Mahindra Thar 2026: New Prices, Variants & Features That Are Making It India’s Most Wanted SUV

The Mahindra Thar continues to dominate the Indian SUV market in 2026. If you’re searching for an SUV under ₹15 lakh, a capable 4×4 SUV in India, or a bold lifestyle vehicle with strong resale value, the Thar remains one of the top choices.

Built by Mahindra & Mahindra, the Thar combines rugged off-road DNA with modern comfort features, making it suitable for both city drives and adventure trips.

Mahindra Thar 2026 Price in India (Ex-Showroom)

The Mahindra Thar price in India starts at around ₹11.25 lakh and goes up to ₹15.40 lakh for higher variants like the Earth Edition.

VariantPrice (Approx.)
AX (O) Diesel 4×4₹11.35 lakh
LX Petrol 4×2₹11.25 lakh
LX Diesel 4×4₹12.85 lakh
LX Petrol Automatic₹13.75 lakh
LX Diesel Automatic₹14.95 lakh
Earth Edition₹15.40 lakh

👉 Thar on-road price may vary depending on RTO charges, insurance, and city taxes.

Mahindra Thar Variants & Models Explained

Currently, the Thar is available in AX (O) and LX variants.

AX (O) Variant – For Off-Road Enthusiasts

If you’re looking for a serious off-road SUV in India, this variant offers:

  • 4×4 drivetrain
  • Mechanical locking differential
  • High ground clearance
  • Strong ladder-frame chassis

LX Variant – For City & Highway Comfort

The LX trim is ideal if you want a daily-use SUV with premium features.

It includes:

  • 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
  • Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
  • Cruise control
  • Alloy wheels
  • Roof-mounted speakers

This makes the Thar suitable for both urban commuting and weekend adventures.

Engine Options & Performance

The Thar comes with petrol and diesel engine options.

SpecificationPetrolDiesel
Engine2.0L Turbo Petrol2.2L Diesel
Power~150 bhp~130 bhp
Torque320 Nm300 Nm
Transmission6MT / 6AT6MT / 6AT
Drive Type4×2 / 4×44×4

If you are comparing Thar petrol vs diesel, here’s a simple breakdown:

  • Petrol: Smoother for city driving
  • Diesel: Better torque for off-roading & highways

Mahindra Thar Mileage (ARAI)

One of the most searched queries is “Mahindra Thar mileage”.

  • Petrol MT: Approx. 13–15 km/l
  • Diesel MT: Approx. 15–17 km/l

Actual mileage may vary depending on driving style and terrain.

Off-Road Capability & Dimensions

The Thar is known for its off-road dominance.

  • Ground Clearance: 226 mm
  • Water Wading Capacity: 650 mm
  • Approach Angle: 41.8°
  • Departure Angle: 36.8°

These specifications make it one of the best budget 4×4 SUVs in India.

Thar Earth Edition – What’s Special?

Mahindra Thar 2026 4x4 performing on rocky off-road terrain

The Earth Edition features:

  • Exclusive desert-inspired exterior shade
  • Unique interior theme
  • Special edition badging

It is ideal for buyers looking for a limited edition SUV in India.

Thar Waiting Period & Demand

Due to high demand, the Mahindra Thar waiting period can range from a few weeks to several months depending on variant and location. The SUV continues to see strong bookings across metro and tier-2 cities.

Should You Buy Mahindra Thar in 2026?

Buy Thar if you want:
✔ A bold lifestyle SUV
✔ Strong resale value
✔ Real 4×4 capability
✔ SUV under ₹15 lakh

Avoid if you need:
✖ Large boot space
✖ 5-door practicality

The Thar is often seen as more than just a vehicle — it’s a personality statement.

India’s SUV market is about to get even more exciting! While Mahindra Thar continues to dominate the lifestyle segment, competition is heating up fast. JSW MG Motor is preparing to launch new hybrid and electric SUVs in India, including the Jetour T2 and a Thar EV rival. If you want to know how this upcoming launch could shake up the 4×4 and EV SUV segment, don’t miss our detailed coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)- Mahindra Thar 2026

  1. What is the latest price of Mahindra Thar in India?

    The starting ex-showroom price of the Mahindra Thar is around ₹11.25 lakh and goes up to approximately ₹15.40 lakh for higher variants like the Earth Edition. Prices may vary depending on city and dealership offers.

  2. Is Mahindra Thar available in 4×2 and 4×4 options?

    Yes, Mahindra Thar is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. The 4×4 variants are ideal for serious off-road driving, while 4×2 versions are more suitable for city and highway use.

  3. Which engine options are available in Mahindra Thar 2026?

    The Thar comes with:
    1) 2.0L Turbo Petrol engine
    2) 2.2L Diesel engine
    Both engines are offered with manual and automatic transmission options.

  4. Is Mahindra Thar good for daily city driving?

    Yes, the newer LX variants are designed with modern features like touchscreen infotainment, cruise control, and improved comfort, making the Thar suitable for both city and weekend adventure drives.

  5. What is special about the Thar Earth Edition?

    The Earth Edition of the Mahindra Thar features an exclusive desert-inspired exterior color, unique interior theme, and special badging, making it more premium and distinctive compared to standard variants.

Leave a Comment