Five door Thar: The rugged landscapes of India have a new conqueror as Mahindra finally unveils the highly anticipated five-door Thar to enthusiastic crowds and eager off-road enthusiasts.
After years of speculation, spy shots, and whispered rumors across automotive forums, the expanded version of India’s beloved off-roader has arrived—not just with additional doors, but with a comprehensive premium redesign that positions it firmly against lifestyle SUVs while maintaining its legendary capability.
Five door Thar A Legacy Expanded
The Mahindra Thar has always occupied a special place in India’s automotive landscape. Born from the lineage of India’s original off-roader, the vehicle has represented adventure, capability, and a certain rugged independence that resonates deeply with the Indian spirit.
The three-door model reintroduced in 2020 transformed the Thar from a niche off-roader to a mainstream success, with waiting periods stretching months as demand consistently outpaced supply.
“We never expected the three-door Thar to become the cultural phenomenon it did,” admits Veejay Nakra, President of Mahindra’s Automotive Division. “It transcended being just a vehicle and became a lifestyle statement.
The five-door version is our response to customers who loved the Thar’s character but needed more practicality.”
The decision to expand the Thar family wasn’t made lightly. Mahindra’s engineers spent over four years developing the five-door variant, understanding that they needed to preserve the vehicle’s soul while making it more accessible to family buyers.
The result is not merely a stretched Thar, but a comprehensively redesigned vehicle that maintains its off-road DNA while delivering a more sophisticated experience.
Design Evolution: Rugged Meets Refined
At first glance, the family resemblance between the three-door and five-door Thar is unmistakable. The iconic silhouette remains, with its upright windshield, commanding stance, and circular headlamps that pay homage to the vehicle’s heritage.
However, the similarities end there as the five-door Thar introduces a significantly more premium aesthetic.
The extended wheelbase—now measuring 2,850mm, an increase of 300mm over the three-door version—gives the vehicle more balanced proportions.
The design team has deftly handled this extension, ensuring the vehicle still appears purposeful rather than stretched.
The roof maintains its characteristic flat design with improved reinforcement, and buyers can choose between a fixed metal top or a dual-pane panoramic sunroof on higher variants—a first for the Thar lineup.
Front fascia details have been refined with new LED headlamps featuring distinctive daytime running light signatures. The traditional seven-slot grille remains but has been widened and features a more intricate design with premium finishes that vary by trim level. Higher-end versions receive brushed aluminum-look inserts that contrast elegantly against darker exterior colors.
The wheel arches remain prominently flared, housing larger 19-inch alloy wheels on premium variants with sophisticated diamond-cut patterns.
More road-oriented tire options are now available alongside the traditional all-terrain offerings, acknowledging that many five-door Thars will spend more time on pavement than their three-door siblings.
Perhaps most notably, Mahindra’s designers have introduced character lines along the extended profile that reduce the visual mass, giving the five-door Thar a more dynamic appearance.
The rear quarter features a distinctive kink in the window line, creating a family resemblance to Mahindra’s flagship SUVs while maintaining the Thar’s unique identity.
“We wanted to elevate the design without diluting the Thar’s character,” explains Pratap Bose, Chief Design Officer at Mahindra.
“The five-door variant gave us the opportunity to introduce more sophistication while respecting the iconic elements that make a Thar instantly recognizable.”
Interior Transformation: Space Meets Sophistication
Stepping inside the five-door Thar reveals where the most dramatic evolution has occurred. The utilitarian interior of previous generations has given way to a surprisingly luxurious cabin that rivals mainstream SUVs in both space and appointment.
The dashboard features a completely redesigned layout centered around a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This is complemented by a fully digital instrument cluster of the same size, both housed under a single pane of glass that creates a widescreen effect.
Physical controls for critical functions remain, with knurled metallic knobs and switches providing a tactile quality that enhances the premium feel.
Material selection throughout the cabin reflects the vehicle’s more upmarket positioning. Soft-touch materials cover the upper dashboard and door panels, while premium variants receive leather upholstery with contrasting stitching.
Practical elements haven’t been forgotten—rubber floor mats and drain plugs remain available for those who intend to use their Thar as intended, in muddy, wet conditions.
The longer wheelbase translates directly to significantly improved rear passenger space—a major limitation of the three-door model.
The rear bench offers genuine comfort for three adults, with air conditioning vents, USB-C charging ports, and an armrest with integrated cupholders.
Access to these seats is now straightforward thanks to conventional rear doors, eliminating the awkward entry and exit process that limited the three-door Thar’s appeal to families.
Cargo capacity has seen a substantial improvement as well. The five-door Thar offers 425 liters of storage behind the rear seats—nearly double that of its shorter sibling.
The rear seats split in a 60:40 configuration and fold nearly flat to create a versatile cargo area for adventure gear or everyday hauling.
“We benchmarked the interior against premium SUVs rather than traditional off-roaders,” notes Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of Mahindra’s Automotive Sector.
“Our customers wanted the capability of a Thar without compromising on the comforts and technologies they’ve come to expect from modern vehicles.”
Powertrains: Capability Without Compromise
Under the hood, the five-door Thar receives enhanced versions of the engines that have proven so capable in the three-door model.
The range begins with an updated 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine producing 170 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque—a modest increase of 20 horsepower and 60 Nm over the original specification.
The diesel option remains the 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged unit, now generating 150 horsepower and 350 Nm, with a particular focus on improving refinement and reducing NVH levels throughout the rev range.
Both engines are available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a sophisticated eight-speed automatic—two additional ratios compared to the three-door model’s automatic option.
Four-wheel drive with a transfer case remains standard across most variants, maintaining the Thar’s credibility as a genuine off-roader.
The system offers shift-on-the-fly capability between 2H and 4H modes up to 80 km/h, while a dedicated 4L mode provides the extreme crawling capability the Thar is known for.
Advanced off-road technologies include an electronic locking rear differential, brake-based front differential locking function, and hill descent control.
A notable addition to the lineup is a rear-wheel-drive variant aimed at urban buyers attracted to the Thar’s style but less concerned with its off-road prowess.
This configuration, available with both engine options, delivers improved fuel efficiency and a more accessible price point that opens the Thar experience to a broader audience.
Despite the focus on refinement, Mahindra’s engineers haven’t compromised on the Thar’s capability.
Ground clearance remains an impressive 226mm, while approach and departure angles of 41.2 and 36.8 degrees respectively ensure the five-door Thar can tackle serious obstacles.
The vehicle maintains a water wading depth of 650mm, though Mahindra is quick to point out that the improved sealing and interior quality mean owners might be less inclined to test these limits regularly.
Technology Integration: Connected and Capable
The five-door Thar introduces Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car technology, representing a significant technological leap for the model.
The system offers over 60 connected features including remote engine start, cabin pre-conditioning, geofencing, location sharing, and vehicle tracking.
The infotainment system integrates with Mahindra’s app ecosystem, allowing owners to plan off-road expeditions with topographical maps, trail information, and even connect with other Thar owners for group adventures.
For urban use, the system provides conventional navigation with real-time traffic updates and over-the-air software updates to expand functionality over time.
Driver assistance systems make their first appearance in a Thar, with the five-door model offering adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and a blind spot monitoring system.
Six airbags come standard across the range, as do electronic stability control, traction control, and roll mitigation systems calibrated specifically for both on and off-road scenarios.
“We’ve created a vehicle that’s as comfortable navigating city traffic with advanced driver aids as it is traversing a rocky riverbed using its mechanical four-wheel-drive system,” explains Pankaj Sonalkar, Chief of Mahindra Research Valley. “This duality defines the modern Thar experience.”
Market Positioning: Premium Adventure
The five-door Thar enters the market with clear premium aspirations, positioned above not only its three-door sibling but also targeting lifestyle SUV buyers who might otherwise consider vehicles like the Jeep Compass, MG Hector, or even the lower variants of the Toyota Fortuner.
Mahindra has structured the lineup across four distinct variants—AX, AX (O), MX, and LX—each progressively adding features and luxury appointments.
The range-topping LX trim introduces a level of luxury unprecedented in a Thar, including ventilated front seats, a premium nine-speaker sound system, ambient lighting, and a 360-degree camera system.
Pricing reflects this upmarket positioning, with the range starting at approximately ₹15 lakh for the rear-wheel-drive variants and extending beyond ₹23 lakh for fully-loaded four-wheel-drive models.
While this represents a significant premium over the three-door Thar, Mahindra is confident that the comprehensive improvements and additional practicality justify the positioning.
“We’re not just selling an expanded Thar; we’re offering an elevated experience that can serve as a family’s primary vehicle without compromise,” says Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director at Mahindra & Mahindra.
“The price reflects the substantial engineering and feature content we’ve invested in creating a truly premium off-roader.”
Production and Availability
To support the anticipated demand for both three-door and five-door Thar models, Mahindra has significantly expanded production capacity at its manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra.
The company has implemented new manufacturing processes and quality control measures specifically for the more premium components and finishes of the five-door variant.
Initial production will prioritize the higher-end variants, with Mahindra expecting the fully-loaded models to generate the most interest during the launch phase.
The company has implemented a transparent booking system that provides customers with regular updates on their vehicle’s production status, addressing concerns about the extended waiting periods that plagued the three-door model’s launch.
“We’ve learned from our experience with the three-door Thar and have prepared our production facilities accordingly,” notes Vijay Kalra, Chief of Manufacturing Operations.
“While we expect strong demand, we’re better positioned to ramp up production quickly to meet market needs.”
Mahindra dealerships are undergoing renovations to create dedicated Thar experience zones where customers can explore the expanded lineup in environments that highlight the vehicles’ dual personality—capable off-roader and sophisticated daily driver.
These spaces include interactive displays showcasing the Thar’s heritage alongside its modern technology and premium features.
Cultural Impact and Community
Beyond its commercial significance, the five-door Thar represents an important cultural milestone for Mahindra and the broader Indian automotive landscape.
It symbolizes the evolution of indigenous vehicle development, taking a distinctly Indian product and elevating it to global standards of design, engineering, and quality.
The Thar community—already one of the most passionate owner groups in the country—has greeted the five-door variant with enthusiasm.
Mahindra has worked closely with Thar owner clubs throughout the development process, incorporating feedback and ensuring the expanded model maintains the authenticity that enthusiasts value.
To support this community, Mahindra has expanded its Thar experience programs, offering specialized off-road training academies and organized trail expeditions that allow owners to explore their vehicles’ capabilities in controlled environments.
These programs have been adapted to include family-oriented adventures suitable for the five-door model’s broader appeal.
“The Thar isn’t just a vehicle; it’s the centerpiece of a lifestyle,” observes automotive expert Tutu Dhawan.
“The five-door version will bring more people into this culture, making authentic off-road experiences accessible to families who previously couldn’t consider a three-door model practical enough.”
Five door Thar Looking Forward: The Future of the Thar Lineup
As the five-door Thar establishes itself in the market, Mahindra has already begun outlining the future roadmap for the Thar family.
Development is underway on electrified variants, with a mild-hybrid system expected to join the lineup within eighteen months, followed by a full battery-electric version before the end of the decade.
The company has also secured the Thar’s intellectual property rights globally, suggesting potential export plans for both three-door and five-door variants to markets with similar demands for authentic, capable off-roaders with modern appointments.
“The Thar has evolved from a specialist vehicle to a mainstream proposition without losing its core values,” concludes Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group.
“The five-door variant represents our ability to preserve heritage while embracing progress—a balance that defines Mahindra’s approach to vehicle development.”
As the expanded Thar begins appearing on Indian roads and trails, it marks not just the growth of a model lineup but the maturation of an icon.
The five doors may be the most visible change, but it’s the premium evolution throughout every aspect of the vehicle that truly signals the Thar’s transformation from specialized tool to sophisticated companion for both everyday journeys and extraordinary adventures.
In bridging these worlds, Mahindra has created something unique in the Indian market—a vehicle that delivers authentic capability without asking owners to sacrifice comfort, technology, or practicality.
For families who have watched the Thar phenomenon from a distance, constrained by the limitations of the three-door configuration, the wait for a more accessible entry point to Thar ownership is finally over.