Mahindra Thar OG Review: New Platform, Higher Price
Mahindra launches the Thar OG, a mechanically upgraded 3-door off-roader with a new platform, suspension, and refined engines, priced from Rs 10.32 lakh to
The Mahindra Thar OG starts at Rs 10.32 lakh for the base AXT 1.5 Diesel MT RWD and rises to Rs 18.99 lakh for the top ZXT 2.2L Diesel AT 4WD variant. This new model is a platform-shifted successor to the Thar 3-Door, featuring significant mechanical updates alongside a refreshed design and interior.
Exterior changes include a revised grille with Thar branding, new LED projector headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights, and updated front and rear bumpers. It rides on new 19-inch alloy wheels with all-four disc brakes. The rear retains a tailgate-mounted full-size spare wheel and a split tailgate. Inside, the cabin gets Truffle Brown Leatherette upholstery, a wireless charging pad, push-button start, and six airbags. Rear occupants benefit from added AC vents, soft-touch armrests with cupholders, and a USB Type-C port.
The overall stance is now less canted forward, appearing more balanced. Headroom is generous in both rows, and a six-foot-tall passenger can sit behind a driver of similar height. The front seats are cosy in width but offer enough space for taller drivers. The footwell feels narrow, however, and the lower half of the flat dashboard may foul with shoe-tips. Wheel arch intrusions in the rear create an awkward seating angle.
Existing cabin plastics remain largely unchanged. The 10.25-inch touchscreen is carried over, with the review noting its touch response is not snappy and is slow to change displays. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only Android Auto is wireless. Apple CarPlay requires a cable. The front USB Type-C port is for charging only. Keyless entry is not passive, requiring use of the remote key fob. Other features include cruise control, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a six-speaker music system. The reviewer stated, "We never thought we’d put ‘Mahindra’ and ‘bad audio quality’ in the same sentence, but here we are."
Boot space is unchanged. With the seats up, it fits only a few backpacks behind the split-opening tailgate. Folding the backrests down accommodates larger suitcases.
Platform, suspension and drivetrain
Built on the M_Glyde 4G platform shared with the five-door Thar Roxx, the Thar OG introduces a penta-link rear suspension with a Watts linkage and DaVinci frequency-dependent dampers. It now uses electric power steering instead of hydraulic, resulting in a lighter steering feel. Both the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines have been updated to be quieter and more refined.
The new suspension and damper setup, along with increased powertrain performance, are aimed at improving off-road capability. Despite the larger 19-inch wheels, the Thar OG maintains strong bad-road ability, not requiring the driver to slow down much for potholes or speed breakers. The automatic gearbox has high minimum speeds for gearshifts even in Manual mode, which can affect fuel efficiency. Braking was found to lack confidence at higher speeds but offers better bite and stopping power at lower speeds.
Pricing, positioning and missing features
The Thar OG's price delta between petrol and diesel variants has increased significantly. Where the 2020 Thar had a difference of around Rs 20,000, the gap is now Rs 1.4 lakh (ex-showroom) despite identical powertrain hardware. In a state like Karnataka, the on-road price for the top-spec model is close to Rs 24 lakh.
At this price point, the Thar OG lacks several premium features. The list of missing items includes ventilated seats, a premium audio system, soft-touch dashboard and door trims, a fully digital TFT instrument cluster, Level-2 ADAS, automatic climate control, 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and auto headlights and wipers.
Real-world impressions and limitations
The review, conducted in and around Nashik, confirms the Thar OG's status as India’s best-selling lifestyle vehicle with strong road presence and desirability. It has no direct sales rival in the market. The reviewer also pointed out that the "lack of a soft-top convertible roof variant a missed opportunity, if you ask me."
Despite its premium pricing and the absence of expected high-end features, the Thar OG remains a unique offering. It combines improved on-road refinement with serious off-road capability, backed by Mahindra's extensive service network and strong brand desirability.
