Explore the complete history of Mahindra Thar – from its military origins to the modern off-road icon. Discover how Thar evolved into one of India’s most loved SUVs.
Introduction
When you think of rugged Indian SUVs built for both adventure and endurance, one name immediately comes to mind — Mahindra Thar. Since its inception, Thar has evolved from a military workhorse to a lifestyle SUV, all while staying true to its core DNA: durability, versatility, and off-road capability.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the complete journey of the Mahindra Thar — from its early days to its present-day avatar.
The Roots: Inspired by the Willys Jeep (1947–1980s)
To begin with, Mahindra’s story as a utility vehicle maker started in 1947, when the company began assembling the Willys Jeep CJ3B under license from the U.S.
This humble beginning laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Mahindra Thar. For decades, Mahindra produced several versions of military-grade jeeps that were known for their reliability on rough terrains — widely used by the Indian Army and farmers alike.
The MM Series and CL Models (1980s–2000s)
As we move into the 1980s and 1990s, Mahindra introduced the MM540 and MM550, followed by the CL340. These vehicles continued to evolve in terms of engine performance and build quality, yet maintained the classic Jeep design.
Even though they lacked luxury, they won hearts for their go-anywhere attitude and affordability. These models became the stepping stones toward the Thar we know today.
The First Generation Thar (2010)
Fast forward to 2010, Mahindra officially launched the first-generation Thar, targeting adventure seekers and off-road enthusiasts. It came with:
- A 2.5L CRDe diesel engine
- Rugged, minimalistic design
- Solid front and rear axles for true off-road performance
Although basic in comfort and features, the Thar CRDe quickly built a cult following thanks to its legendary 4×4 capabilities and nostalgic styling.
Introducing the Thar ROXX Edition (2024)
Now, in 2024, Mahindra has taken customization to the next level with the launch of the Thar ROXX Edition — a factory-fitted, off-road-ready beast.
Key Highlights of the Thar ROXX:
- Aggressive new design elements, including matte finishes and ROXX badging
- Factory-installed off-road accessories like rock sliders, tow hooks, roof-mounted lights, and snorkel
- High-lift suspension and all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capability
- Retains powerful 2.0L mStallion petrol and 2.2L mHawk diesel options
- Limited edition exclusivity with custom interior touches
The Thar ROXX is aimed squarely at those who want their SUV to stand out on the road and off it — without visiting the aftermarket.
Key Highlights of the Thar ROXX:
- Aggressive new design elements, including matte finishes and ROXX badging
- Factory-installed off-road accessories like rock sliders, tow hooks, roof-mounted lights, and snorkel
- High-lift suspension and all-terrain tires for enhanced off-road capability
- Retains powerful 2.0L mStallion petrol and 2.2L mHawk diesel options
- Limited edition exclusivity with custom interior touches
The Thar ROXX is aimed squarely at those who want their SUV to stand out on the road and off it — without visiting the aftermarket.
A New Era: Second-Generation Thar (2020)
In October 2020, Mahindra launched the second-generation Thar, and this marked a massive transformation. This new model kept the off-road DNA intact but added:
- A more refined design with a hint of Wrangler-inspired aesthetics
- Choice of petrol (2.0L mStallion) and diesel (2.2L mHawk) engines
- 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options
- Hard-top, soft-top, and convertible options
- Infotainment system, cruise control, and safety features
Thanks to this transformation, the new Thar wasn’t just a trail warrior — it became a lifestyle SUV, appealing to urban buyers and off-roaders alike.
Sales Success and Cultural Impact
Since the 2020 relaunch, the Mahindra Thar has become one of the most in-demand SUVs in India, often with waiting periods stretching for months. It became a symbol of:
- Freedom and adventure
- Weekend getaways and road trips
- A status icon among younger buyers
With social media buzzing with #TharDiaries and travel bloggers embracing it, the Thar secured its place in Indian car culture.
What’s Next for the Thar? (2025 and Beyond)
Looking ahead, Mahindra is expected to introduce:
- Electric Thar (Thar.e) – concept already unveiled with futuristic design
- Better tech, hybrid powertrains, and more safety features
As the SUV market evolves, Mahindra plans to keep the Thar relevant and revolutionary.
Conclusion
From a rugged army jeep to a modern off-roader, the Mahindra Thar’s journey is a story of resilience, reinvention, and relevance. With each generation, it has stayed true to its off-road roots while adapting to the changing needs of Indian buyers.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a city dweller, or a nostalgic auto enthusiast — there’s a Thar for everyone.