2026 Mahindra Thar Facelift Spotted, Gets Grille Borrowed From Thar Roxx

Mahindra is working on a facelifted Thar for a long time. The lifestyle compact SUV was launched in a brand new avatar back in December 2020. A comprehensive mid-cycle facelift for the Mahindra Thar is long overdue, as the second-generation model has remained largely unchanged, barring minor updates, since its launch nearly five years ago.

Test mules of the facelifted Mahindra Thar have been caught on multiple occasions in the last few months. Another prototype of the 2026 Mahindra Thar facelift has been caught on camera testing on the roads of Ooty. The partially camouflaged test mule of the SUV hints at the design changes expected in the facelifted model. 

2026 Mahindra Thar Facelift: Expected Changes

The latest sightings confirm that certain elements of the 2026 Mahindra Thar will be borrowed from its 5-door sibling — Thar Roxx. These include LED projector headlights with C-shaped daytime running lamps (DRLs), a double-stacked six-slot grille and new diamond-cut alloy wheels, likely to be 19-inch units. There are hardly any changes expected at the rear except for the tweaked LED taillamp cluster.

Interior updates are not evident in the latest spy images; however, the facelift is expected to introduce feature enhancements such as front ventilated seats, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror (IRVM), power-folding outside rearview mirrors (ORVMs), push-button start, and a wireless charger.

2026 Mahindra Thar Facelift: Expected Powertrain

Mechanically, the 2026 Mahindra Thar is likely to remain unchanged. It is likely to offer three engine options including a 1.5-litre turbo diesel, a 2.0-litre turbo petrol, and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel. Transmission options will include a 5-speed manual gearbox for the 1.5-litre diesel, and a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic for the 2.0-litre petrol and 2.0-litre diesel mills. 

Four-wheel drive is expected to continue as an optional feature for the petrol engine, while being offered as standard on the higher-output diesel variant. The 1.5-litre oil burner will solely be offered in a rear-wheel drive configuration.

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