The Thar features engine lineup designed to balance technical off-road capability with modern drivability, and is notable for being among the top rear wheel drive (RWD) cars in its segment.

Leading the range is the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol, which generates 150 hp and up to 320 Nm of torque. Other option is the 2.2-litre mHawk turbo-diesel, which delivers 131 hp and 300 Nm of torque. The lineup is rounded out by the 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, a fuel-efficient RWD-focused option that maintains 300 Nm of pulling power.

Across the range, Mahindra pairs these units with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

In 4WD variants, the inclusion of a part-time 4x4 system with a low-range transfer case anchors the Thar’s reputation for raw mechanical capability, regardless of the terrain.

The official ARAI-certified fuel efficiency ranges between 9 kmpl and 15.2 kmpl, depending on the engine, drivetrain, and transmission. The rear-wheel-drive diesel is the most frugal option, while the 4WD automatic petrol is the least.

To support these varying efficiency levels, fuel storage capacity also differs across the range. The smaller D117 diesel gets a 45-litre fuel tank, while the mHawk 130 diesel and mStallion 150 petrol both carry a larger 57-litre tank. The diesel variants also require a 20-litre Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) reservoir, an additional running cost to factor in.

Given its heavy body-on-frame construction and boxy aerodynamics, in real-world conditions, consistent off-road use will noticeably reduce efficiency compared to any claimed figure.

The Thar's cabin is built around a redesigned dashboard with a 26.03 cm HD touchscreen supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (depending on variant, can be wired or wireless). The instrument cluster features a TFT multi-information display, and the Adventure Statistics Gen II system adds an altimeter, compass, and roll-and-pitch meter, genuinely useful for off-road use.

Also, the front seats are contoured and sporty and the driver's seat is height adjustable. Rear seats are front-facing with a 50:50 split-fold.

Other interior features include roof-mounted speakers, rear AC vents, centrally placed power window controls, a rear wiper, door bottle holders and a lockable glovebox round out the comfort. Additionally, upholstery consists of vinyl or fabric, depending on the variant.

The Thar's silhouette consists of round headlamps, a seven-slat grille, and a boxy two-door body, which has remained its defining identity across generations. Building on this classic foundation, the 2025 version adds a body-coloured grille, fender-mounted LED DRLs, and retro-styled LED tail lamps.

Filling out the wheel arches, the vehicle rides on up to 45.72 cm (R18) alloy wheels with 255/65 R18 all-terrain or highway-terrain tyres. This specific setup contributes directly to its trail-readiness, allowing for a ground clearance of 226 mm, an approach angle of 41.2 degrees, a departure angle of 36 degrees, a 26.2-degree ramp-over angle, and a water wading depth of 650 mm.

To protect the bodywork during such off-road use, the exterior is equipped with dual-tone bumpers featuring unpainted outboard ends to minimize visible scratch damage, alongside side footsteps and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel.

The Thar was tested by Global NCAP and holds a 4 star safety rating for adult occupant protection (12.52 out of 17.00) and holds a 4 star for child occupant protection (41.11 out of 49.00), tested at 64 km/h. The bodyshell was rated stable although the footwell area was rated as unstable. However, this test was published in 2020 on an earlier configuration with 2 airbags.

The current Thar's confirmed safety kit includes dual front airbags, 4-channel ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESP with rollover mitigation, hill hold with descent control, a roll cage, 3-point rear seatbelts, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, tyre pressure monitoring, and a rear-view camera.

Notably absent from the safety list are side and head airbags, as well as any advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

The Thar’s closest direct competitors in the Indian market are the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Force Gurkha.

The Jimny holds an advantage in everyday practicality with its standard five-door layout and six airbags. However, the Thar leads with significantly more powerful engines, a diesel powertrain option, and multiple roof configurations. Buyers seeking added practicality within the Thar lineup should consider the five-door Roxx variant.

The Force Gurkha excels in extreme terrain, boasting front and rear mechanically locking differentials and a 700 mm water-wading depth. In contrast, the Thar holds its own by offering a petrol engine, automatic transmissions, and a more refined cabin.