Mahindra has always been known for building strong, rugged and adventure-focused SUVs. For many decades, the company dominated the off-road segment with products like MM540, Bolero and Scorpio. But the real revolution came with the launch of the Mahindra Thar, which completely changed the perception of lifestyle off-road vehicles in India. The original Thar was loved widely for its powerful performance, macho styling and off-road capability.
However, one major limitation remained — the 3-door body design. Many customers loved the vehicle but avoided buying it due to practicality concerns like limited rear seat accessibility, cramped cabin space and lack of family-friendly usability. To solve this, Mahindra introduced the Mahindra Thar 5-Door, a model that transforms Thar into a complete multipurpose SUV that can be used for daily commuting, long road trips and family travel, not just off-roading.
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door offers a bigger body structure, a more premium interior, more features, extra comfort and stronger road presence. Most importantly, it brings the balance of lifestyle and practicality under one design.
Design & Exterior – Bigger, Bolder and More Practical
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door retains the iconic rugged styling of the Thar but now appears more muscular with bigger dimensions and stretched wheelbase. The longer body gives it a stronger stance and better proportion on the road. The traditional signature front grille, round LED headlamps, upright bonnet and chunky bumper maintain its classic off-road DNA.
The 5-door body style adds a major advantage in daily life. Entry and exit for rear passengers become extremely easy and comfortable. The doors feel solid and give a premium closing feel. Compared to the 3-door version where rear passengers often struggled climbing in by folding front seats, the 5-door Thar eliminates that inconvenience completely.
The vehicle gets newly designed alloy wheels, side steps, large windows, wider fenders and a more premium road appearance. The rear tailgate continues to use a side-opening mechanism along with a mounted spare wheel, preserving Thar’s iconic SUV charm.
Interior & Cabin Comfort – Finally a Family Friendly Thar
The biggest transformation in the 5-door model is the interior comfort. The cabin now feels wider, roomier and much more premium. The dashboard design looks modern and sophisticated with updated materials and improved finishing. There is excellent visibility around the SUV, making it comfortable for long drives.
Rear Seat Comfort
In the 3-door Thar, rear passengers had limited legroom and uncomfortable sitting posture. The 5-Door version completely resolves this. The rear bench seat now offers:
- Comfortable thigh support
- Generous legroom and headroom
- Separate adjustable headrests
- Better back support for long journeys
- Foldable seats for increased luggage room
This makes it a proper 5-seater vehicle suitable for families as well as adventure travelers.
Boot Space
The 3-door Thar had extremely limited boot space. However, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door now offers a large luggage capacity which makes highway trips or shopping storage much easier and practical.
Engine Options, Performance and Transmission
Mahindra Thar 5-Door comes with powerful engine options that deliver excellent performance both in city traffic and off-road terrain. It is available in both petrol and diesel variants.
Available Engine Choices
| Engine Type | Power Output | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0-L Turbo Petrol | approx. 174 HP | up to 380 Nm | Manual / Automatic |
| 2.2-L Turbo Diesel | approx. 150-172 HP | up to 330 Nm | Manual / Automatic |
Both engine options feel smooth, punchy and responsive. The turbo petrol variant offers higher acceleration and highway performance, while the diesel variant gives superior pulling power and fuel efficiency.
Drive System
The SUV is available in:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (2WD) versions
- 4-Wheel Drive (4X4) variants for hardcore off-road performance
With advanced traction control, hill hold assist, hill descent control and differential lock, the 5-door Thar remains an unbeatable machine on rough terrains.
Mileage (Fuel Efficiency)
Real-world mileage may vary depending on road conditions and driving style, but generally it offers:
- Petrol: around 10–12.5 kmpl
- Diesel: around 13–15 kmpl
The diesel variant offers better efficiency for highway and long-touring users.
Premium Features and Modern Equipment
Unlike earlier Thar versions which were focused only on ruggedness, the 5-door Thar comes with advanced and premium features. Some key highlights include:
Key Premium Features
- Large touchscreen infotainment system with advanced connectivity
- Fully digital instrument cluster
- Panoramic or large sunroof (depending on variant)
- Ventilated front seats for extra comfort
- Wireless charging pad
- Multiple USB type-C charging points
- Automatic climate control system
- Push-button start with keyless entry
- High-quality music system with surround sound output
- Rear AC vents
- 60:40 split fold rear seat
These features make the vehicle feel more modern and technology-focused for young buyers.
Safety & Build Quality
Mahindra has always been committed to strong structural engineering and safety standards. The 5-Door Thar includes:
- 6 airbags
- Rearview camera
- Front & rear parking sensors
- ABS with EBD
- Electronic Stability Program
- Roll-over stability control
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
- High-strength steel body shell
This makes it a reliable and secure SUV for highway journeys and family drive usage.
Variants & Expected Price Range
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door is offered in multiple variants based on drivetrain, transmission and features. The price range generally varies depending on engine and trim level.
Expected Price Range (Ex-showroom)
- Starting price: around 12+ lakh
- Mid variants: around 16–18 lakh
- Top variants / 4×4 automatic models: around 20–22 lakh
Prices may change based on state taxes and registration charges.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs Mahindra Thar 3-Door – Comparison
| Category | 3-Door Thar | 5-Door Thar |
|---|---|---|
| Practicality | Low | Very high |
| Rear seat access | Difficult | Easy |
| Boot space | Very limited | Large |
| Comfort | Basic | Premium |
| Ideal for | Adventure-focused users | Family + adventure combo |
| Road presence | Compact aggressive | Full-size muscular |
| Pricing | Lower | Higher but value-oriented |
The 5-door version clearly wins in daily usability and comfort, while still keeping the original off-road capability alive.
Who Should Buy Mahindra Thar 5-Door?
The 5-door Thar is suitable for:
- Family buyers who want a comfortable SUV with lifestyle appeal
- People who travel long distances by road
- Off-roading enthusiasts needing space for equipment
- Those who desire premium features in a rugged vehicle
- Individuals looking for a bold road-presence SUV
Meanwhile, the 3-door version is still ideal for solo travelers, youngsters, or those primarily wanting a compact hardcore off-road SUV.
Drawbacks to Consider
Even though the SUV is extremely powerful and practical, some points are worth noting:
- High pricing for top-end variants
- Slightly larger body makes tight city parking tricky
- Fuel consumption can be higher compared to compact SUVs
- Ride quality may feel stiff on rough roads due to off-road suspension setup
Final Verdict
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door is one of the most exciting automotive launches in India, combining lifestyle SUV style with full practicality and comfort. It successfully breaks the stereotype that off-road vehicles cannot be used as family cars. It offers a premium cabin, powerful engine, advanced features and bold design with everyday usability.
If you are looking for a stylish, powerful and versatile SUV that can adapt to every lifestyle need, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the Indian market.
Conclusion
Mahindra Thar 5-Door is more than just an upgraded version; it represents a new generation of lifestyle SUV evolution. It delivers the perfect balance between thrill and practicality, making it a complete vehicle for modern drivers. Whether for daily city driving, weekend adventure, or long highway tours, the new Thar stands strong and capable in every situation.
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