What is the story about?
2026 Mahindra Thar OG isn't just a badge change from the outgoing Thar — it rides on an entirely different platform, with reworked suspension, steering
and a genuinely upgraded safety suite. That matters because buyers comparing the two on paper might assume this is another cosmetic facelift like 2025's update, when several of these changes actually affect how the SUV drives and how well it protects occupants. Base pricing has moved only slightly despite the scale of these changes, which is worth knowing before assuming this update costs significantly more. Here's a direct look at what's changed mechanically, on the features list and in pricing. Before moving on to different aspects, here's a size comparison between the two versions.
| Dimension | Thar OG | Old Thar |
| Length | 3,995mm | 3,985mm |
| Width | 1,870mm | 1,820mm |
| Height | 1,855mm | 1,855mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,450mm | 2,450mm |
| Ground Clearance | 232mm | 226mm |
New Mahindra Thar OG Vs Old Thar: What's Different Underneath
The old Thar used a different platform altogether; the Thar OG now sits on Mahindra's M_Glyde 4G architecture, shared with the Thar Roxx, which the company says is structurally stiffer. The rear suspension changes too — a Penta-link setup with a Watts Link replaces the previous arrangement, paired with frequency-dependent dampers Mahindra calls DAVINCI.Steering moves from hydraulic to electric assistance for the first time, addressing a common complaint that the old Thar felt heavy to manoeuvre at low speeds. The locking differential is now electronically assisted rather than mechanical, and dedicated Snow, Sand and Mud terrain modes join new Zip and Zoom drive modes that weren't offered before.
Two of the three engines also gain output: the 2.2-litre diesel now makes 152hp and 330Nm, up 18hp and 30Nm, while the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol rises to 162hp and 330Nm, up 10hp and 30Nm. The 1.5-litre diesel is unchanged.
New Mahindra Thar OG Vs Old Thar: Safety and Equipment Changes
Top-spec Thar OG variants now get a 6-airbag setup including a Head-Pelvis-Thorax-Shoulder side-impact system along with all-wheel disc brakes and front parking sensors — none of which were available on the old Thar, though it's worth noting these remain limited to higher trims instead of standard across the range.Inside, fabric seats are replaced by leatherette, a rear centre armrest with cupholders has been added, and features like a wireless phone charger, cornering headlamps as well as push-button start join the equipment list for the first time.
Styling changes — new LED lighting, dual-tone bumpers and larger 19-inch wheels — round out the update, but the mechanical and safety changes are what genuinely separate the Thar OG from its predecessor and not just the way it looks.
