Mahindra is continuing road tests of the updated three-door Thar ahead of its expected launch during the festive season. The facelift is set to bring several styling changes, while the SUV is expected to retain its existing engine and transmission options.
The latest test vehicle images provide a closer look at some of the exterior revisions. The changes appear to bring the standard three-door Thar closer in appearance to the larger Thar Roxx without altering its familiar boxy proportions and off-road-focused design.
Design
The most noticeable change is a redesigned five-slot front grille. One of the grille slots appears to have an extension that could accommodate the Thar branding.
The facelifted SUV is also expected to receive projector headlamps borrowed from the Thar Roxx. This would give the three-door model a more contemporary front-end appearance while maintaining the upright design that has become a defining feature of the Thar.
Freshly designed alloy wheels are another visible update on the test vehicle. These changes are relatively subtle, but together they should distinguish the facelift from the current model.
Roxx
Mahindra appears to be taking design cues from the Thar Roxx for the facelifted three-door version. The Roxx introduced a number of visual and equipment changes when it joined the Thar lineup, and some of those design elements are now expected to filter down to the smaller three-door model.
The approach allows Mahindra to maintain a common design identity across the Thar range. At the same time, the shorter three-door body and existing proportions will continue to give the standard Thar its own character.
Interior
Mahindra has not yet revealed the complete list of interior changes for the 2026 Thar. Spy images have primarily focused on the exterior, leaving details about the cabin unclear.
The facelift could bring revisions to equipment, trim and cabin features, particularly as the Thar Roxx offers a more modern interior. However, until Mahindra confirms the specifications, these details should be treated as expectations rather than confirmed features.
Engines
The mechanical package is expected to remain largely unchanged. The facelifted Thar is likely to continue with the existing petrol and diesel engine options.
The expected lineup includes the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine, along with 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engines. These powertrains are expected to continue with six-speed manual and torque converter automatic transmission options.
Keeping the existing engines would allow Mahindra to focus the update primarily on design and equipment while retaining the mechanical setup already used by the three-door SUV.
Drivetrain
The updated Thar is expected to continue offering both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. This gives buyers the choice between a more road-focused version and a four-wheel-drive model aimed at customers who want additional off-road capability.
The availability of both drivetrains is important to the Thar lineup because the SUV serves different types of buyers. Some customers are attracted primarily to its styling and lifestyle appeal, while others specifically want its traditional four-wheel-drive capability.
Launch
Mahindra is expected to introduce the facelifted three-door Thar during the festive season this year. The company has continued testing the SUV, suggesting that development is progressing toward its market introduction.
A festive-season launch would also place the updated Thar in the market during one of India’s important vehicle-buying periods. Mahindra has yet to announce an official launch date or provide complete details about the revised model.
Expectations
The facelift does not appear to represent a major mechanical overhaul. Instead, Mahindra is expected to concentrate on bringing updated styling and potentially additional equipment to the three-door Thar.
The new grille, Roxx-inspired projector headlamps and revised alloy wheels are among the clearest changes visible so far. More information about the cabin and equipment should emerge closer to the launch.
If the expected powertrain and drivetrain combinations are retained, the updated Thar should continue with much of the mechanical character of the current SUV while gaining a refreshed appearance. The festive-season introduction will reveal how extensively Mahindra has updated the three-door model and whether additional cabin features accompany the exterior changes.
