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Mahindra has finally rolled out the much-awaited facelift of its cult off-roader, and it isn’t just called the “new Thar” – the company has rechristened it the Mahindra Thar OG. The 2026 Mahindra Thar OG was launched at an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 10.32 lakh, keeping the entry point unchanged from before while packing in a longer list of features, sharper styling and stronger safety credentials. 

This facelift arrives at a time when the compact off-road SUV segment in India is heating up, with rivals like the Force Gurkha and Maruti Jimny nipping at its heels. For anyone tracking the three-door Thar’s journey, the OG name marks a clear identity split from its five-door sibling, the Thar Roxx, while still borrowing several of its cues. This article breaks down everything – from ex-showroom and on-road prices across major cities, to variants, engines, features, colours and how it stacks up against the competition – in one detailed reference guide.

Mahindra Thar OG: Price & Variants

The starting price of Thar OG remains at Rs 10.32 lakh, ex-showroom, despite the car getting more features. The range on offer consists of AXT, LXT and ZXT variants with three engine options and two transmission choices (manual and automatic), in both 2WD and 4WD powertrain configurations. Interestingly, Mahindra is also introducing the higher 2.2-litre diesel engine option in RWD (rear-wheel-drive) format for the first time, which caters to buyers who do not require 4WD.

Here is the full ex-showroom price list (introductory pricing) as launched:

Variant	1.5L Diesel MT 4×2	1.5L Diesel MT 4×4	2.0L Petrol AT 4×2	2.0L Petrol AT 4×4	2.2L Diesel AT 4×2	2.2L Diesel MT 4×4	2.2L Diesel AT 4×4
AXT	Rs 10.32 lakh	Rs 10.32 lakh	Rs 10.32 lakh	–	–	–	Rs 10.32 lakh
LXT	Rs 12.99 lakh	Rs 15.60 lakh	Rs 14.77 lakh	Rs 17.23 lakh	Rs 16.49 lakh	Rs 16.43 lakh	Rs 18.00 lakh
ZXT	Rs 13.99 lakh	Rs 16.60 lakh	Rs 16.09 lakh	Rs 17.45 lakh	Rs 17.49 lakh	Rs 17.49 lakh	Rs 18.99 lakh

All prices are ex-showroom, introductory, and subject to revision.

The base AXT trim is offered only with the 1.5-litre diesel in a 2WD manual setup, making it the most affordable way into Thar ownership. The mid-spec LXT casts the widest net, available across every engine and drivetrain permutation. The range-topping ZXT tops out at just under Rs 19 lakh for the 2.2-litre diesel automatic with 4WD – a variant likely to be the enthusiast’s pick given the combination of grunt, off-road hardware and creature comforts.

It’s worth noting that these are introductory prices, a strategy Mahindra frequently uses at launch to drive early bookings before a marginal price correction a few months down the line. Buyers planning a purchase in the near term may want to book early to lock in this pricing before any revision.

Mahindra Thar OG On-Road Price: City-Wise Breakdown

The on-road price – which factors in RTO registration, road tax, insurance and other statutory charges – varies meaningfully from state to state because road tax slabs differ across India. Based on the base AXT variant, here’s how the on-road price compares across major metros:

City	On-Road Price (Approx., Base Variant)
Delhi	Rs 12.36 lakh onwards
Mumbai	Rs 12.50 lakh onwards
Pune	Rs 12.50 lakh onwards
Bangalore	Rs 12.79 lakh onwards
Hyderabad	Rs 12.89 lakh onwards
Chennai	Rs 12.90 lakh onwards
Kolkata	Rs 12.06 lakh onwards
Lucknow	Rs 12.15 lakh onwards
Ahmedabad	Rs 11.65 lakh onwards

These figures put the premium over ex-showroom price at roughly Rs 1.3–2.6 lakh depending on the city, driven mainly by differing RTO tax percentages (some states charge a flat rate, others a slab-based rate that rises with engine size or price). Buyers should always get an exact on-road quote from their local dealership since insurance add-ons, extended warranty, and accessory packages can push this figure higher. For the top-spec ZXT 2.2-litre diesel AT 4×4, on-road prices in most metros are expected to comfortably cross the Rs 21–22 lakh mark once registration and insurance are added.

How the Thar OG On-Road Price Is Calculated

The on-road price of the Thar OG is made up of four components layered on top of each other: the ex-showroom price, RTO registration charges, road tax, and the insurance premium. Each of these can vary depending on the state you’re registering in, which is why the same variant can cost noticeably different amounts just a few hundred kilometres apart.

Road tax is usually the single biggest swing factor. Most states calculate it as a percentage of the ex-showroom price, and since the Thar OG’s 4×4 variants and larger-engine trims sit in a higher price bracket, they attract a proportionally larger tax outlay in states with slab-based structures. Insurance adds a smaller but still noticeable layer – a comprehensive cover on a 4×4 diesel automatic ZXT will cost meaningfully more than on a base AXT simply because the insured declared value is higher. Optional add-ons like zero-depreciation cover, engine protection, or roadside assistance packages sit on top of this and are entirely at the buyer’s discretion.

Read Also: Mahindra Thar Roxx Price 2026: Ex-Showroom & On-Road Breakdown

Why the Same Thar OG Costs Differently in Every City

This is one of the most common points of confusion for first-time SUV buyers, and it comes down almost entirely to how individual states tax vehicle registrations. Comparing the city-wise figures above makes the pattern clear: the base AXT variant’s on-road price ranges from around Rs 11.65 lakh in Ahmedabad to nearly Rs 12.90 lakh in Chennai – a gap of over Rs 1.2 lakh on an identical car.

• Road tax structure: States with flat, lower road tax rates (like Gujarat) tend to produce cheaper on-road prices, while states with steeper slab-based taxation (like several southern states) push costs higher.
• RTO processing fees: Smart card issuance, hypothecation charges, and number-plate fees differ slightly by transport department, though this contributes far less to the gap than road tax does.
• Insurance variation: Third-party premiums are fixed nationally by regulation, but comprehensive cover pricing can vary by insurer and city risk profile, giving buyers some room to shop around.

Because 4×4 variants of the Thar OG sit at a higher ex-showroom price, the rupee-value gap between cities widens further as you move up the variant ladder – the difference on a top-spec ZXT 4×4 diesel automatic will typically run into several lakhs more than the gap seen on the base AXT.

Thar OG Design: A Familiar Face With a Fresh Look

The three-door Thar has always traded on its unmistakable silhouette, and Mahindra has been careful not to mess with a winning formula. The Thar OG keeps its iconic styling alive but introduces new elements for a refreshed look.

Front end:

• It finally gets LED projector headlamps borrowed from the larger Thar Roxx, along with a new grille carrying “Thar” branding on the right side.
• The fog lamps have moved up to the fender and now feature LED technology as well.
• The bumper has been redesigned with a more layered look, featuring silver inserts combined with black elements.

Side profile and rear:

• The most notable change in profile comes from new 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that lend an upmarket feel, while the boxy silhouette and chunky wheel-arch cladding remain unmistakable.
• At the rear, slimmer LED taillamps pair with a reprofiled bumper carrying silver inserts, and the tailgate-mounted spare wheel gets a revised look to match the new alloys.

The net effect is a Thar that photographs as clearly newer without losing the retro-off-roader charm that has made it a status symbol on Indian roads since 2020.

Read Also: Tata Altroz Price 2026: Ex-Showroom, On-Road & City-Wise Breakdown

Thar OG Colour Options

Buyers now get eight shades to choose from, with two new additions joining the palette:

• Everest White
• Tango Red
• Stealth Black
• Battleship Grey
• Galaxy Grey
• Deep Forest
• Artemis Silver (New)
• Jeans Blue (New)

The new Artemis Silver shade is widely regarded as the standout colour, giving the Thar OG a rugged yet understated road presence that should appeal to buyers wanting to avoid the flashier reds and blacks that dominated the outgoing model’s colour mix.

Thar OG Interior and Cabin Experience

Step inside, and the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary – which is exactly what long-time Thar fans will want. The cabin now gains brown leatherette seat upholstery for a more upscale look, while the upright dash, three spoke steering wheel, round vents and toggle switches on the central console add to the vehicle’s sporty appeal. A small but useful addition for rear-seat occupants: Mahindra has added armrests with integrated cupholders on either side at the back, addressing a long-standing practicality complaint in a car whose rear bench was historically an afterthought.

The overall ergonomic layout – high-set seating, a commanding view of the bonnet, and physical switchgear rather than a fully touch-based interface – continues to set the Thar apart from crossover-style SUVs that dominate the segment.

Thar OG Features and Equipment

Mahindra has used this update to close some of the gaps that made the outgoing Thar feel a bit spartan next to the Thar Roxx. New additions include drive modes (Sand, Snow, Mud), push-button start, and a wireless charger.

Carried-over equipment that remains competitive for the segment includes:

• Cruise control
• Manual air-conditioning
• A 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• A height-adjustable driver seat and power-adjustable ORVMs
• A 6-speaker setup (4 speakers plus 2 tweeters)
• A manual day/night IRVM

The Thar OG also picks up a 360-degree camera system and a colour MID (multi-information display) in the instrument cluster, along with a rear wiper-washer and front-seat ventilation on higher trims – features that were previously the preserve of the five-door Thar Roxx.

Mahindra Thar OG Safety Equipment

This is arguably where the Thar OG makes its biggest leap. Safety is significantly enhanced with 6 airbags, front parking sensors and all-wheel disc brakes as standard across the range. This is a significant jump as the outgoing Thar was only equipped with two airbags, which makes the threefold increase standard-fit an important upgrade for families who were reluctant to buy the Thar due to its lack of safety features.

Other safety technology on offer includes:

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Hill Hold Assist (HHA) and Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The previous-generation Thar scored 4 stars in Global NCAP crash testing, and expectations are that this updated version should perform similarly or better given the added airbag count. Official crash-test results for the Thar OG specifically are yet to be published, so this should be treated as an expectation rather than a confirmed rating.

Mahindra OG Engine and Powertrain Options

Under the bonnet, Mahindra has stuck with a familiar three-engine strategy but has extracted more performance from each unit. The Thar OG continues with 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre diesel engines alongside a 2-litre turbo-petrol option, with the two larger engines now optionally offered with 4WD.

Engine	2.0L Turbo-Petrol (mStallion)	1.5L Diesel	2.2L Diesel (mHawk)
Power	162 PS	119 PS	152 PS
Torque	330 Nm	300 Nm	330 Nm
Transmission	6-speed MT / 6-speed AT	6-speed MT	6-speed MT / 6-speed AT
Drivetrain	RWD / 4WD	RWD only	4WD / RWD

MT: Manual Transmission, AT: Automatic Transmission.

These are healthy bumps over the outgoing engine outputs, and the petrol motor in particular now edges closer to what buyers of hot hatches and mid-size SUVs expect in terms of outright power. The 2.2-litre diesel remains the pick for those who want maximum torque for towing or serious off-roading, while the 1.5-litre diesel continues to serve as the value-focused, lower-running-cost entry point.

Off-Road Hardware and Ride Quality

The Thar’s real selling proposition has never been outright numbers – it’s off-road capability, and Mahindra hasn’t diluted that with this update. The SUV retains serious off-road tricks including a brake-locking differential (BLD), automatic hub locks, an electronic locking differential (EDL) and tow hitch protection.

Two mechanical upgrades stand out for anyone who cares about how the Thar rides and steers:

• An upgraded suspension setup using DaVinci frequency-dependent dampers (FDD) – technology first seen on the Mahindra XUV 7XO – should meaningfully improve on-road ride comfort without sacrificing off-road articulation.
• A new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system replaces the old hydraulic setup, which should make the Thar noticeably easier to manoeuvre at low speeds and in city traffic – long a criticism of the outgoing car’s heavy steering.

Combined with the new Sand, Snow and Mud drive modes, this puts the Thar OG’s off-road toolkit on par with, or ahead of, most rivals in its price bracket.

How the Thar OG Compares to Rivals

The Thar OG doesn’t operate in a vacuum – India’s off-road SUV segment, while niche, has a few credible alternatives that cross-shoppers typically consider.

Force Gurkha: A genuinely old-school alternative for buyers who feel the Thar has become too modern, the Gurkha offers a torquey diesel engine and serious off-road ability. It trades away outright refinement and features for outright ruggedness, and typically commands a starting price above the Thar OG.

Maruti Jimny: Taking a different approach to the off-road formula, the Jimny counters with cutesy styling, a smooth, refined petrol engine and mountain-goat-like climbing ability – though it lacks a diesel option and has a smaller cabin than the Thar.

Mahindra Thar Roxx: The five-door sibling remains the practical choice for families needing more boot space and rear-seat room, at a broadly similar starting price band, but without the raw, stripped-back character of the three-door OG.

Here’s a quick snapshot for reference:

Model	Starting Ex-Showroom Price	Engine Options	Key Strength
Mahindra Thar OG	Rs 10.32 lakh	1.5L/2.2L Diesel, 2.0L Petrol	Balance of off-road ability + features
Maruti Jimny	~Rs 12.5 lakh onwards	1.5L Petrol	Refinement, reliability
Force Gurkha	~Rs 16.3 lakh onwards	2.6L Diesel	Uncompromising off-road hardware
Mahindra Thar Roxx	~Rs 12.5 lakh onwards	2.0L Petrol, 2.2L Diesel	Space, practicality, 5-door layout

Prices are approximate average ex-showroom figures and will vary by city and variant.

Common Mistakes Buyers Make While Checking Thar OG Price

A lot of buyers anchor their budget purely on the ex-showroom figure they see in advertisements or on Mahindra’s website, without accounting for the fact that RTO and road tax alone can add over a lakh to the final number, especially on 4×4 variants. This mismatch often causes budget shortfalls right at the dealership counter.

Insurance costs also get underestimated, particularly on the higher-spec ZXT trims where the declared value – and therefore the premium – is meaningfully higher than on the AXT. Buyers frequently accept the dealership’s bundled insurance quote without comparing it against standalone insurers, missing out on potential savings. Another frequent oversight is ignoring accessory packages and extended warranty add-ons that dealers often quote separately from the on-road price, leading to a higher final invoice than expected.

Read Also: Hyundai Bayon India: Launch Date, Price, Images & Specifications

Practical Tips Before You Finalize Your Purchase

Before booking, always ask your dealership for a written on-road price quote rather than a verbal estimate – this protects you from last-minute changes once the actual invoice is generated. It’s also worth getting insurance quotes from at least two providers instead of defaulting to the dealership’s bundled policy, since standalone insurers often price identical coverage lower.

Given that these are introductory launch prices, it’s also sensible to check with your dealer whether a price revision is expected in the coming months – Mahindra has historically nudged prices up modestly a few months after a facelift launch once introductory offers lapse. Buyers eyeing the 4×4 automatic variants in particular should also ask about current waiting periods, since these tend to be the most in-demand configurations at launch and can carry longer delivery timelines than the base AXT.

What’s Changing in Thar OG Pricing Going Forward

Since the Thar OG has just been launched with introductory pricing, a modest upward revision once the initial launch window closes is a realistic possibility – this is a pattern Mahindra and most manufacturers commonly follow to drive early bookings. Separately, state governments periodically revise road tax slabs, particularly around larger-engine and higher-emission vehicles, so buyers planning a purchase a few months out should keep an eye on their state transport department’s announcements, since even a small tax change can shift the on-road price noticeably on the higher-powered 4×4 variants.

Key Facts Worth Remembering

• The Thar OG starts at Rs 10.32 lakh ex-showroom and tops out at Rs 18.99 lakh for the ZXT 2.2L diesel AT 4×4.
• On-road prices for the base variant range from roughly Rs 11.65 lakh (Ahmedabad) to Rs 12.90 lakh (Chennai) across major cities.
• Road tax structure, not RTO fees or insurance, is the biggest reason the same variant costs differently across states.
• For the first time, the 2.2-litre diesel engine is available in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, not just 4WD.
• Six airbags are now standard across the range, up from two on the outgoing Thar.
• These are introductory prices and may see a modest revision in the coming months.

Should You Buy the Mahindra Thar OG?

Mahindra deserves credit for how consistently it keeps refreshing its lineup, and the Thar OG keeps the model fresh, capable and exciting without straying from what made it popular in the first place. The price increase over the outgoing model is modest, and with the added feature list and, crucially, a plusher ride from the new suspension setup, this looks set to be the most well-rounded version of the three-door Thar yet.

For buyers deciding between variants, the LXT trim with the 1.5-litre diesel in 4×2 guise represents the sweet spot for most urban buyers who want the Thar look and enough off-road ability for the occasional trail, without stretching into the higher tax brackets that 4×4 variants attract in several states. Those planning genuine off-road use – river crossings, rock crawling, sand dunes – should look at the 2.2-litre diesel 4×4 in either MT or AT, where the extra torque and the locking differential hardware genuinely matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Source: Mahindra