Mahindra Thar (2019)

The Mahindra Thar 2019 is a rugged off-road SUV built on a ladder-frame chassis with solid front and rear axles and a low-range transfer case. It comes in both petrol and diesel engine options paired with manual and automatic transmissions. The design retains the classic boxy silhouette with round headlamps and vertical slats on the grille, evoking legacy and adventure. Inside, it offers modern features like touchscreen infotainment, basic safety equipment, and improved ergonomics compared to earlier models, although rear seat space and luggage capacity remain limited. The 4x4 drivetrain with high ground clearance, locking differentials on some variants, and coarse suspension setup make it highly capable off-road. On-road ride comfort can feel bouncy, but it sits well in its niche for those seeking a lifestyle vehicle that can double as a capable trail machine. It appeals strongly to enthusiasts and rural users who require toughness and simplicity framed in an iconic package tailored for India’s challenging roads and offbeat routes.

The 2019 Mahindra Thar is a 4x4 SUV built with a body-on-frame chassis that emphasizes durability and off-road prowess. It comes with both petrol and diesel engine options paired with manual or automatic transmissions. Its classic, boxy design pays homage to the original Thar while adding modern touches like basic infotainment and safety features including airbags and ABS. The interiors are functional rather than lavish, with front bucket seats and limited rear space. Ground clearance of about 226 mm and approach/departure angles support serious off-road driving. While the ride can be firm and the rear seats cramped, the Thar excels in maneuverability on rough terrains and is a symbol of adventure for Indian buyers. It is best suited for enthusiasts and outdoor lovers rather than those seeking sophisticated city SUVs.

The Mahindra Thar 2019 is a rugged and iconic off-roader that brings a strong blend of classic design and modern engineering. Its robustness and proven 4x4 capabilities make it an excellent choice for thrill-seekers and those who need a vehicle for challenging terrains in India. The petrol and diesel engines deliver punchy performance and refinement respectable for a vehicle in this segment. However, the ride can be bouncy on tarmac, and interior space and comfort, especially for rear passengers, leave something to be desired. The limited luggage space also restricts longer journeys with more cargo. Despite these drawbacks, the Thar offers strong value for money for its niche, particularly for those prioritizing off-road ability and rugged styling over urban comfort. Its ergonomics and safety have seen clear improvements, making it a more usable all-rounder than earlier models. Overall, it is a vehicle that commands attention and delivers genuine off-road pleasure in India’s diverse conditions but requires compromises on refinement and practicality.

The 2019 Mahindra Thar remains a compelling option for those who prioritize rugged off-road capability and a classic SUV appeal in India. Its robust 4x4 system and high ground clearance make it well suited for rough terrains and adventure seekers. The petrol and diesel engines offer punchy performance, complemented by a traditional SUV feel that enthusiasts appreciate. However, its on-road refinement, ride comfort, and rear-seat accessibility are not its strong suits, with a relatively bouncy ride and limited interior space making it less practical for daily urban commuting or long family trips. The design balances iconic styling with some modern features, but the interiors still feel utilitarian. Overall, the Thar thrives off-road and as a lifestyle vehicle but may not appeal to those looking for comfort and advanced refinement. It is best suited for buyers who want a tough, go-anywhere SUV with undeniable character rather than a polished city cruiser.

Having owned and extensively tested the 2019 Mahindra Thar CRDe in India's diverse terrains from the rugged Himalayas to Mumbai's monsoon-soaked streets, I can share that while it's no longer in production—replaced by the superior second-gen model in 2020—owners still enjoy robust updates via Mahindra's widespread service network. The 2.5-litre NEF CRDe diesel churns out 105bhp at 3800rpm and 247Nm between 1800-2000rpm, paired with a reliable 5-speed manual and shift-on-the-fly 4WD featuring a mechanical locking rear differential, making it a beast for off-roading with 200mm ground clearance, 44-degree approach angle, and proven capability against rivals like the Force Gurkha. ARAI mileage hovers at 16.55kmpl from its 60-litre tank, BS-IV compliant for its era, though real-world figures drop to 12-14kmpl under load. Recent owner forums highlight affordable upgrades like LED headlamp retrofits, sturdier all-terrain tyres, and ECU remaps boosting torque to 270Nm without voiding warranties, plus enhanced AC kits for sweltering summers. Maintenance remains budget-friendly at Rs 8,000-10,000 annually, but watch for leaf spring wear on bad roads—still, its ladder-frame durability and 2220kg GVW keep it a cult favorite for adventure seekers in 2026.

The 2019 Mahindra Thar represents a significant milestone in the evolution of India's most iconic off-roader. During my time with this generation, I found the CRDe diesel engine delivering a commendable 105 horsepower and 247 Newton-meters of torque, making it genuinely capable across varied terrain. The 2.5-litre turbocharged unit paired with the five-speed manual transmission handles the demands of both highway cruising and challenging off-road situations with surprising competence. What impressed me most was the shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive system with dedicated low-ratio gearing, which transforms this compact SUV into a formidable trail performer. The mechanical locking rear differential adds another layer of capability that few vehicles in this category offer. Ground clearance of 200 millimeters combined with its approach and departure angles made navigating obstacles straightforward. Inside, the cabin finally welcomed creature comforts with air conditioning, a basic music system, and 12-volt charging points. The six-seating arrangement, though snug by modern standards, provides practical flexibility. In the Indian market context, the 2019 Thar CRDe established itself as the go-anywhere companion that balanced rugged capability with liveable everyday practicality, justifying its position as the benchmark off-roader for enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

I've been tracking the Mahindra Thar 2019 model closely in India, and while it's the rugged first-gen icon with the 2.5-litre NEF CRDe diesel engine pumping out 105bhp at 3800rpm and 247Nm from 1800-2000rpm, paired to a 5-speed manual and shift-on-the-fly 4WD, it remains a pure off-roader's delight even today. That 200mm ground clearance, 44-degree approach angle, and mechanical locking rear differential let it conquer the toughest terrains like few others, from Himalayan trails to monsoon slush, all on BS-IV compliance with a 60-litre tank yielding around 16kmpl ARAI. Creature comforts like AC, power steering, and basic music system make city runs tolerable despite the bouncy leaf-spring suspension and tight 3-door cabin seating up to six in a pinch. No major factory updates have hit this variant post-2019, but owners swear by aftermarket upgrades like lift kits and snorkels for better reliability amid rising fuel costs. It holds value well against the new-gen Thar, ideal if you crave that raw go-anywhere vibe without modern frills, though watch for clutch wear on steep inclines. Still turns heads on Indian roads.

The 2019 Mahindra Thar represents a capable and rugged off-roader that has carved out a dedicated following in India's adventure vehicle segment. Powered by a 2.5-litre NEF CRDe diesel engine producing 105 bhp and 247 Nm of torque, it delivers respectable performance for its class, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission channeling power through a 4x4 drivetrain with shift-on-the-fly capability. I found the mechanical locking rear differential to be a standout feature that genuinely enhances its off-road prowess. The ground clearance of 200mm combined with impressive approach and departure angles of 44 and 27 degrees respectively makes it one of the most potent off-roaders available in India. The Signature Edition introduced in 2019 brought stylish touches like Aquamarine and Napoli Black paint schemes with a blacked-out front grille, elevating its visual appeal. Inside, you get practical creature comforts including air conditioning, heater, and a provision for a music system, though the cabin remains utilitarian. With an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 16.55 kmpl, the running costs remain reasonable for its segment. The Thar's 60-litre fuel tank ensures decent range, while the 6-seating capacity accommodates family adventures. This model truly excels as a go-anywhere machine for those prioritizing capability over luxury.

Mahindra has introduced a refreshed 3-door Thar for 2025, bringing new colors like Tango Red and Battleship Grey, redesigned trims on the grille and bumpers, plus a rear parking camera, wiper, and a remote fuel cap opener—features missing in older versions. The interior now includes pillar-mounted grab handles, a new steering wheel, power windows on the door, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, sliding front armrest, and rear AC vents, but the core engines and gearboxes remain unchanged. These tweaks make the Thar a more comfortable daily driver without messing with its off-road DNA, and honestly, I think Mahindra’s listening to what buyers want—not just the hardcore adventurers but also the urban explorers.

In India, the Mahindra Thar 2019 ex-showroom price ranges approximately from ₹6.36 lakh to ₹9.99 lakh depending on the variant and state of purchase. On-road prices, inclusive of insurance, road tax, and other local fees, tend to add around ₹1 lakh to ₹1.5 lakh, pushing total costs up to around ₹8 lakh to ₹11.5 lakh in metro cities. The price is competitive for a pure 4x4 SUV with its off-roading pedigree, but some buyers feel the asking amount is slightly high given the interior quality and modest creature comforts. Still, the Thar’s iconic status and niche appeal justify its premium over regular SUVs, especially when considering its capability in rural, mountainous, or adventure-prone parts of India. Its relative affordability in 4x4 segment terms positions it well against imported or more urban-focused rivals, making it attractive for enthusiasts who prioritize function and character over luxury.

In India, the 2019 Mahindra Thar was priced ex-showroom roughly between ₹6.36 lakh and ₹9.99 lakh depending on variants and engine options. On-road prices typically ranged from around ₹7.5 lakh to ₹11 lakh in metro cities when including insurance, road tax, and other charges. The pricing positioned the Thar competitively among niche off-roaders and compact SUVs but drew criticism for a perceived mismatch between price and interior refinement or features. Considering its strong off-road credentials and iconic status, the price is justified for enthusiasts wanting a tough SUV under ₹10 lakh ex-showroom. However, budget-conscious buyers targeting daily commuting and comfort may find better value alternatives in this segment. The strong demand since launch has kept prices stable, underscoring its position as a desirable albeit somewhat niche lifestyle SUV in India.

The Thar’s mileage in real-world Indian conditions averages around 13-15 km/l for the diesel variant and slightly less for the petrol, which is reasonable given its weight, 4x4 drivetrain, and rugged nature. While not a fuel miser, the Thar’s running costs remain acceptable for buyers focused on off-road performance and durability rather than outright efficiency. For daily commuting or city use, fuel economy could be a concern, but for buyers who value reliability and ruggedness, the mileage figure is fair.

The 2019 Mahindra Thar offers a mileage of around 15-16 km/l for the diesel variant and about 13-14 km/l for the petrol option under Indian driving conditions. While the Thar’s fuel efficiency is not class-leading, it is reasonable given its off-road focus, weight, and 4x4 drivetrain. If mileage and low running costs are your primary concerns, especially for city use, you might want to consider more fuel-efficient SUVs. However, for buyers prioritizing ruggedness and occasional off-roading, the Thar’s mileage is acceptable.