Mahindra Thar OG Review 2026: Price, Features, Engine & What’s New

Mahindra Launched Thar which is a biggest update from past 2020 model and it did not stop only to just a new name. The Three door off roader beast now wears Thar OG on its Tailgate. Rides on a stiffer platform borrowed from the Thar Roxx and get more power under the hood than before. Thar OG launched in India on September 22 2026 at Starting price Rs 10.32 lakh.

Here is everything which is confirmed at the launch and what its actually mean if you are looking to buy the one.

Price & Variants

The Thar OG comes in three trims AXT, LXT and ZXT — spread across three engines and multiple drivetrain combinations. Prices range from Rs 10.32 lakh for the base AXT (1.5-litre diesel, manual, RWD only) to Rs 18.99 lakh for a fully loaded ZXT with the 2.2-litre diesel automatic in 4WD.

The AXT is a strict single-spec affair one engine, one gearbox, one drive layout. Step up to LXT or ZXT and combinations multiply: 1.5-litre diesel manual (RWD or 4WD), 2.2-litre diesel (manual or automatic, RWD or 4WD), and the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol which, oddly, is only listed with the automatic gearbox at launch. No manual-petrol pricing has surfaced yet. Want a stick-shift petrol Thar specifically? Check with your dealer before booking.

What’s New

The headline change is underneath. The Thar OG sits on Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform — the same one under the Thar Roxx with a Pentalink rear suspension and a Watts Link that Mahindra says controls lateral movement better than before. Every variant has “DAVINCI” dampers, the ZXT alone adds Frequency Dependent Damping, which should mean a noticeably plusher ride over broken tarmac. Electric power steering also replaces the old hydraulic setup which is quite good for the person who feels hard for a Thar into a tight parking spot.

In terms of Design wise, it is evolution not revolution. New four-slat grille, LED projector headlamps with C-shaped DRLs lifted from the Roxx, fog lamps moved up to the fenders, and beefier bumpers. Two new colours join the palette — Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue. Our pick? Artemis Silver. It wears the OG’s new creases better than the brighter shades do.

Engine, Transmission & Mileage

Three engines carry over, all with a genuine power bump. The 1.5 litre diesel makes 119 PS and 300 Nm manual only, RWD only. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel jumps to 152 PS and 330 Nm which come up from around 132-134 PS in the outgoing car. The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol is now makes 162 PS and 330 Nm, also up from roughly 152 PS. Both bigger engines get a 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic, with RWD or 4WD.

Mileage? Mahindra has not published ARAI certified figures for the Thar OG till the date. The outgoing Thar diesel-manual was rated around 15.2 kmpl, for context though even that older number gets reported inconsistently across sources for the petrol-manual variant, so treat any “Thar OG mileage” figure you see online right now with suspicion. An official ARAI number should follow within a few weeks, going by how quickly Mahindra usually certifies these things after launch.

Interior & Safety: Read the Fine Print

Inside, you get new Truffle Brown leatherette, a wireless charger, push-button start, and a second-row armrest with cup holders genuine upgrades on a cabin that hadn’t changed much in five years. The 10.25-inch touchscreen, cruise control and manual AC carry over unchanged; there’s still no automatic climate control, despite what pre-launch rumours suggested.

Safety is where you need to read the fine print carefully. Launch-day coverage isn’t entirely consistent here: some reports describe 6 airbags and all-wheel disc brakes as a Thar OG-wide upgrade, while other equally detailed accounts say only the range-topping ZXT gets 6 airbags, TPMS and all-wheel discs with the AXT and LXT continuing with dual airbags, front discs and rear drums. We couldn’t fully resolve this conflict before publishing, so confirm the exact spec with your dealer before booking if six airbags matters to you. One thing is certain either way: despite spy-shot speculation, the Thar OG launched without Level 2 ADAS. No adaptive cruise, no lane assist — that’s still a Thar Roxx exclusive.

Wheels & Off-Road Kit

The ZXT gets fresh 19-inch dual-tone alloys, new and exclusive to the top trim. Off-road hardware gets a real update too: a new Electronic Locking Differential replaces the older mechanical unit, automatic hub locks feature across 4WD variants, and dedicated Sand, Snow and Mud modes are available on 4WD LXT and ZXT trims. If you’re the sort who actually takes a Thar off the tarmac rather than just looking the part in traffic, this is the update that matters more than the cosmetic stuff.

Who’s It For?

If you already wanted a Thar, this makes the case stronger better ride, more power, a properly reworked chassis underneath familiar looks. If Level 2 ADAS or a guaranteed six-airbag spec on a budget trim is non-negotiable, the AXT and LXT need scrutiny, and the five-door Thar Roxx might suit you better anyway. For solo off-road runs, weekend trips, and buyers who want the three-door shape without stretching to Roxx money, the Thar OG remains the more focused, more affordable way into Mahindra’s off-road family.