The New Five-Door Mahindra Thar: The Off-Road Legend Finally Becomes Family-Friendly

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. has finally introduced the highly anticipated five-door variant of the rugged Thar SUV to the market in 2025. This strategic move is designed to significantly broaden the vehicle's appeal while steadfastly maintaining its iconic status as a formidable off-roader. The introduction directly addresses the primary limitation of the three-door version: its restricted passenger and cargo space, which previously relegated the popular model to a niche segment, often excluding many family-oriented buyers.

To accommodate the extra doors and increased size, the new Thar is engineered around the M_Glyde platform, featuring a substantially revised frame structure. The manufacturer asserts that this new architecture delivers marked improvements in ride comfort and a noticeable reduction in cabin noise compared to its predecessors. This commitment to refinement signals a shift toward making the legendary off-roader more palatable for everyday driving scenarios.

Visually, the five-door Thar retains the unmistakable, muscular aesthetic that defines the model. However, the extended wheelbase, now measuring 2850 mm, paired with an overall body length of 4428 mm, lends the SUV a more composed and balanced stance. This increase in physical dimensions contributes to a more substantial road presence, making the vehicle appear more commanding. While retaining signature design cues like the circular headlamps and distinctive bonnet, the addition of five doors represents the crucial upgrade for enhanced daily usability.

The most transformative changes are undoubtedly found within the cabin, which has been repositioned to offer a blend of premium feel and enhanced practicality. The rear seating area has seen substantial enhancement, now providing ample legroom and headroom, further supported by a flat floor in the center, comfortably accommodating three occupants. Entry and exit are simplified thanks to wider doors. Furthermore, the cargo capacity has swelled to an impressive 447 liters, positioning the Thar as a viable contender for longer road trips.

Technologically, the interior receives a significant boost. Drivers are greeted by dual 10.25-inch screens: one serving as a fully digital instrument cluster and the other housing the infotainment system, which integrates MapMyIndia navigation and the Adventure Stats feature. Borrowing desirable amenities from other Mahindra models, the cabin now features ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof option, and a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, substantially elevating the overall equipment level.

Crucially, the focus on comfort has not eclipsed its core capability as an all-terrain machine. The vehicle retains its robust ladder frame chassis, a healthy 226 mm of ground clearance, and a capable four-wheel-drive system featuring a manually locking front axle and a low-range transfer case. Its approach and departure angles are rated at 41.7 and 36.1 degrees, respectively, and it maintains a water-wading depth capability of 650 mm, confirming its readiness for challenging landscapes.

Powertrain options rely on proven units: the 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine and the 2.2-liter mHawk turbodiesel. Both are offered with manual or automatic transmission choices. Specifically, the diesel mHawk in the 4WD automatic configuration delivers 129 kW of power and 370 Nm of torque. Reports suggest that petrol versions might be exclusively available in Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), whereas the diesel lineup offers both RWD and 4WD configurations.

Safety and handling have also been addressed with modern features, including a standard complement of six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), and Adaptive Cruise Control. Highway stability benefits from the extended wheelbase. To improve maneuverability in tight spots, top-tier trims now incorporate the Intelliturn system, which subtly brakes the inner rear wheel to reduce the turning radius, making city driving less of a chore.