The Mahindra Thar 3-Door has always occupied a special position in the minds of Indian car enthusiasts. With its tough ruggedness, off-road prowess, and unmissable presence, the Thar is more than a vehicle – it’s a way of life. In its current incarnation, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door remains to amplify its glorious legacy while accepting contemporary technology, safety, and design improvements. In this blog, we dig deep into the detailed features, performance, design, and all you want to know about the Mahindra Thar 3-Door.
Table of Contents
1. A Glorious Legacy
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door has its roots in the legendary Mahindra CJ and MM series, themselves derived from the mythological Willys Jeep. The Thar, as a utilitarian vehicle, grew up to become a cult favorite over the years. Whether used to navigate the rugged landscapes of Ladakh or simply take a leisurely stroll down city roads, the Thar has been everyone’s pal for off-roading and fashion-pursuing drivers alike.
2. Daring and Bulky Design
On first impression, Mahindra’s Thar 3-Door looks rugged. The new model boasts:
- Muscular fenders and maximum ground clearance
- Traditional round headlamps with a contemporary LED twist
- Vertical slat grille that’s in line with the Thar’s roots
- Chunky bumpers and skid plates for an off-roader’s gruff look
With its aggressive stance, brief overhangs, and broad wheel arches, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door stands out wherever it goes. It comes in an array of colors, ranging from Napoli Black to Rocky Beige, and also features hardtop and convertible soft top variants
3. Engine and Performance
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door is not only a looker – it supports its looks with strong engine variants:
Engine Options:
- 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine
- Power: 130 hp
- Torque: 300 Nm
- 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine
- Power: 150 hp
- Torque: 320 Nm
The two engines are offered with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The addition of Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 drivetrain with a low-range transfer case makes it an off-road specialist.
4. Off-Roading Capability
It is what separates the Mahindra Thar 3-Door from all other SUVs and that is its unparalleled off-road capability. It is equipped with:
- Mechanical locking differential
- Brake locking differential
- Approach angle: 41.8 degrees
- Departure angle: 36.8 degrees
- Water wading capacity: 650mm
- Ground clearance: 226mm
Equipped with these, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door can tackle hills, streams, rocky trails, and deep mud.
5. Interiors: A New Level of Comfort
The new Mahindra Thar 3-Door is much more refined within than its earlier versions. It combines ruggedness with contemporary comfort.
Principal Interior Features:
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPla
- Weather-resistant switches and touchscreen
- Roof-mounted speakers for improved acoustics
- Steering-mounted cruise control, steering-mounted controls
- Front-facing rear seats with ISOFIX mounts
- Premium dashboard finish and upholstery
Even though the 3-Door configuration restricts rear-seat entry, the cabin has been optimized to create more space and functionality.
6. Technology and Connectivity
Mahindra has loaded the Thar 3-Door with the most modern technology to attract the younger, tech-conscious buyer:
- Adventure Statistics Display: Monitor pitch, roll, compass, altitude, and more.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Digital MID in the instrument cluster
- USB and 12V charging points
- Bluetooth-enabled infotainment system
Wherever you go, whether in urban traffic or to distant places, the Thar keeps you connected.
7. Safety First
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door is serious about safety. It received a 4-star rating by Global NCAP, qualifying it as one of the safest off-road SUVs in India
Safety Features:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Hold and Hill Descent Control
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Roll cage and side-impact protection
These safety features not only make the Thar adventurous but family-friendly as well.
8. Variants and Pricing
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door is offered in several trims as of 2025:
- AX Optional (Petrol/Diesel – MT)
- LX (Petrol/Diesel – MT/AT)
- Hard Top and Convertible variants
Price Range:
Begins from approximately ₹11.25 lakh (ex-showroom) and extends to ₹17 lakh, considering the variant and customizations.
9. Customization and Accessories
Mahindra provides a comprehensive line of official accessories to customize the Thar 3-Door:
- Roof-mounted light bars
- Snorkels
- Side steps
- Roof carriers
- Adventure roof tents
- Front grille choices and decals
- Alloy wheels and off-road tyres
Through these accessories, owners can make their Thar a one-of-a-kind off-road monster or a stylish urban SUV.
10. Fuel Efficiency
Given its weight and off-road prowess, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door delivers commendable mileage:
- Petrol (MT): 13 km/l (approx.)
- Petrol (AT): 11.5 km/l (approx.)
- Diesel (MT): 15 km/l (approx.)
- Diesel (AT): 13.5 km/l (approx.)
The above values are subject to variation based on the conditions of driving and terrain.
11. Drive Experience
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door driving experience is one-of-a-kind. Whether navigating congested city streets or climbing mountain roads, the Thar offers:
- Great visibility due to its upright seat position
- Smooth gear transmissions in both manual and automatic models
- Smooth cabin noise isolation
- Composed body roll for a superior highway ride
- Torque-laden performance, particularly for diesel
It combines raw power with enhanced refinement, turning each drive into a delight.
12. Urban vs Off-Road Usage
Although designed for off-road escapades, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door also doesn’t run away from urban tasks. But do keep in mind:
Advantages in Urban Usage:
- Dominating road presence
- Smooth auto transmission
- Tall seating for enhanced traffic vision
Issues:
- Limited boot space
- Challenging rear seat entry/exit
- Wider turning radius
In spite of these drawbacks, most urban owners prefer the Thar for its iconic design and tall seating position.
13. Segment Competition
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door’s nearest rivals are:
- Force Gurkha – Less refined, yet more utilitarian
- Maruti Jimny 5-Door – Less torque, more urban handling
- Future Hyundai Micro SUV (inspired by off-roading)
Yet, the Thar 3-Door reigns supreme in its segment, offering a perfect mix of adventure and comfort.
14. Future Outlook: 5-Door Variant and Electric
Mahindra has announced the development of:
- Thar EV Concept – A future electric Thar
- Mahindra Thar 5-Door – Launching in 2025 with additional space and functionality
- This addition in the Thar family will appeal to a wider audience, without sacrificing its off-road heritage.
15. Verdict: Should You Buy the Mahindra Thar 3-Door?
If you’re on the hunt for a car that is:
- Built for adventure
- Loaded with character
- Safe and able
- Very customizable
- Tough but classy
Then there’s the Mahindra Thar 3-Door. It’s not a car; it’s a statement. For city roads and mountain peaks, the Thar is equipped for anything.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door continues to redefine the meaning of driving an SUV in India. With the ideal blend of heritage, modernity, performance, and off-road capability, it stands as the favorite among enthusiasts and explorers alike. As Mahindra innovates further, the Thar stands ready to conquer new frontiers.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a daily commuter with an edge, or someone who just loves hitting the trails, the Mahindra Thar 3-Door is built for you.
