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Mahindra has given its three-door Thar a major makeover, and the new model is being called the Thar OG. It hits India first at the same starting price as before – ₹10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) – for deliveries through November 30, 2026. The announcement, confirmed by Mahindra on May 7, 2026, brings not just a cosmetic refresh, but a deep mechanical overhaul that changes how the iconic SUV feels both on the highway and on the rocks.
The affordable entry price is remarkable, given how much is new underneath. Mahindra appears to be positioning the Thar OG as a serious rival to pricier lifestyle 4x4s, while keeping the original formula intact: body-on-frame construction, real low-range capability, and a boxy silhouette that still turns heads. But the spec sheet deserves a closer look. Here are the seven most important updates revealed today.
The backbone of the Thar OG is a fresh ladder-frame platform called M_Glyde 4G. It shares its DNA with the larger Thar Roxx, but Mahindra says the new chassis is both lighter and more rigid. That combination usually pays off in sharper handling and better fuel economy, although we’ll confirm that in our own testing.
The suspension layout has also been revised. A Watts link has been added at the rear to better locate the axle during cornering, reducing the sideways shuffle that used to show up on rough cambered roads. On the top ZXT trim, frequency-dependent dampers take things further: they can soften over low-frequency body motions while staying firm against quick bumps. Mahindra claims this is the first fitment of such dampers on a body-on-frame vehicle. If that holds up, the Thar OG could finally deliver the kind of composed ride that crossover owners take for granted.
The entry-level 1.5-liter diesel stays at 118 hp and 300 Nm, but the other two powertrains have been substantially upgraded.
The 2.0-liter turbo-petrol now makes 162 hp, up 10 hp from before. Torque has been raised to 330 Nm across both manual and automatic transmissions. That’s a jump of 30 Nm for the manual and 10 Nm for the auto, which should take the edge off high-speed overtakes and make climbing loose hills easier.
Diesel fans get even more reason to smile. The 2.2-liter unit sees power climb from 130 hp to 152 hp, while torque rises from 300 Nm to 330 Nm. That’s a significant gain for a vehicle of this size, especially when you’re carrying a full load of passengers or gear through ghat sections.
If there’s one change Thar owners have requested for years, it’s easier steering. The OG now comes with electric power steering (EPS), replacing the old hydraulic setup. Mahindra says effort at low speeds is noticeably reduced, which should make shuffling through tight city blocks and narrow trail gates far less tiring.
The system also promises sharper centering after a turn and better on-center feel. For off-road enthusiasts, electric steering can sometimes mute trail feedback, but the convenience of low-speed maneuverability usually wins over most buyers in this segment.
The off-road package now includes hardware that used to require expensive aftermarket additions. LXT 4WD and ZXT 4WD variants get an electronically locking rear differential, which helps the SUV keep moving when one rear wheel is hanging in the air or resting on slick mud.
These trims also gain three terrain modes – Mud, Sand, and Snow. Each mode adjusts throttle, traction control, and stability intervention to match the surface, taking some guesswork out of tricky sections. The combination of a rear locker and driver-selectable modes makes the Thar OG more approachable for casual adventurers, while die-hard off-roaders will still find plenty of capability underneath.
The Thar hasn’t always been a class leader in crash protection, but the OG is determined to close that gap. The top ZXT model comes with six airbags and all-around disc brakes, a welcome upgrade over the old front-disc/rear-drum layout.
Beyond that, the entire range benefits from a longer list of electronic assists: vehicle dynamics control, traction control, rollover mitigation, hill-hold, hill-descent control, brake disc wiping, and electronic brake refill. The ZXT adds front parking sensors, which will be handy given the Thar’s blunt nose and high hood line.
Mahindra has also tuned the electronic stability program to be less intrusive off-road, allowing more wheel slip when needed while still catching slides on pavement. In a vehicle as tall and heavy as a Thar, that’s a delicate balance, and it’s good to see the company focusing on it.
The Thar OG says goodbye to old-school bulbs in the rear. Every variant now gets LED taillights. The range-topping ZXT goes significantly further with LED headlamps that feature C-shaped daytime running lights, plus “ice-cube” LED fog lamps that include a cornering function that lights up the inside of a turn.
Lower trims keep halogen headlamps and fog lamps, which is a reasonable cost-saving measure, but the LED tail lamps across the lineup modernize the rear appearance considerably and improve visibility to following traffic.
Mahindra has widened the front and rear tracks, which gives the Thar OG a more planted presence and, theoretically, better stability. The redesign extends to fresh bumpers and a new grille with an off-center Thar badge – a quirky touch that fits the brand’s personality.
The ZXT trim now sits on 19-inch alloy wheels, up from the previous 18-inch items. The bigger rims fill out the arches and visually lower the body, even when the suspension travel remains long. Combined with the broadened wheel track, the OG looks more confident just standing still.
The changes are overwhelmingly positive on paper. Mahindra has attacked the two biggest Thar weaknesses – ride comfort and steering effort – with a redesigned chassis and modern electronics. The extra torque and power are welcome, and the safety upgrade brings peace of mind to what is still a ladder-frame SUV.
There are caveats. We haven’t driven the OG yet, and some of the claims, like ride compliance and steering feel, need real-world checking. The 19-inch wheels might also compromise compliance on rough roads, even with frequency-dependent dampers. And while the rear locker and terrain modes are excellent additions, they’re only available on the pricier 4WD trims.
Still, keeping the entry price at ₹10.32 lakh makes a strong argument for the Thar OG, especially as competition from compact SUVs and new electric off-roaders heats up.
Mahindra currently has no plans to sell the Thar OG in the United States, where its passenger vehicle presence remains focused on commercial models. But for international markets that already receive the Thar – like Australia, South Africa, and the Middle East – the OG looks like the most well-rounded version of the nameplate to date. If the promised ride improvements hold true, it will be far more than a cosmetic update; it could be the definitive modern Thar. Our full test is coming soon, so stay tuned.
