Mahindra has launched the new Thar OG in India with prices starting at Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base AXT diesel manual variant, rising to Rs 18.99 lakh for the top-spec ZXT trim. The refreshed three-door SUV rides on Mahindra’s updated M Glyde 4G platform and adds six airbags, an electronic locking differential on 4WD trims and a wider track over the outgoing model.
The Thar OG was unveiled by Mahindra and Mahindra’s Automotive Business division on September 22, 2026, positioning the model as a more feature-rich, safety-focused version of the brand’s iconic off-roader. Three powertrains are on offer: a 2.0-litre G20 TGDi turbo-petrol making 119 kW (162 PS) and 330 Nm, a 2.2-litre D22 diesel with 111.9 kW (152 PS) and 330 Nm, and a 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel producing 87.2 kW (119 PS) and 300 Nm, the last available only with a rear-wheel-drive manual gearbox. Both six-speed manual and six-speed torque-converter automatic transmissions are offered depending on variant.
What Is New in the Mahindra Thar OG?
The Mahindra Thar OG gets a redesigned front fascia with circular LED headlamps, C-shaped daytime running lights and LED ice-cube fog lamps with a cornering function. Inside, the cabin now features a 26.03 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone mirroring, truffle-brown leatherette upholstery, wireless charging and rear air-conditioning vents. On the safety front, the SUV comes with six airbags covering head, pelvis, thorax and shoulder protection, four-wheel disc brakes on 4WD models, Electronic Stability Program 9.3, and terrain modes for mud, sand and snow. “With the Thar OG, we have elevated the iconic three-door Thar through significant upgrades in design, technology and capability,” said Velusamy R, President, Automotive Business at Mahindra and Mahindra.
Why Does the Thar OG Pricing Matter for India’s SUV Market?
The Thar OG’s pricing strategy, opening at Rs 10.32 lakh, keeps the SUV firmly in a competitive band against rivals such as the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki’s Jimny, even as Mahindra loads in more standard safety kit. With the LXT trim priced between Rs 12.99 lakh and Rs 18.00 lakh and the ZXT range topping out at Rs 18.99 lakh, Mahindra is targeting both value-conscious off-road buyers and premium lifestyle SUV customers within a single nameplate. The move comes as India’s compact and mid-size SUV segment continues to expand, with automakers adding more safety and connectivity features to justify price increases across trims.
Market Reaction and Industry Response
Mahindra’s SUV portfolio has been a key growth driver for the company this year, with the group reporting 17% growth in SUV sales in FY26 so far, according to industry data cited around the update. Dealers and industry watchers expect the Thar OG’s launch to add momentum during the ongoing festive season, when SUV demand traditionally peaks in India. Auto retail analysts note that Mahindra’s continued investment in the Thar franchise, alongside the larger five-door Thar Roxx, underscores the company’s strategy of defending its leadership in the off-road and adventure SUV niche as competition intensifies from both domestic and international rivals.
What Happens Next?
Bookings for the Mahindra Thar OG are expected to open at Mahindra dealerships across India in the coming days, with deliveries likely to begin ahead of the festive season. Buyers can expect Mahindra to detail the full variant-wise feature list and colour options as showroom stock arrives. Industry watchers will also be tracking how rival automakers respond, particularly in the compact off-road SUV segment, as Mahindra looks to convert the Thar OG’s added safety and technology features into stronger festive-season sales.
The launch also arrives alongside the larger, five-door Thar Roxx in Mahindra’s off-road SUV lineup, giving the brand a two-pronged offering that spans buyers looking for a compact, rugged three-door and those wanting a more family-friendly five-door alternative. Mahindra has consistently positioned the Thar nameplate as central to its brand identity in the SUV space, and the OG update suggests the company intends to keep refreshing the model regularly rather than letting it age against newer rivals. With six-speed automatic options now available across more variants, Mahindra is also targeting buyers who previously might have opted for a manual-only rival on the assumption that off-road capability required a manual gearbox.
For component suppliers and dealers, the Thar OG update is expected to translate into incremental order volumes as showrooms restock ahead of Navratri and Diwali, traditionally the strongest vehicle-buying period in India. Financing partners are also likely to roll out festive-season schemes tied to the new variant lineup, which could further widen the Thar OG’s appeal beyond core off-roading enthusiasts toward urban buyers seeking a distinctive, feature-rich SUV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the new Mahindra Thar OG?
The Mahindra Thar OG starts at Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base AXT rear-wheel-drive diesel manual variant and goes up to Rs 18.99 lakh for the top ZXT trim.
What engine options does the Thar OG offer?
The Thar OG is offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, a 2.2-litre diesel engine, and a 1.5-litre CRDe diesel engine, paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions depending on the variant.
What safety features come with the Mahindra Thar OG?
The SUV comes with six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes on 4WD variants, Electronic Stability Program 9.3, an electronic locking differential and multiple terrain modes for off-road driving.
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