Along with the exterior updates, the 3-door Thar facelift is expected to get new features like Level 2 ADAS, ventilated seats, automatic AC and wireless charging.
Mahindra had introduced several updates with the 2025 Thar, which was launched in October last year. However, test mules with Rocks-inspired styling continue to be seen. These point towards the 2026 Thar facelift, which is expected to launch later this year. The latest Thar facelift spy shots are credited to automotive enthusiast G Rajan. Let’s see the details.
2026 Thar facelift – what’s new?
At the front, the grille, lighting elements and bumper of the Thar facelift look quite similar to the Rocks. While the current Thar has circular headlamps, the facelift model has circular headlamps that are flush with the grille. The C-shaped LED DRLs are also worth noting. Borrowing parts from Rocks will help reduce production costs. Additionally, the front end of the Rocks is more refined and advanced, which seems to be on par with the Thar.
The side profile of the facelift model looks largely similar to the current Thar. However, it is possible that the facelift may borrow alloy wheels from Roxx. The test mule has the wheels wrapped in camouflage. But the design of the spokes suggests that these would likely be the spokes used with Roux. In that case, these wheels could be of 19-inch size. The current Thar has R16 wheels with the AXT variant and R18 wheels with the LXT.
At the rear, the taillamps also appear to be taken from the Roxx. While both the SUVs have vertically stacked rectangular units, the Rocks comes with distinctive details. It also has a more dynamic feel than the taillamps seen with the current Thar. Some new color options may be introduced with the Thar facelift. This test model appears to be using the Galaxy Gray colour, which is already available with the Thar.
New equipment, powertrain
Many new features were found in the Thar 2025 model updated in October last year. However, the facelift is expected to further increase the equipment list. One of the major additions could be Level 2 ADAS. It may be somewhat similar to the Rockus, with 10 ADAS features specifically designed for Indian road conditions. Other features on the 2026 Thar facelift include automatic climate control, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, auto-folding ORVMs, keyless entry with push button start, and a wireless charging pad.
Powertrain options for the Thar facelift will remain the same as the existing model. Diesel options include a 1.5-litre and 2.2-litre unit. The small diesel engine generates 117 hp and 300 Nm torque. It is offered in RWD format with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 2.2-litre diesel unit produces 130 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
The petrol variant is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 150 hp and 300 Nm (MT) / 320 Nm (AT). The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol engines are offered with transmission options of 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic. While the 2.2-litre diesel variant has 4WD, the 2.0-litre petrol variant has the option of both 4WD and RWD.