Mahindra Thar OG review: 7.3/10, Good Buy

Mahindra · Petrol/Diesel · ₹10.32L - ₹18.99L · Launched 22 Sep 2026

ReviewHub score: 7.3/10 · Verdict: Good Buy — based on 6 YouTube reviews (6 positive, 0 mixed, 0 negative).

Gets a genuinely serious mechanical upgrade borrowed from the bigger Roxx - and keeps the feature list sparse enough that it still feels like 2020 inside.

About this car

The Mahindra Thar OG is a comprehensively updated version of the classic 3-door Thar, launched 22 Sep 2026 to sit alongside the 5-door Thar Roxx. Built on a shortened version of the Roxx's M_Glyde 4G platform, it gains a wider track, DaVinci frequency-dependent-damping suspension, electric power steering, and more powerful 2.2L diesel (150 PS) and 2.0L turbo-petrol (160 PS) engines alongside an unchanged 1.5L diesel, across AXT, LXT and ZXT trims priced ₹10.32L-₹18.99L (introductory, ex-showroom).

Score by aspect

• Looks & Design: 8/10
• Performance: 7/10
• Comfort & Ride: 6/10
• Mileage: 6/10
• Features & Tech: 7/10
• Value for Money: 7/10

What owners and reviewers like

• A genuinely meaningful mechanical upgrade - the Roxx-derived M_Glyde 4G platform, DaVinci FDD suspension, wider track and electric power steering make it noticeably more composed and confidence-inspiring on the highway and through corners without touching its off-road character
• Distinctive design update (Roxx-derived LED projector headlamps, C-shaped DRLs, reworked grille and bumper) modernizes the look while keeping the boxy, classic Thar silhouette intact - widely praised across reviews
• Genuinely capable off-road hardware - electronic locking rear differential, terrain modes, a 40-degree approach angle and 650mm wading depth handled a real off-road test course without needing the diff lock, per Team-BHP's own test
• Base variant pricing held at the outgoing car's ₹10.32L despite the mechanical upgrades - reviewers repeatedly flagged this as good value, especially against the top-spec ZXT's steeper ₹19L ask

What to watch out for

• No sunroof at any variant, no automatic climate control, no 360-degree camera, no auto-dimming rearview mirror and no ADAS - a notably sparse feature list for a car whose top variant nears ₹19 lakh
• Cabin practicality remains a genuine compromise - only 4 seats, 2 doors with difficult rear access, and a small boot inadequate for real luggage
• Noticeable wind noise above 85 km/h and road noise from the AT variant's tyres, which reviewers said become genuinely tiring on longer drives
• Steering turns vague at higher speeds, and the tall, short-wheelbase body-on-frame construction still can't match a monocoque SUV's on-road comfort or confidence at speed - Team-BHP explicitly cautioned against pushing much past 100-120 km/h

What each reviewer said

• Master Wheels (Hindi) — Good Buy, 7/10
  “An enthusiastic Hindi walkaround-turned-off-road test, highlighting that the price hasn't risen a rupee despite the platform, suspension, safety and power upgrades, then taking it through roughly two hours of aggressive off-roading that the reviewer says the car handled with ease throughout. Bottom line: visibly impressed by how capable it remained after sustained off-road abuse, closing by asking viewers whether they think it's worth the price.” Watch the review on YouTube
• Autocar India (English) — Good Buy, 7.5/10
  “A proper first-drive follow-up to their own walkaround, crediting the new suspension, EPS, more power and ESP with making the Thar OG 'a lot more livable' - more stable on the highway, easier to handle and better at stopping than before. But it's equally clear about who it isn't for: 'if you want comfort, space and practicality, a nice easy to live with city car, then the Thar is probably not your best bet.' Bottom line: for genuine off-roaders and long-way-home types, 'there still is no other option that is better.'” Watch the review on YouTube
• Content With Cars (Malayalam) — Good Buy, 7.5/10
  “A hands-on Malayalam review that includes an actual braking test on the new disc setup ('it stops really well'), then calls this 'the best iteration of Thar' yet, with the biggest improvements coming underneath rather than in the styling. Bottom line: until the next full-generation redesign arrives, this is the version people will keep buying for the classic look alone.” Watch the review on YouTube
• PowerDrift (English) — Good Buy, 7.5/10
  “Opens by listing the Thar's real drawbacks bluntly - uncomfortable, hard to get into the back, no third occupant in the rear, thirsty, minimal boot - then argues none of it matters because 'if it did, you'd buy a Creta' and this SUV has 'aura' few other sub-₹20-lakh cars have. Credits the new EPS, ride quality and NVH work with making it genuinely more livable day to day. Bottom line: the impracticalities are the point, not a flaw - buyers wanting a sensible daily should look at the 5-door Thar Roxx instead.” Watch the review on YouTube
• Power On Wheel (Hindi) — Good Buy, 7/10
  “A drive review combining a mileage check with an off-roading run on the 2.2L diesel (quoted here at 172 PS, above Mahindra's official 150 PS figure - worth double-checking), noting the on-road behaviour and comfort felt noticeably different from before. Bottom line: 'if you are a fan of Thar, then you can like this OG' - aimed squarely at existing fans of the nameplate rather than new buyers.” Watch the review on YouTube
• CarDekho (English) — Good Buy, 7.5/10
  “Opens unambiguously - 'Thar has become Thar OG and it is better in every sense, no doubt about it' - crediting the Roxx-derived LED lighting and reworked grille for a 'macho and imposing' face, and confirms the upgraded rear disc brakes deliver a noticeably better, more controlled stop in their own test. Bottom line: a clear, confident endorsement of the update with no major reservations raised.” Watch the review on YouTube

All car reviews · Best rated · ReviewHub home

Scores, summaries and pros/cons are aggregated by AI from publicly available YouTube review videos. All video content belongs to its creators.