Mahindra Thar facelift spotted: Here's what has changed

Mahindra has been spotted testing the updated three-door Thar once again, revealing fresh styling inspired by the Thar Roxx. The SUV is expected to debut later this year with cosmetic updates.

Mahindra appears to be preparing another update for the three-door Thar, as a camouflaged test mule has once again been spotted in Chennai. We recently spotted the upcoming Mahindra Vision.S in Chennai as well. While the lifestyle SUV received a facelift in October 2025, the latest prototype suggests the company is working on a second round of visual enhancements, borrowing several styling cues from the larger Thar Roxx.

The refreshed Thar is expected to make its debut later this year, with the biggest changes likely to be concentrated on the exterior while the mechanical package remains unchanged.

Roxx-inspired front-end design

The most noticeable revisions are at the front, where the test vehicle appears to adopt a design closely resembling the Thar Roxx. The circular headlamps now seem to sit flush with the grille instead of being recessed, and are expected to be flanked by signature C-shaped LED daytime running lights. The six-slot grille also appears to feature a new two-piece design, while the front bumper and turn indicators have been subtly reworked.

These updates would mark a significant departure from the current three-door Thar, which continues to use halogen headlamps paired with separate LED DRLs.

New wheels and revised tail-lamps

In profile, the SUV retains its familiar boxy silhouette, but the camouflage hints at a fresh alloy wheel design. The wheels appear similar to those offered on the Thar Roxx.

At the rear, the vertically stacked LED tail-lamps also seem to feature revised internal graphics inspired by the Roxx, giving the SUV a more premium and contemporary appearance. Mahindra could also introduce new exterior paint options when the updated model is launched.

Powertrains likely to remain unchanged

Under the bonnet, no mechanical revisions are expected. The updated Thar should continue with the existing engine lineup, comprising:

2.0-litre turbo-petrol: 152bhp and 300Nm
2.2-litre diesel: 132bhp and 300Nm
1.5-litre diesel: 119bhp and 300Nm

A six-speed manual gearbox is expected to remain standard across all engine options, while a six-speed automatic should continue to be offered with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel variants.

Four-wheel drive is likely to remain available with the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel models in both manual and automatic configurations, while the turbo-petrol automatic should also continue to be offered in rear-wheel-drive form.

Launch expected in the coming months

Mahindra had already updated the Thar in October 2025, but repeated sightings of prototypes carrying Roxx-inspired styling indicate that the company is looking to further align the three-door SUV with its five-door sibling. Apart from giving the Thar a fresher look, sharing design components with the Roxx could also help streamline production and reduce manufacturing costs.

With testing continuing on public roads, the updated Mahindra Thar 3-door is expected to be unveiled in the coming months.

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