Automobile
Mahindra Thar Facelift Spotted Testing Again: Roxx-Inspired Design Hints at Another Big Makeover
Fresh spy shots suggest Mahindra is preparing a second visual update for the three-door Thar, with styling cues borrowed from the Thar Roxx while retaining its existing powertrain options.
Chennai: Mahindra & Mahindra appears to be gearing up for another update to its iconic three-door Thar, as a heavily camouflaged test vehicle has been spotted undergoing road testing in Chennai. The latest sighting indicates that the SUV could receive a fresh design overhaul inspired by the larger Thar Roxx, despite having already received a facelift in October 2025.
The upcoming update is expected to focus primarily on exterior styling, while the SUV’s engine lineup and mechanical components are likely to remain unchanged.
Front Design Gets a Roxx-Inspired Look
The biggest visual changes are expected at the front of the SUV. Spy images suggest the refreshed Mahindra Thar will feature flush-mounted circular headlamps, replacing the recessed units seen on the current model.
The new headlamps are expected to be accompanied by C-shaped LED daytime running lights (DRLs), similar to those seen on the Thar Roxx. Mahindra is also likely to introduce a redesigned six-slot grille with a two-piece layout, along with a revised front bumper and updated turn indicators.
These updates would mark a noticeable departure from the existing three-door Thar, which currently uses halogen headlamps with separate LED DRLs.
Updated Rear Styling
At the rear, the SUV is expected to receive revised vertically stacked LED tail-lamps featuring new internal lighting elements inspired by the Thar Roxx. The updated design is expected to give the SUV a more premium and modern appearance.
Mahindra may also introduce new exterior colour options to complement the refreshed styling when the facelifted model is officially launched.
No Changes Under the Hood
While the exterior is likely to receive significant updates, the mechanical package is expected to remain unchanged.
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The facelifted Mahindra Thar is likely to continue with its current engine options:
- 2.0-litre turbo-petrol: 152 bhp and 300 Nm
- 2.2-litre diesel: 132 bhp and 300 Nm
- 1.5-litre diesel: 119 bhp and 300 Nm
Transmission choices are also expected to remain the same. A six-speed manual gearbox should continue as standard across the range, while a six-speed automatic transmission is likely to be available with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel variants.
The four-wheel-drive (4WD) system is expected to remain available on the petrol and larger diesel variants, while the petrol automatic is also likely to continue with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) option.
Launch Expected Later This Year
Although Mahindra introduced a facelift for the three-door Thar in late 2025, the continued testing of Roxx-inspired prototypes suggests the company is looking to bring the design language of its three-door and five-door SUVs closer together.
Apart from refreshing the SUV’s appearance, sharing styling components with the Thar Roxx could also help Mahindra improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce production costs.
With testing now taking place on public roads, the updated Mahindra Thar 3-door is expected to make its official debut in the coming months.
