The Mahindra Thar OG may look like a mild update to the outgoing Thar, but there is much more that has changed underneath the familiar design. Mahindra has updated the platform, suspension, steering, engines, off-road hardware, cabin and safety equipment.

Launched at a starting price of Rs 10.32 lakh (ex-showroom), the Thar OG continues with the same basic three-door off-road SUV formula. However, the changes are aimed at making it more comfortable and easier to drive on the road while retaining its off-road capabilities.

If you are considering the new Thar OG and want to know what has actually changed compared with the previous Thar, here are the 10 biggest updates.

1. New platform with a stiffer structure

The biggest change is something you cannot see from the outside. The Thar OG moves to a new platform that Mahindra says has been developed with greater structural stiffness. The change should help improve the SUV’s stability and behaviour both on the road and off it. A stiffer structure also provides a better foundation for the updated suspension and steering systems.

Mahindra has retained the Thar’s rugged character, but the new platform suggests that the company is also focusing more on everyday driving manners.

2. New PENTALINK rear suspension

The Thar OG gets a new PENTALINK rear suspension setup, replacing the previous setup. Mahindra says the new system is designed to improve cornering stability and give the driver better control. This is particularly relevant because the Thar is no longer used only as an off-road vehicle. Many owners drive it regularly in cities and on highways.

The new rear suspension is therefore one of the more important changes for everyday use, even though it is not visible from outside.

3. DAVINCI damping technology

The suspension gets another major upgrade with Mahindra’s DAVINCI damping technology. It uses frequency-dependent damping, which allows the damping characteristics to vary depending on the type of suspension movement. The aim is to improve ride quality across different road surfaces.

For the Thar, this could make a bigger difference than some of the cosmetic changes. The outgoing SUV’s rugged setup was designed with off-road ability in mind, while the new system is intended to offer better control and comfort on regular roads as well.

4. Electric power steering replaces hydraulic steering

Another major mechanical change is the move from hydraulic power steering to electric power steering.

Mahindra says the new electric system makes the Thar easier to manoeuvre. This should be particularly useful at low speeds, where steering effort can be more noticeable.

It could make the Thar more convenient in city traffic and while parking, areas where the outgoing model was not as effortless as a conventional urban SUV.

5. More off-road hardware on 4WD variants

Mahindra has also added an electronic locking differential to the 4WD versions of the Thar OG. The system helps when one of the driven wheels starts losing traction. It can manage wheel slip and help the SUV maintain forward movement on difficult terrain.

The 4WD variants also get Mud, Sand and Snow terrain modes. These modes are designed to adjust the vehicle’s behaviour for different surfaces, making it easier for drivers to tackle challenging terrain without manually managing every traction situation.

The Thar OG continues to offer other off-road hardware, including a brake-locking differential, automatic hub locks and tow-hitch protection.

6. The engines are more powerful

The Thar OG continues with three engine options, but the larger engines now produce more power.

The 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine produces 160 bhp and 330 Nm, while the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel produces 150 bhp and 330 Nm. The 1.5-litre D117 CRDe diesel continues to produce 116 bhp and 300 Nm.

Engine	Old Thar	New Thar OG
1.5-litre D117 diesel	116 bhp / 300 Nm	116 bhp / 300 Nm
2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol	150 bhp / 320 Nm	160 bhp / 330 Nm
2.2-litre mHawk diesel	130 bhp / 300 Nm	150 bhp / 330 Nm

The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol is available with manual and automatic transmissions, while the 2.2-litre diesel is also offered with both transmission options.

Another important change is that the larger 2.2-litre diesel can now be paired with rear-wheel drive. This gives buyers another option if they want the bigger diesel engine but do not need four-wheel drive.

7. The exterior gets a subtle redesign

The Thar OG still has the same instantly recognisable boxy shape, but Mahindra has made several changes to the exterior. It gets a new grille, circular LED headlamps with C-shaped daytime running lights and new LED fog lamps with a cornering function. The front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned.

The SUV gets a wider track and new 19-inch alloy wheels on higher variants. These changes give the Thar OG a slightly different stance without moving away from the design that has become closely associated with the Thar.

The update is therefore evolutionary rather than a complete visual redesign.

8. The cabin gets more premium features

The interior retains the upright dashboard and rugged styling of the previous Thar, but Mahindra has added several features to make it feel more modern.

Higher variants get embossed leatherette seats, a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel and a soft second-row armrest with a cupholder.

The infotainment system has also been upgraded, with a larger touchscreen and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The SUV gets a colour MID and wireless charging as well.

These are useful changes for owners who use the Thar as a daily vehicle rather than only as a weekend off-roader.

9. Safety equipment has been improved

Safety is another area where the Thar OG gets significant changes. The new SUV is available with six airbags for front and rear occupants and now gets four-wheel disc brakes.

Higher variants also get a tyre pressure monitoring system and rear-view camera. The Thar OG continues to offer other safety features such as electronic stability control and parking sensors.

The additional equipment makes the new model better equipped for everyday use, especially for buyers who want the Thar as their primary SUV.

10. More variants and powertrain combinations

The Thar OG is available in three trims: AXT, LXT and ZXT. The AXT starts at Rs 10.32 lakh, while the LXT starts at Rs 12.99 lakh. The ZXT starts at Rs 13.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.99 lakh, depending on the engine, transmission and drivetrain.

Buyers can choose between petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive depending on the variant.

This gives the Thar OG a wider range of configurations than simply offering one standard off-road setup.

Thar OG vs old Thar: What has really changed?

The Thar OG does not look radically different from the previous model, but that does not mean Mahindra has made only cosmetic changes. The new platform, PENTALINK rear suspension, DAVINCI damping technology and electric power steering are significant changes to the way the SUV is built and driven. The more powerful engines and electronic locking differential add to its capability, while the updated cabin and additional safety equipment address some of the requirements of a modern SUV.

The result is still recognisably a Thar. Mahindra has kept the design and off-road character familiar while making changes underneath that could make the new model more comfortable and easier to live with every day.