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Thar 2026 Review: The Good & The Bad Bits

By Gaurav Cyril • Published on 23 Sept 2026

The major disappointment with the new 2026 Mahindra Thar top model is that it still misses out on a 360-degree camera system. For an off-road SUV with...

Thar 2026 Review: The Good & The Bad Bits

The major disappointment with the new 2026 Mahindra Thar top model is that it still misses out on a 360-degree camera system. For an off-road SUV with massive road presence, wide wheel arches, and significant blind spots, relying solely on a traditional rear camera and parking sensors feels like a missed opportunity.

Despite that omission, Mahindra has transformed the 2026 Thar into a far more refined and modern daily driver compared to its predecessor. Built on the upgraded M_Glide 4G platform with new Pentalink rear suspension and Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD), the signature bouncy ride quality of the old Thar has been drastically tame.

On the outside, it steps up its visual appeal with a redesigned grille, full-LED headlamps featuring C-shaped DRLs, LED fog lamps, and bold 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

Here are the 10 features of the ZXT variant that makes thar worth considering:

No.

Feature

What it offers

1

10.25-inch Touchscreen

Crisp display with wireless Android Auto and wired Apple CarPlay

2

6 Airbags

Improved cabin protection compared with the previous dual-airbag setup

3

Electronic Locking Differential

Transfers power to the wheels with better traction on slippery or uneven surfaces

4

Terrain Modes

Snow, Sand and Mud modes adjust throttle and traction control for different surfaces

5

Electric Power Steering

Makes low-speed city manoeuvring lighter and easier than the previous hydraulic setup

6

Wireless Phone Charger

Charges compatible smartphones without the need for cables

7

Push-Button Engine Start

Adds keyless engine-start convenience

8

Front Parking Sensors

Helps detect obstacles while parking or manoeuvring in tight spaces

9

All-Wheel Disc Brakes

Provides more consistent braking performance compared with rear drum brakes

10

Leatherette Seats

Truffle Brown leatherette upholstery with embossed branding adds a more premium cabin feel

For the 2026 Mahindra Thar OG, the powertrain matrix is quite simple once you separate the base AXT from the LXT and ZXT. Mahindra offers three engines, with the 1.5-litre diesel limited to MT 2WD, while the LXT and ZXT get the wider 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel combinations.

Variant

Engine

Transmission

Drive

Best suited for

AXT

1.5L Diesel

6-speed MT

2WD

Buyers who want the Thar look and basic capability at the lowest entry price

LXT

1.5L Diesel

6-speed MT

2WD

Daily users who want a better-equipped Thar without spending heavily

LXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

AT

2WD

City users who want automatic convenience and smoother petrol performance

LXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

MT

4WD

Petrol buyers who actually plan to use the Thar off-road

LXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

AT

4WD

Buyers wanting an easier, more comfortable 4WD Thar

LXT

2.2L Diesel

AT

2WD

Highway users wanting diesel torque with automatic convenience

LXT

2.2L Diesel

MT

4WD

Serious off-road users who prefer manual control

LXT

2.2L Diesel

AT

4WD

Buyers who want diesel torque, 4WD and automatic convenience

ZXT

1.5L Diesel

6-speed MT

2WD

Buyers wanting the top trim's features without needing 4WD

ZXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

AT

2WD

Urban buyers who want the top-spec cabin and automatic convenience

ZXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

MT

4WD

Enthusiasts wanting top-spec features with manual 4WD

ZXT

2.0L Turbo Petrol

AT

4WD

Buyers wanting the full-featured petrol 4WD experience

ZXT

2.2L Diesel

AT

2WD

Highway users wanting top-spec features, diesel torque and an automatic

ZXT

2.2L Diesel

MT

4WD

Enthusiasts wanting top-spec equipment and serious off-road hardware

ZXT

2.2L Diesel

AT

4WD

Buyers wanting the most fully equipped Thar OG with diesel, automatic and 4WD

Which Thar OG variant is for whom?

Buyer type

Variant to consider

Why

I simply want a Thar

AXT 1.5 Diesel MT 2WD

Cheapest way into the new Thar OG. You get the basic Thar experience without paying for hardware you may never use.

I want a Thar for daily city use

LXT 1.5 Diesel MT 2WD

Adds useful equipment while retaining the economical 1.5 diesel and 2WD setup.

I mostly drive in the city and hate manual gearboxes

LXT 2.0 Petrol AT 2WD

Automatic convenience makes more sense for stop-go traffic, while 2WD avoids paying for off-road hardware.

I want a Thar for weekend trails

LXT 2.0 Petrol MT 4WD

Gives you 4WD and manual control without jumping to the most expensive versions.

I want serious off-road ability

LXT 2.2 Diesel MT 4WD

Diesel torque, manual gearbox and 4WD make this the more purpose-focused combination.

I want 4WD but also drive it every day

LXT 2.2 Diesel AT 4WD

Combines diesel torque and 4WD with the convenience of an automatic.

I want the features more than the off-road hardware

ZXT 1.5 Diesel MT 2WD

Gives you the ZXT equipment package without paying for 4WD.

I want the most premium city-friendly Thar

ZXT 2.0 Petrol AT 2WD

Top trim, automatic and 2WD make sense if your Thar will spend most of its life on roads.

I want the complete Thar experience

ZXT 2.2 Diesel AT 4WD

Combines the top trim with the larger diesel, automatic gearbox and 4WD.

4WD is not automatically the better choice for every Thar buyer. If the vehicle will spend 95% of its life on city roads, a 2WD version can be the more logical configuration. The 4WD versions make more sense when off-road driving is actually part of the ownership plan.