The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. This four-cylinder turbocharged unit is expected to produce around 118 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 1800-2800 rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. This engine is known for its robust nature and strong low-end torque, which is crucial for carrying heavy loads and navigating challenging terrains.

In real-life driving conditions, the engine offers adequate power for city commutes and comfortable highway cruising. The strong torque ensures easy drivability, even with a full load of passengers or cargo. Overtaking maneuvers on highways require planning, but the engine provides sufficient grunt. Fuel economy is expected to be around 14-15 kmpl in mixed driving conditions, varying with driving style and load. The ladder-on-frame construction and rear-wheel drive contribute to its rugged performance and ability to handle rough roads.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus, with its body-on-frame chassis and multi-link rear suspension, offers a ride quality optimized for ruggedness and load-carrying rather than plush comfort. On smooth roads, the ride is acceptable, but it truly shines on broken or unpaved surfaces, absorbing bumps and potholes with relative ease. The suspension setup is designed to handle challenging Indian road conditions, making it a capable vehicle for rural and semi-urban environments.

Handling is predictable for a vehicle of its size and construction. The hydraulic power steering provides decent feedback, though it can feel heavy at low speeds. Maneuverability in tight city spaces requires some effort due to its dimensions and turning radius. At higher speeds, the vehicle feels stable, but body roll is noticeable around corners. Emergency braking performance is adequate, with ABS and EBD assisting in maintaining control. Overall, the ride and handling characteristics are in line with its utility-focused design.

The interior of the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is designed for practicality and space, accommodating either seven or nine occupants depending on the variant. The cabin layout is functional, with a focus on durability rather than premium aesthetics. Material quality is robust, built to withstand heavy usage. Seating in the first two rows offers reasonable comfort for adults, with adequate headroom and legroom. The third row, typically side-facing jump seats in the 9-seater configuration, is best suited for short distances or children, as is common with such utility vehicles.

Storage options are practical, including door pockets and a central console. The boot space is limited with all seats in use, but the third-row seats can be folded up to significantly expand cargo capacity, offering up to 696 litres of space when needed. This flexibility allows for carrying a large amount of luggage or goods, making it versatile for both family trips and commercial applications. While not plush, the interior serves its purpose as a utilitarian people-mover.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is functional, providing essential connectivity features. Higher variants are expected to feature a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. This system typically includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a radio. It offers basic entertainment and communication functionalities, catering to the needs of a utility-focused vehicle.

Lower variants may come with a simpler audio system or a provision for aftermarket fitment. Steering-mounted audio controls are available on select trims, enhancing convenience for the driver. While advanced features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or connected car technology might be limited or absent, the system provides a straightforward and easy-to-use interface for daily operations. The focus remains on core utility rather than extensive digital integration.

The exterior design of the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus maintains the familiar, upright, and boxy silhouette characteristic of the Bolero lineage, emphasizing its rugged utility. It features a prominent front grille, likely with chrome inserts on higher variants, flanked by robust headlamp clusters. The overall stance is commanding, reflecting its body-on-frame construction. Dimensions for the 2025 model are expected to remain consistent with the previous year's, measuring approximately 4400 mm in length, 1795 mm in width, and 1812 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2680 mm. The ground clearance is around 180 mm, suitable for varied Indian road conditions.

The side profile is straightforward, with large windows and functional side cladding. Higher variants may feature alloy wheels, while lower trims will likely come with steel wheels. The rear design is simple, incorporating a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, a signature Bolero element. Color options are anticipated to include practical shades like Napoli Black, Majestic Silver, and Diamond White. The design prioritizes function and durability, appealing to buyers who value a strong, traditional SUV look.

Safety features in the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus are fundamental, focusing on essential protection. The vehicle is expected to come with dual front airbags (driver and passenger) as standard. Other standard safety features include Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), rear parking sensors, and seatbelt reminders for front occupants. Child safety locks are also standard.

The Bolero Neo, on which the Neo Plus is based, received a 1-star safety rating for both adult and child occupant protection from Global NCAP in 2024 (for the 2024 model year). The body shell was rated as unstable. While the Neo Plus shares a similar platform, its safety performance is expected to be in a similar vicinity. The vehicle's robust body-on-frame construction provides a sense of security, but the lack of advanced active safety features and the structural integrity noted in previous tests indicate a basic safety offering.

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus occupies a unique niche in the Indian market, primarily due to its 7/9-seater capacity, body-on-frame construction, and diesel-only powertrain. While it doesn't have direct rivals offering the exact same combination, it competes indirectly with several vehicles based on price, seating capacity, or utility.

One key competitor is the Mahindra Bolero Neo, its smaller sibling, which offers a 7-seater layout and a less powerful 1.5-litre diesel engine. The Neo Plus differentiates itself with more space and a stronger engine, appealing to those needing greater capacity and pulling power. Another alternative could be the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, a popular MPV known for its comfortable 7-seater cabin, refined petrol engine, and higher fuel efficiency. However, the Ertiga is a monocoque vehicle, lacking the ruggedness and load-carrying ability of the Bolero Neo Plus. For buyers prioritizing sheer utility and a robust build, the Neo Plus holds an advantage.

The Mahindra Scorpio Classic also presents an alternative, offering a similar rugged, body-on-frame experience with a more powerful engine and a stronger road presence, though at a higher price point. Compared to compact SUVs like the Hyundai Venue or Kia Sonet, the Bolero Neo Plus offers significantly more seating and a tougher build, albeit with fewer creature comforts and a less refined driving experience. The value for money option among these is subjective; for pure people-carrying and rugged use, the Bolero Neo Plus stands out, while the Ertiga offers more car-like comfort and efficiency for family use. The overall best performer for utility and seating capacity is the Bolero Neo Plus, given its specific design brief.

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero Neo Plus is a highly specialized vehicle that excels in its intended role as a robust, high-capacity people mover. It is not a vehicle for those seeking urban refinement or cutting-edge technology. Instead, it offers a compelling package for buyers who prioritize durability, a commanding road presence, and the ability to transport a large number of occupants or significant cargo over diverse terrains. Its 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine provides sufficient power and torque for its utilitarian purpose.

For a general buyer in India, particularly in semi-urban or rural areas, or for fleet operators, the Bolero Neo Plus represents a strong value proposition. Its body-on-frame construction ensures longevity and resilience. While its safety ratings are basic and comfort features are limited, its core strengths make it a practical and dependable choice. If your primary need is a no-nonsense, spacious, and tough vehicle that can handle rough roads and carry many people, the P10 variant would be the best pick for its balance of essential features and seating capacity.