**Design:**
The original Thar was recognized for its rugged aesthetics, highlighted by features such as robust bumpers, removable roof panels, squared wheel arches, the distinctive seven-slat grille, and other elements conveying its tough character. The facelift preserves these fundamental design traits but refines them for a more contemporary appearance. The grille now incorporates a body-color finish, seamlessly integrating with the front fascia. The bumpers have been redesigned with a dual-tone finish and silver accents, adding visual contrast. Moreover, Mahindra has introduced two new color options: Battleship Grey and Tango Red, with the latter replacing the previous Rage Red.

**Features:**
The earlier model featured amenities like steering-mounted controls, manual air conditioning, roof-mounted speakers, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift boasts several upgrades, including an electric fuel-lid opener, Type-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers, and rear AC vents. The infotainment system has been enlarged to 10.25 inches and is paired with a revamped interface compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, the new Thar includes a reversing camera, along with a rear wiper and washer.

**Interior:**
The interior of the older Thar was designed to withstand both everyday driving and off-road adventures, offering practicality. It incorporated roof-mounted speakers, a touchscreen infotainment system, and washable floor panels. Despite its straightforward layout, it delivered the comfort expected from a modern SUV while maintaining the durability needed for challenging terrains.

Mahindra has incorporated interior enhancements, such as a new steering wheel. The facelift version now includes grab handles on the A-pillars with ‘THAR’ branding for both the driver and front passenger – previously, this was only on the co-driver’s side. A sliding armrest with storage has also been introduced. Automatic variants now feature a dead pedal. Moreover, the power window switches have been repositioned to the door armrests from the center console.

**Powertrain:**
The facelifted Thar retains its mechanical setup. It continues to offer a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 118PS/300Nm, a 2.2-liter diesel delivering 132PS/300Nm, and a 2.0-liter turbo petrol making 150PS/320Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

The rear-wheel drive configuration is available with the 1.5-liter diesel (manual only) and the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (automatic only). The four-wheel drive setup is offered with the larger diesel engine and the turbo-petrol, both available with manual and automatic gearboxes.

**Price and Rivals:**
The previous model was priced between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Both models continue to compete with the Force and Maruti Jimny.

Based on last year’s teasers, it’s clear that the bike will feature the 451cc parallel-twin engine from the Kawasaki Ninja 500. This engine is expected to produce 45.4hp of power and 42.6Nm of torque. The new KLE 500 is expected to be built for adventure riding, similar to the older models, but on a new chassis.

The older teasers confirmed a 21-inch front wheel, USD front forks, and a Nissin single front disc brake. The new video suggests a steel box-section swingarm and spoked wheels with tube tires. The exhaust pipe is positioned on the lower right side, resembling the Ninja 500.

In terms of the engine, its performance will be similar to the Ninja 500. This means it will provide good mid-range power and sufficient torque for highway riding. The KLE 500 is specifically designed for adventure and touring riders.

The company indicates that the bike is coming soon, with a possible official launch at EICMA 2025 (early November). Sales in India could begin in 2026. Currently, the Kawasaki Ninja 500 is sold in India as a CKD unit (imported form), priced at ₹5.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The KLE 500 could be priced around the same or slightly higher, potentially around ₹6 lakh+, making it comparable to the Honda NX500 (₹6.33 lakh).

However, if Kawasaki India starts local assembly (manufacturing in India), as it did with the KLX230, the KLE 500 could become an excellent adventure bike option in India.

**Design**
The original Thar’s design stood out for its rugged aesthetics, including elements like chunky bumpers, removable roof panels, squared wheel arches, and the signature seven-slat grille. The facelift retains these core characteristics but refines them for a more contemporary look.
The grille now features a body-colored finish, seamlessly integrating with the front fascia. Redesigned dual-tone bumpers with silver accents add further contrast. Two new color options are available: Battleship Grey and Tango Red, with the latter replacing the previous Rage Red.

**Features**
The earlier model included features like steering-mounted controls, manual AC, roof-mounted speakers, and a 7-inch touchscreen.

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift brings notable upgrades, such as an electric fuel-lid opener, Type-C charging ports for both front and rear passengers, and rear AC vents. The infotainment system has been upgraded to a larger 10.25-inch display and features a redesigned interface compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A reversing camera is also included, along with a rear wiper and washer.

**Interior**
The interior of the previous Thar prioritized both everyday usability and off-road durability, offering roof-mounted speakers, a touchscreen infotainment system, and washable floor panels. Despite its functional design, it provided the necessary comfort for a modern SUV while withstanding challenging terrains.

Mahindra has incorporated interior enhancements, including a new steering wheel. The facelift version now features grab handles on the A-pillars with ‘THAR’ branding for both the driver and front passenger (previously only on the co-driver’s side). A sliding armrest with storage has been added. Automatic variants now include a dead pedal. The power window switches have been relocated to the door armrests from the center console.

**Powertrain**
The facelifted Thar retains its existing engine options. These include a 1.5-liter diesel engine producing 118PS/300Nm, a 2.2-liter diesel delivering 132PS/300Nm, and a 2.0-liter turbo petrol generating 150PS/320Nm. Transmission choices consist of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.
The rear-wheel-drive configuration is available with the 1.5-liter diesel (manual only) and the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (automatic only). The four-wheel-drive setup is offered with the larger diesel engine and the turbo-petrol, both paired with manual and automatic gearboxes.

**Price and Rivals**
The prior model was priced between Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift is priced from Rs 9.99 lakh to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Both iterations compete against the same rivals, including the Force and Maruti Jimny.

The Thar facelift offers a range of engine options. The mStallion T-GDi turbo-petrol engine is a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder unit generating 152 bhp and 300 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the 6-speed automatic version sees a slight increase to 320 Nm of torque.

Diesel variants are available in two states of tune: the mHawk 130, a 2.2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit producing 132 bhp, and the D117, a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder unit producing 119 bhp. Both diesel engines deliver 300 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre diesel comes with both 6MT and 6AT options, whereas the 1.5-litre diesel is exclusively offered with a 6MT.

Engine availability varies by variant. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine is exclusive to the top-end LXT variant, with manual and automatic transmission options and 4WD availability. In the petrol RWD configuration, the Thar is available only with the automatic transmission.

The 1.5-litre diesel engine is offered in the base AXTR and LXT variants, but is limited to manual transmission and rear-wheel drive (RWD). The 2.2-litre diesel engine is available only with the top-end LXT variant, with both manual and automatic transmission options, and features 4WD as standard.

The AXT variant includes features like iconic headlamps, LED tail lamps, R16 steel wheels, a new dashboard and steering wheel, rear AC vents, vinyl seat upholstery, a height-adjustable driver seat, A-pillar entry assist handle, power windows in front door trims, electronic brake locking differential for RWD, remote keyless entry, an internally opening fuel lid, rear parking sensors, dual airbags, and ESP with roll-over mitigation.

The LXT variant builds upon this with R18 deep silver alloy wheels, front fog lamps + DRL, dual-tone bumpers, moulded side foot steps, fabric seat upholstery, electric driveline disconnect (4WD variants), an HD touchscreen infotainment system (26.03 cm), Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, 4 speakers plus 2 tweeters, a new steering wheel with audio and phone controls, adventure statistics Gen II, a rear view camera, cruise control, hill hold and hill descent control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, a rear demister, electric ORVM adjustment, a rear wiper and washer, Tyretronics (TPMS) + TDMS (Tyre Direction Monitoring System), and a dead pedal (AT variant).

The updated Thar 3-door will boast a range of enhancements. Inside, it will feature a larger touchscreen infotainment system running on the latest UI, an updated driver display, and a new electric steering wheel. The SUV will also incorporate features from the Thar Rocks variant, including a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, rear disc brakes, and Level-2 ADAS (Autonomous Driver Assistance System).

In terms of design, the new Mahindra Thar 2025 will draw inspiration from the Thar Rocks. The front will showcase a redesigned double-stacked slat grille, slightly modified bumpers, and new headlamps. Other design highlights will include redesigned alloy wheels, new taillamps, and a new rear bumper. Mahindra may also introduce new exterior color schemes to the updated Thar model lineup, which currently offers options such as Deep Grey, Red Rage, Everest White, Desert Fury, Deep Forest, and Stealth Black.

Mechanically, the new Mahindra Thar 2025 is expected to retain its existing engine options. This means buyers will have a choice of three engines: a 152 bhp 2.0-liter turbo petrol, a 119 bhp 1.5-liter turbo diesel, and a 130 bhp 2.2-liter turbo diesel. The transmission options will also remain the same. Like the current variants, the updated Thar 3-door will be available in both RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) configurations.

The Ducati DesertX Rally variant is priced at an ex-showroom price of Rs 23.71 lakh. This makes it the most expensive Desert X available. The Ducati DesertX Rally features a 21-inch front wheel and an 18-inch rear wheel, making it the first motorcycle in the Ducati lineup to have this special combination for off-roading. Further enhancing its performance focus, this bike has a new look that further enhances its adventure-ready appearance.

Designed for various types of terrains, the DesertX Rally has a beak-style front mudguard and a Kayaba suspension with travel. Both front and rear suspensions have 20 mm of travel, enhancing off-road handling and comfort. New developer central-spoke wheels improve over alloy rims, making it more flexible even on rough roads.

Despite having a forged carbon sump guard, machined gear pedals, and a stronger rear brake lever, the DesertX Rally is only 1 kg heavier than its normal model. It has a 937 cc Ducati Testastretta 11° twin-cylinder engine that generates 108 bhp at 9,250 rpm and 92 Nm of torque at 6,500 rpm. The motorcycle also has highway cruising capabilities.

The Ducati DesertX Rally has 6 riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, Wet, Enduro, and Rally—allowing riders to optimize performance according to the conditions. It has cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC). It also features a 5-inch color TFT display with the Ducati Multimedia System supporting smartphone connectivity, music playback, call management, and optional turn-by-turn navigation.

The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift will draw design elements and features from the Thar Rocks. Exterior updates include a new grille with double-stacked slats, redesigned headlights, and a slightly modified bumper. The side profile will remain largely unchanged, save for new alloy wheels. The rear will feature a new bumper and redesigned taillights. The SUV model lineup may also incorporate new color options.

Interior improvements are also anticipated. The 2025 Mahindra Thar facelift will likely include a larger touchscreen infotainment system with the latest UI support, an updated digital instrument cluster, and a new electric steering wheel. Feature upgrades may consist of ventilated front seats from the Thar Rocks, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, rear disc brakes, and a Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) suite.

Engine options for the new Mahindra Thar 2025 are expected to remain the same: a 2.0-liter turbo petrol, a 1.5-liter turbo diesel, and a 2.2-liter turbo diesel. The petrol engine delivers a maximum power output of 152 bhp, while the 1.5-liter and 2.2-liter diesel engines generate 119 bhp and 130 bhp respectively. Transmission choices will include the same 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic units. Both RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) and 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive) systems will be available.