Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift Spied With New Fascia

Mahindra is preparing another major update for its popular three-door Thar, and the upcoming facelift has once again been spotted testing on Indian roads. The latest test vehicle gives a clearer indication of the changes planned for the SUV, particularly at the front. The updated model is expected to receive a more substantial design refresh than the minor update introduced in 2025.

The three-door Thar continues to be one of Mahindra’s most recognisable lifestyle SUVs, and the upcoming facelift appears aimed at giving it a fresher and more premium appearance while retaining its traditional rugged character.

New Front Fascia for Mahindra Thar

The biggest visible change on the upcoming Thar facelift is expected to be the redesigned front fascia. The latest test mule features a revised grille, although its design appears different from the grille seen on earlier prototypes.

Earlier test vehicles indicated a six-slot grille inspired by the larger Thar Roxx. However, the latest prototype appears to feature a five-slot grille, with a small horizontal element on one side that could potentially accommodate a badge or design detail. This suggests that Mahindra could be evaluating different grille designs or editions for the updated Thar.

The SUV is also expected to receive redesigned lighting elements. Previous prototypes have indicated circular LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, giving the three-door Thar a stronger visual connection with the Thar Roxx.

New Alloy Wheels Expected

The facelifted Thar will also get updated alloy wheels. The latest test vehicle has been seen with a new five-spoke alloy wheel design, adding another visual change to the SUV’s side profile. Minor revisions to the wheel-arch and exterior detailing are also expected.

At the rear, Mahindra could introduce further styling revisions, although the latest spy images provide limited information because the test vehicle remains heavily camouflaged.

Interior Could Get More Features

While the exterior is expected to receive the most noticeable changes, Mahindra could also make selected improvements inside the cabin.

Earlier test vehicles suggested the possibility of changes such as a revised centre console, relocated power-window controls, additional grab handles and a wireless charging facility. The facelift could also bring more premium equipment to keep the three-door Thar competitive with newer SUVs.

However, Mahindra has not yet officially confirmed the complete feature list of the upcoming model.

Engine and Gearbox Options

The facelift is expected to continue with the existing engine lineup rather than introducing major mechanical changes.

The current powertrain options include a 1.5-litre diesel producing around 119hp, a 2.2-litre diesel producing around 132hp, and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol producing around 152hp. A six-speed manual gearbox is available across the range, while the larger diesel and petrol engines can also be paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol versions are also expected to continue offering four-wheel drive, while the smaller 1.5-litre diesel remains focused on the rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Another expected mechanical change is the move from the current hydraulic steering system to electric power steering, which could improve everyday driving comfort.

Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift Launch

Mahindra has not officially announced the launch date yet. However, the repeated sightings of test vehicles suggest that development is progressing and the facelift could arrive in the coming months. The updated Thar is expected to command a premium over the current model.

The existing three-door Thar is priced from around Rs 10.32 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom), while the facelift is expected to sit slightly higher depending on the variant and equipment.

What to Expect

Conclusion

The upcoming Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift appears to be more than a minor cosmetic update. The redesigned fascia, fresh grille, updated lighting and new alloy wheels should give the lifestyle SUV a more modern appearance while preserving its familiar rugged design. With the core engine and four-wheel-drive package expected to remain largely unchanged, Mahindra is likely to focus this update on styling, technology and everyday usability.

As Mahindra continues testing the SUV, more details about its features, variants and launch timeline are expected to emerge ahead of the official introduction