Mahindra & Mahindra has unveiled the 2026 model year of the Thar OG (Original Gangster), the three-door iteration of India’s most popular off-road vehicle, with an introductory Rs 10.32 Lakh (ex-showroom) on board.

The ‘OG’ tag suggests a more involved refresh in order to keep the Thar’s popularity against the influx of competing SUVs while retaining its ruggedness.

Pricing and variants: three trims, three engines

Thar OG is offered across three trims – AXT, LXT and ZXT – priced between Rs 10.32 Lakh to Rs 18.99 Lakh (ex-showroom).

AXT (base):

1.5L D117 CRDe diesel, 6MT, RWD – Rs 10.32 Lakh

LXT (mid-spec):

1.5L Diesel MT RWD – Rs 12.99 Lakh

2.0L Petrol AT RWD – Rs 14.77 Lakh

2.0L Petrol MT 4WD – Rs 15.60 Lakh

2.2L Diesel MT 4WD – Rs 16.43 Lakh

2.2L Diesel AT RWD – Rs 16.49 Lakh

2.0L Petrol AT 4WD – Rs 17.23 Lakh

2.2L Diesel AT 4WD – Rs 18.00 Lakh

ZXT (top-spec):

1.5L Diesel MT RWD – Rs 13.99 Lakh

2.0L Petrol AT RWD – Rs 16.09 Lakh

2.0L Petrol MT 4WD – Rs 16.60 Lakh

2.2L Diesel MT 4WD – Rs 17.49 Lakh

2.2L Diesel AT RWD – Rs 17.49 Lakh

2.0L Petrol AT 4WD – Rs 17.75 Lakh

2.2L Diesel AT 4WD – Rs 18.99 Lakh

The introductory pricing remains applicable till November 30, 2026, beyond which the rates could see an upward revision.

Platform and chassis: Thar Roxx DNA in a 3-door body

The most significant change under the bonnet has been the shift towards a shortened version of the Thar Roxx’s M-Glyde 4G platform, which has resulted in:

Wider track and stronger frame for enhanced stability

Pentalink rear suspension with Watts Link for improved on-road manners

DAVINCI damping for superior control over uneven roads and undulations

Electronic Locking Differential (eLSD) and brake-lock differential for serious off-roading.

These upgrades have made the Thar OG more refined both on highways and city roads, without compromising on its ruggedness.

Engines: more power, same choices

Mahindra has again offered three engine options, with some notable improvements:

1.5L D117 CRDe diesel (entry-level):

117 bhp / 87.2 kW

300 Nm torque

6-speed manual, RWD only

Available in AXT and LXT trims.

2.0L G20 TGDi mStallion turbo-petrol:

162 bhp / 119 kW (up 10 bhp)

330 Nm torque (up 30 Nm)

6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-converter automatic

2WD and 4WD options available across LXT and ZXT.

2.2L D22 mHawk diesel (flagship):

152 bhp / 111.9 kW (up 18 bhp)

330 Nm torque (up 30 Nm)

6-speed manual or automatic

4WD available on LXT and ZXT.

All engines are BS6 Phase 2 compliant, while the petrol and larger diesel engines have seen a significant improvement in terms of power and torque, making them ideal for overtaking and highway cruising.

Features and tech: modernising the icon

Inside, the Thar OG gets a significant upgrade in order to bring it up-to-date with contemporary SUVs:

New touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Digital driver’s display

Ventilated front seats

Automatic climate control

360-degree surround-view camera

Six-speaker audio system

Cruise control, height-adjustable driver’s seat, steering-mounted controls

Powered ORVMs and auto-dimming IRVM on higher trims.

For the first time, select variants also get six airbags and a segment-first 4 Head Pelvis Thorax Shoulder (HPTS) airbag system for rear occupants in side impacts.

Safety and off-road tech

The Thar OG’s safety and off-road kit has been upgraded to match the best in the segment:

Dual-channel ABS with EBD

ESP suite including roll-over mitigation, traction control, hill-hold control and vehicle dynamics control

Front parking sensors

All-four disc brakes (a first for the 3-door Thar)

Dedicated terrain modes: Mud, Sand and Snow

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) for easier low-speed manoeuvring and parking.

These upgrades have made the Thar OG not only more capable off-road, but also significantly safer and more confidence-inspiring on tarmac.

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Design: familiar but fresher

Externally, the Thar OG retains its iconic boxy silhouette but has seen some tweaks:

New front fascia with redesigned grille and bold ‘THAR’ word mark

New LED headlamps with signature C-shaped DRLs

New LED fog lamps with cornering function

New alloy wheel designs and fresh colour options including Truffle Black theme on ZXT.

The rear gets LED tail-lamps and a cleaner bumper design, retaining a sense of modernity without losing the Thar’s ruggedness.

Who should buy which variant?

AXT 1.5D MT RWD (Rs 10.32 Lakh):

Best for budget-conscious buyers who want the Thar badge and the core off-road ability.

Ideal for first-time Thar owners and those planning on doing some light off-roading.

LXT trims (Rs 12.99–18.00 Lakh):

Sweet spot for feature-conscious buyers who want a balance of comfort, power and off-road capability.

The 2.2L Diesel 4WD AT at Rs 18.00 Lakh is a strong option for serious enthusiasts.

ZXT trims (Rs 13.99–18.99 Lakh):

For buyers who want top spec features, better safety and tech.

The 2.2L Diesel 4WD AT ZXT at Rs 18.99 Lakh is the ultimate Thar OG experience.

Deliveries and bookings

Bookings are open already, with deliveries set to begin from October 11, 2026. With the Thar’s fan following and the attractive introductory pricing, I would expect initial demand to be high, with waiting lists possible for popular variants.

The Mahindra Thar OG is no longer just a rugged, no-frills off-road vehicle. With a new platform, more powerful engines, improved suspension, modern tech and enhanced safety, it is a complete lifestyle SUV that can confidently tackle highways, city roads and rough trails. At Rs 10.32 Lakh onwards, it is a compelling option for those seeking value, heritage and a modern SUV experience.

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