Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift Spied Testing - New Grille & Alloys

Mahindra is preparing a more comprehensive update for the popular Thar 3-door SUV. The upcoming facelift has been spotted testing again in India, revealing fresh styling changes including a redesigned grille and new alloy wheels. The latest test mule suggests that Mahindra could give the iconic off-roader a stronger visual connection with the larger Thar Roxx.

New Grille Design Spotted

The biggest change visible on the latest test vehicle is the new front grille. Earlier prototypes of the Thar 3-door facelift were spotted with a grille inspired by the Thar Roxx, featuring a six-slot, double-stacked layout. However, the latest test mule appears to feature a five-slot grille with a small horizontal element on the upper-right side. This could potentially accommodate a badge or represent a different design for a particular variant. The new grille appears more rectangular than the current Thar's design, giving the SUV a slightly more modern yet retro-inspired appearance.

New Alloy Wheels

The side profile of the test vehicle also reveals a new five-spoke alloy wheel design. The wheels look different from those currently offered on the three-door Thar and appear to take some inspiration from the Thar Roxx. Some reports suggest that larger 19-inch alloy wheels could be offered on higher variants, although Mahindra has not officially confirmed the wheel sizes yet. The current three-door Thar uses 16-inch and 18-inch wheels depending on the variant.

LED Headlamps and Updated

The facelifted Thar is also expected to receive changes to its front bumper and lighting setup. Spy shots indicate that the SUV could get LED headlamps and updated LED lighting elements, bringing its appearance closer to the Thar Roxx. The front fenders and wheel-arch cladding may also receive minor revisions, while the overall boxy silhouette and rugged proportions are expected to remain unchanged.

Engines Likely to Remain the Same

Despite the styling changes, the powertrain lineup is expected to remain largely unchanged.

The current engine options include:

The 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are expected to continue with six-speed automatic transmission options, while the entry-level 1.5-litre diesel is expected to remain available with a manual gearbox.

Electric Power Steering Could Be Added

Another expected mechanical change is the possibility of electric power steering replacing the current hydraulic setup. If introduced, it could make the Thar easier to manoeuvre in city traffic and at low speeds while retaining its off-road character. However, this remains an expected update rather than an officially confirmed feature.

Expected Launch and Price

Mahindra has not officially announced the launch date of the facelifted Thar 3-door. Recent reports suggest that the updated SUV could arrive around the festive season, with some estimates pointing towards late 2026. The current Thar 3-door is priced from around ₹10.32 lakh to ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom), and the facelift could command a slight premium depending on the updates and variants.

Mahindra Thar 3-Door Facelift: What’s Expected?

• New five-slot front grille
• Possible Thar Roxx-inspired styling
• New five-spoke alloy wheels
• Possible larger alloy wheel options
• Updated front bumper
• Expected LED lighting upgrades
• Minor changes to wheel-arch cladding
• Possible electric power steering
• Existing petrol and diesel engines likely to continue
• 4x4 expected to remain available
• Launch timeline yet to be officially confirmed

The latest Mahindra Thar 3-door facelift spy shots indicate that the company is working on a more substantial update rather than another minor revision. The new grille and alloy wheels are the most visible changes, while possible LED lighting upgrades and electric power steering could improve its everyday usability. Mahindra is expected to retain the Thar's familiar boxy design and existing engine lineup, keeping its core off-road identity intact. 

Source:https://www.drivespark.com/four-wheelers/2026/mahindra-thar-3-door-facelift-spied-new-fascia-088081.html