2025 Mahindra Thar Test Drive Review: The Beast Evolves — Without Losing Its Soul

Introduction: Still the King of Character

There are cars you drive, and then there are cars you experience. The Mahindra Thar has always belonged to the latter category. It’s never been about refinement or luxury — it’s about attitude, purpose, and that unbeatable sense of adventure every time you climb in.

Now, with the 2025 update, Mahindra has tried to make the Thar more civilized — adding comfort, features, and finesse — without taming its wild, go-anywhere spirit. We spent a full day behind the wheel, on city roads, highways, and a rocky off-road trail to see how much the Thar has truly evolved.

Design and Road Presence: Subtle Tweaks, Big Impact

At first glance, the 2025 Thar looks familiar — and that’s a good thing. The proportions remain muscular, upright, and unmistakably Thar. But look closer and you’ll spot the changes that bring it in line with modern expectations.

The grille now gets a new body-coloured finish, flanked by updated bumpers that blend ruggedness with a bit of urban polish. There are new paint shades too, including a striking Tango Red and a deep Battleship Grey that looks particularly good under sunlight.

Mahindra has finally added a rear-view camera, along with a washer and wiper for the back glass — small but significant touches that make everyday driving far easier. The Thar still draws stares wherever it goes; that visual drama remains its biggest charm.

Cabin & Comfort: Tough Outside, Softer Inside

Step inside, and the cabin feels noticeably more upmarket. The dashboard continues with the utilitarian, functional layout, but the finish and feel of materials are better than before.

A new steering wheel (lifted from the Thar Roxx) feels chunkier and more tactile. The centre console now gets a sliding armrest, and the front power windows have moved to the doors — a small ergonomic fix that makes a big difference in everyday usability.

Rear passengers finally get their due, with dedicated AC vents and assist handles that make getting in and out less of a gym session. The infotainment system has grown into a large 10.25-inch HD touchscreen — crisp, bright, and responsive — complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Add to that a digital “Adventure Stats” display showing pitch, roll, and wheel articulation data, and you realise this Thar blends tech and toughness like never before.

Engine & Performance: Muscle, with Manners

Under the hood, the Thar continues with the familiar and proven powertrains — the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol and the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, both paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

The diesel still feels like the more natural fit — it’s torquey, linear, and loves to pull hard when the terrain turns nasty. The petrol, on the other hand, feels quicker on tarmac and more refined in city traffic.

On open highways, the Thar now feels slightly more composed. There’s less bounce, less steering play, and the suspension soaks up most imperfections without tossing you around. It’s still not plush — but for a body-on-frame SUV, the improvement is clear.

Off the road, the 4WD system remains unstoppable. Engaging low range transforms the Thar into a mountain goat — crawling up rock faces, digging through slush, and crossing trenches with an ease that few SUVs under ₹20 lakh can match. The ground clearance, approach, and departure angles continue to impress, and the all-terrain tyres grip confidently.

Ride & Handling: More Confidence, Same Character

The biggest change in the 2025 Thar isn’t in numbers — it’s in feel. The steering is a touch heavier but more precise, and body roll is better contained during quick lane changes.

The brakes feel sharper too, inspiring confidence whether you’re tackling a steep downhill slope or braking hard in city traffic. The new bumpers also give a marginally better approach angle, which hardcore off-roaders will quietly appreciate.

Noise insulation is better, though wind noise at triple-digit speeds is still noticeable. Then again, that’s part of the Thar’s old-school charm — you hear the adventure as much as you live it.

Everyday Usability: The Practical Side of Adventure

This is where the 2025 Thar finally starts to appeal to a wider audience. The combination of more features, improved ergonomics, and new convenience touches make it less intimidating as a daily driver.

The automatic gearbox is smooth in stop-go traffic, and visibility all around is excellent thanks to the upright pillars and commanding seating. With the new rear-view camera and rear wiper, reversing and parking have gone from stressful to simple.

Fuel economy remains modest, especially on the petrol variants, but Mahindra’s engines are now BS6 Stage-2 compliant and relatively cleaner to live with.

CarBike360 Says: The Legend, Refined

The 2025 Mahindra Thar proves that evolution doesn’t always mean compromise. It’s more comfortable, more connected, and a touch more civilized — yet it hasn’t lost the raw energy and purpose that made it a cult icon.

For those who live for weekend getaways, trails, and that unbeatable open-top freedom, the Thar remains unmatched. For those who simply want a lifestyle SUV that makes every commute feel like an adventure — it now makes even more sense.

The only question you’ll have to answer is: are you ready to live with something this bold every day? Because the new Thar isn’t just a car. It’s a commitment to being different.

CarBike360 Verdict

Rating: 9/10
What We Liked: Rugged design, improved comfort, tech upgrades, genuine off-road capability
What Could Be Better: Ride quality on bad roads, fuel efficiency, cabin noise levels