 Nm automatic) – both with 4-wheel drive.
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo Diesel | 2.2L Turbo Diesel | 2.0L Turbo Petrol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 119 PS | 132 PS | 152 PS |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 300 Nm | 300 Nm (MT) / 320 Nm (AT) |
| Gearbox | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT / 6-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | RWD | 4WD | 4WD |
No electrified powertrain is expected for this facelift, though Mahindra’s BEV roadmap suggests an all-electric Thar may arrive later.
The Thar 3-door facelift is expected to command a slight premium over the outgoing model (which starts around ₹11 lakh ex-showroom) due to the updated features and exterior changes. Its primary direct rival in India will be the Force Gurkha 3-door, which shares a similar off-road focus. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny serves as a more compact, road-biased alternative in the lifestyle SUV segment.
Full pricing, variant breakdown, and final specification details are expected to be announced at the Jodhpur event.
The Mahindra Thar has long been a fan favorite among American SUV enthusiasts, but the brand has no plans to bring the 3-door model to the US market due to regulatory hurdles and high certification costs. However, the upcoming facelight showcases Mahindra’s ability to evolve its off-road icon without losing its core DNA. For now, the Thar remains a compelling option for buyers in India and select export markets like South Africa and Australia.
Stay tuned for full coverage from the Jodhpur launch event next week.
