The Mahindra Thar has always been loved for its looks and its off-road spirit. But for years, buyers also had complaints: heavy steering, a bumpy ride, and only two airbags. With the new Thar OG, Mahindra has tried to fix many of these problems.
So what really changed? Let me explain it in simple words.
Official Highlights & New Features
- Platform & Ride Quality: Built on the upgraded M_Glyde 4G platform featuring PENTALINK rear suspension with Watt’s Link and DAVINCI Damping (with Frequency Dependent Damping) to greatly improve on-road ride comfort.
- Steering & Handling: Equipped with Electric Power Steering (EPS) and an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD).
- Exterior Design: Features a refreshed grille with Thar branding, C-shaped LED DRLs, LED headlamps, LED fog lamps with cornering function, and R19 alloy wheels with 255/60 R19 tires (depending on the variant).
- Interior & Cabin Tech: Includes a 26.03 cm infotainment touchscreen, wireless smartphone charger, Type-C charging ports, rear AC vents, and Truffle Brown leatherette seats with perforated body-hugging contours.
- Safety Upgrades: Standard 6 airbags, all-disc brakes (front and rear), and front parking sensors on upper trims.
- Powertrain Options:
- 2.0 L mStallion TGDi Petrol (119 kW, 330 Nm)
- 2.2 L mHawk Diesel (111.9 kW, 330 Nm)
- 1.5 L CRDe Diesel (87.2 kW, 300 Nm)
- Available in RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD configurations with manual and torque-converter automatic transmissions.
What Does “OG” Mean?
OG is a new badge added to the 3-door Thar. It helps separate it from the bigger 5-door Thar Roxx. The Thar OG replaces the 3-door model launched in 2020. It was launched with a starting price of Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom), the same entry price as before, and the top variants go up to Rs 18.99 lakh. Mahindra says the introductory prices stay in force until 30 November 2026, and deliveries began on 11 October 2026.
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A Stronger Platform Underneath
The biggest change is not visible from outside. The Thar OG now sits on Mahindra’s M_Glyde 4G platform, which was first used in the Thar Roxx. This platform is stiffer, so the SUV should feel more stable on the highway and in corners. A stiffer body also helps on rough tracks, because the car twists less.
Better Ride and Easier Steering
Two upgrades will matter to you every day.
First, Mahindra has added DAVINCI dampers, which are frequency-dependent. In simple words, the suspension reacts differently to small bumps and big bumps, so the ride should feel smoother than before.
Second, the old hydraulic steering has been replaced by electric power steering. Low-speed turning and parking should feel much lighter, which is a big help in city traffic.
More Power From Petrol and Diesel Engines
The Thar OG keeps three engine options, but most of them now make more power.
2.0-litre turbo-petrol: about 162 hp and 330 Nm
2.2-liter diesel: about 152 hp and 330 Nm
1.5-liter diesel: about 117 hp and 300 Nm (unchanged)
The 1.5-liter diesel is offered only with the base AXT trim. The LXT and ZXT trims get all three engines, with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, depending on the variant.
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Off-Road Upgrade
The 4×4 versions get an electronic locking differential. It can lock the rear axle electronically, so engine power goes to the wheel with the best grip. This helps when one wheel is stuck in mud or sand.
Safety: Better, but check the variant
This is the part many buyers care about most. The Thar OG now offers six airbags, which is a first for the 3-door Thar. Four of them are HPTS airbags that protect the head, pelvis, thorax, and shoulder. The top trim also gets all-wheel disc brakes, front parking sensors, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
However, one report says that the AXT and LXT trims continue with two airbags and that six airbags come only on the top ZXT variants. Before you book, ask the dealer to confirm in writing how many airbags your chosen variant has.
Design and Cabin Changes
On the outside, the Thar OG gets a new grille with Thar lettering, LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights, and LED fog lamps with a cornering function. The top ZXT trim gets new 19-inch alloy wheels. There are also two new colors: Artemis Silver and Jeans Blue.
Inside, the design is mostly the same, but there are useful additions:
A 10.25-inch touchscreen that also holds the Terrain Mode controls
Wireless phone charger
Push-button start
Rear AC vents
Truffle Brown leatherette seats
A rear armrest with cupholders and a 12V socket
Lower noise levels, according to Mahindra
What Is Still Missing?
A good article should also tell you what has not changed. The Thar OG still has no ADAS, which the bigger Thar Roxx offers. A rear parking camera is available only on the top ZXT trim. The climate control is still basic, the handbrake is still a manual lever, and the audio system has six speakers with no branded setup.
Who Should Buy the Thar OG?
It is a good choice if:
You love the classic 3-door, that look
You want a body-on-frame SUV with real off-road ability.
You wanted a smoother ride and lighter steering than the older model.
Think twice if:
You need a lot of rear seat or luggage space for a family
You want ADAS and modern driver aids.
You want six airbags on a lower-priced variant.
The Thar OG competes with body-on-frame SUVs like the Force Gurkha and the Maruti Suzuki Jimny.
My Final Thoughts
The Thar OG is a real upgrade, not just a new badge. The new platform, electric steering, smarter dampers, stronger engines, and extra safety kit fix the biggest complaints about the old Thar, and the starting price has not changed. It is still a rugged lifestyle SUV, not a perfect family car. My advice is to take a test drive on a rough road, because that is where the changes can be felt most.
Mahindra Thar is the most powerful engine, with all 4 wheels working on it. Other Mahindra cars are good, but these Thar features are too powerful and also the greatest car you have never seen.
| Variant-wise Introductory Pricing (In Lakh*)—All prices are ex-showroom. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | D117 CRDe Diesel | D22 mHawk Diesel | G20 TGDi mStallion Petrol | ||||
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | 4WD | RWD | 4WD | ||
| Transmission | MT | AT | MT | AT | AT | MT | AT |
| AXT | ₹ 10.32 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| LXT | ₹ 12.99 | ₹ 16.49 | ₹ 16.43 | ₹ 18.00 | ₹ 14.77 | ₹ 15.60 | ₹ 17.23 |
| ZXT | ₹ 13.99 | ₹ 17.49 | ₹ 17.49 | ₹ 18.99 | ₹ 16.09 | ₹ 16.60 | ₹ 17.75 |
*Introductory price valid for deliveries until November 30, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the starting price of the Mahindra Thar OG?
A: It starts at Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom), and the top variant goes up to Rs 18.99 lakh. Introductory pricing runs until 30 November 2026.
Q: What does OG mean in Thar OG?
A: It is a badge for the updated 3-door Thar, used to separate it from the 5-door Thar Roxx.
Q: Does the Thar OG have six airbags?
A: Six airbags are available, but check your variant, because some trims continue with two airbags.
Q: Does the Thar OG have ADAS?
A: No. ADAS is not offered on the Thar OG.
Q: Which engines does it have?
A: A 2.0-liter turbo-petrol, a 2.2-liter diesel, and a 1.5-liter diesel.
| Thar OG Feature List | ||
|---|---|---|
| AXT | LXT (Incremental features over AXT) | ZXT (incremental features over LXT) |
| Electric Power Steering Push Button Start Dual Airbags Brake Locking Differential Side Footstep: TubularESP with rollover mitigation Roll cage R18 Steel Wheels Halogen MFR Headlamps LED tail lamps 2nd-row soft armrest on wheel arches Height Adjustable Driver Seat Rear AC Vents Rear demister: Internally opening fuel lid Front Disc & Rear Drum Brakes | Electronic Locking Differential (only in 4WD) Terrain Modes (only in 4WD) Terrain assist (in RWD: 2.2 L mHawk and 2.0 L mStallion) R18 Alloys 26.03 cm HD touchscreen infotainment Color MID in the instrument cluster. Dual Tone Bumpers Side Footstep: Moulded MouldedElectrically Adjustable ORVMs Embossed Fabric Seats Cruise Control Rear Wiper Washer Tire Direction Monitoring System Android Auto & CarPlay Adventure Statistics Gen II Washable floor with drain plugs (only on 4WD) | New R19 Alloys New LED Headlamps with DRL New LED front fog lamps Cornering function: Wireless charger Disc brakes front and rear Tyre Pressure Monitoring System Rear View Camera HPTS Airbags (4 Nos.) for front and rear seats (total 6 airbags) Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) Front Parking Sensors Embossed leatherette seats Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
Also download the official information PDF—click here
Sources: Mahindra official website, Auto Mahindra