Mahindra Thar OG vs Old Thar: What Changed Beneath the Familiar Shape?

Mahindra Thar OG vs Old Thar: At first glance, the new Mahindra Thar OG could pass for a styling refresh. The familiar upright stance and short, purposeful proportions are still there. But the 2026 three-door Thar has changed in ways that matter more once you leave the showroom: a new platform, revised rear suspension, electric power steering and more output from two of its three engines.

That does not mean every new Thar is automatically a better buy. The entry price has increased, and the most meaningful off-road equipment is tied to particular variants. Anyone comparing a nearly new outgoing model with the Thar OG should check the engine, drivetrain and equipment line by line instead of assuming that every version gets every upgrade.

Mahindra launched the Thar OG at an introductory ₹10.32 lakh, ex-showroom. Its published range reaches ₹18.99 lakh. The company says introductory pricing applies to deliveries up to 30 November 2026, so buyers should confirm the price applicable to their delivery date. Thar OG is the new name for the updated three-door Thar; the five-door Thar Roxx remains a separate model.

Mahindra Thar OG vs old Thar: the chassis and ride are the bigger story

The Thar OG moves to Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, which the company says is stiffer. At the rear, it uses a Pentalink arrangement with a Watts Link, replacing the outgoing model’s layout. Mahindra also lists DAVINCI damping with frequency-dependent damping, plus electric power steering.

These changes target the compromises owners often notice in a short-wheelbase off-roader: a busy ride over broken tarmac, body movement and heavy steering at parking speeds. They cannot turn the Thar into a soft-riding family crossover, and the SUV’s upright shape and rugged character remain. The aim is to take some effort out of regular use without removing its trail ability.

Mahindra also claims improved noise, vibration and harshness isolation. That is a claim to judge from the driver’s seat. A useful test drive should include a rough patch, a speed breaker taken at normal speed, a tight turn and a short stretch at 80km/h. A smooth loop around the dealership will not tell you how the rear axle behaves on the road you use every day.

The engines are familiar, but two have more output

The range retains three engine families. The 1.5-litre D117 diesel is listed at 87.2kW and 300Nm. The 2.2-litre D22 mHawk diesel makes 111.9kW and 330Nm, while the 2.0-litre G20 turbo-petrol is rated at 119kW and 330Nm. The larger engines have more power than before; the 1.5-litre diesel keeps its stated output.

The exact drivetrain and gearbox pairing is more useful than a single power figure. The 1.5 diesel is rear-wheel drive, with gearbox availability depending on the trim. The 2.2 diesel is offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, while the petrol is listed with four-wheel drive. Check Mahindra’s current variant matrix before booking; a generic model page can make it easy to assume a combination exists when it does not.

Four-wheel drive is not just a badge. Selected 4WD versions add an electronic locking differential and Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes. Mahindra says rear-wheel-drive versions with the larger diesel and petrol engines also get terrain assistance, but that should not be confused with four-wheel drive: the rear wheels remain the driven wheels on those models.

New styling is obvious; the equipment needs a variant check

The front end gets revised LED headlamps, C-shaped daytime running lights, a new grille and new bumpers. The top trim’s 19-inch alloys give it a more premium stance, while the cabin gains Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery and a second-row armrest with cupholders.

The equipment is not uniform across the range. Mahindra lists six airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and tyre-pressure monitoring on the ZXT trim. The entry AXT has a more basic specification, including two airbags and front disc/rear drum brakes. The electronic locking differential is limited to four-wheel-drive versions. It is worth comparing a base Thar OG with the exact older variant you are considering, not with a fully equipped new one.

This is where the new price can feel less straightforward. The range begins at ₹10.32 lakh, but equipment such as the touchscreen, alloy wheels and additional safety features arrives higher up. A well-kept outgoing Thar could still make financial sense for someone who wants the shape and weekend capability. The OG has a stronger argument if its steering, suspension and safety improvements matter to your everyday drive.

Core Elements of Detailed Mechanical Specifications

The table describes the announced India range, not one single vehicle with every feature. Buyers should confirm the exact engine, gearbox, drivetrain, brakes and safety equipment on the dealer quotation. Mahindra’s trim name alone does not guarantee that a specific off-road aid is included.

Is the Thar OG easier to use every day?

It may be, but the three-door body still sets practical limits. Rear passengers need to enter through the front doors. The square body helps drivers judge its corners, yet the tall stance and wide tyres demand care in tight car parks. The rear bench is best treated as occasional adult seating or a regular place for children, rather than a substitute for a five-door family SUV.

Electric steering should make low-speed turns less tiring, and the new rear suspension is meant to improve ride comfort. Test those claims on your own roads. If you regularly carry family, take them along and use the rear seat. Check the access, the ride over a broken surface and the noise at cruising speed.

There is also a real difference between buying a rear-wheel-drive version and a 4WD. For city use and occasional highway trips, RWD may be sufficient. If you plan to travel on loose trails, sand or steep, slippery climbs, choose a properly equipped 4WD and learn how to use the system. Paying for hardware you never need is wasteful; expecting a RWD vehicle to perform like a 4WD is equally unwise.

Ownership costs deserve a look before the booking amount is paid. Ask for the insurance quote, service schedule, tyre replacement cost and waiting period for the exact variant. Larger wheels and off-road tyres can cost more to replace. If the vehicle will be used on rough trails, underbody protection and recovery equipment may be sensible additions, but the cost and any effect on warranty should be clear.

CarBike Insight Analysis

The Thar OG is more than a cosmetic update. The platform, rear suspension and electric steering directly address daily-use compromises, while the four-wheel-drive trims preserve the hardware that gives the Thar its off-road credibility. That is the strongest reason to consider the new model over the outgoing one.

Its value depends on the variant. At the bottom of the range, the starting price looks attractive, but equipment is basic. The middle and upper trims carry more of the features buyers will notice, and their prices put comfort-focused rivals within reach. The Thar remains a specialist choice: it makes sense for someone who actively wants its size, image and capability. For that buyer, the mechanical revisions matter more than the new grille.