Mahindra Thar Key Features: From Touchscreen to Engine Options

Mahindra Thar, the dream vehicle of every Indian household, starts at Rs 11.35 lakh and goes up to Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom). There are a total of 17 trims, divided between petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, hard top and convertible options, and 4WD and RWD configurations. In this article, I will highlight its standout features, compare them with its competitors' features, mention the features that are missing.

Without further ado, let's start. Make sure to join the 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel to never miss out on auto updates.

Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio N Key Features: Terrain Management To Ventilated Seats

Top Features in Mahindra Thar

7-inch Infotainment Touchscreen

Mahindra Thar is equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also provides other multimedia control functions, such as Bluetooth connectivity. However, the most important part of the screen is that it provides real-time information about the engine power and torque figures, along with a G-meter, compass, and the vehicle's inclination and differential lock systems.

All these functions are available in the Adventure tab on the home screen.

Variants Available:

The 8-inch touchscreen is available only with the top trim LX in both RWD and 4WD, as well as in convertible and hard-top versions of the Thar. The price of the LX hard top RWD, which is the cheapest model to offer this screen, is Rs 12.85 lakh (ex-showroom).

Competitors with the same feature:

• In the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, two touchscreen infotainment options are available. The Zeta model gets a 7-inch screen, while the Alpha (top model) is equipped with a 9-inch screen and offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay features. Also, the Zeta starts at Rs 12.74 lakh and Alpha at Rs 13.69 lakh.
• Another Indian SUV, the Force Gurkha, features a 9-inch touchscreen. It is only available in one variant, the Force Gurkha 2.6 Diesel, priced at Rs 16.75 lakh.

Steering Mounted Controls

Change your music or increase the volume with the buttons available on the steering wheel. There are also call receive and decline buttons, and cruise control is included as well. If you're on a highway and want a relaxing drive, set your cruise speed and enjoy. This accessibility is only available with the LX trim.

Variants Available:

The steering mounted controls is available only with the top trim LX in both RWD and 4WD, as well as in convertible and hard-top versions of the Thar. The price of the LX hard top RWD, which is the cheapest model to offer this screen, is Rs 12.85 lakh (ex-showroom).

Competitors with the same feature:

• In the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, the steering-mounted controls are present in the Alpha model. This include buttons for volume control, cruise control, and call accepting and declining.
• The Force Gurkha doesn't have any control buttons on the steering wheel.

TFT Multi Information Display

It has two dials with a multi-information display in the center that provides all the vehicle details such as range, tire condition, average fuel consumption, current speed, airbags on/off notification, and the current gear (only in automatic versions). All the information is easy to understand, as the resolution is high.

Variants Available:

TFT Multi- Information display is available with both models, AX OPT and LX, and the base varient of Thar costs Rs 11.35 lakh.

Competitors with the same feature:

• The Maruti Jimny also has a similar display: two analog dials with a screen in the middle, and every model is equipped with it. Additionally, the base variant of the Jimny, the Zeta MT, costs Rs 12.74 lakh.
• On the other hand, the Force Gurkha has an old-school analog meter that shows only basic information. It feels outdated and unexciting. However, the 5-door Force Gurkha, introduced with the 2024 model, features an all-digital drivers display.

Roof-Mounted Speakers

The Mahindra Thars roof-mounted speakers are placed just above the drivers seat, so even if you make it convertible, you can always enjoy your favorite music and create a concert atmosphere whenever you embark on your adventurous trips.

Variants Available:

Only the LX trim is eligible for the speakers, as you don't get even a single speaker in the AX OPT. Specifically, there are 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, starting from the LX RWD Hard Top at Rs 12.85 lakh.

Competitors with same feature:

The Maruti Jimny doesn't have roof-mounted speakers but instead has 4 speakers on the doors. Additionally, there is no convertible option like the Thar. The same goes for the Force Gurkha. However, music and speakers aren't really a big part of these SUVs.

Rear Parking Sensors

The Mahindra Thar is a big machine, not in terms of length, but in height, width, and overall appearance. So, parking it can be a bit challenging, even with its light steering. This is where parking sensors come in handy, as they let the driver know about the proximity between the car and surrounding objects. Additionally, no reverse camera function is available on any trim.

Variants Available:

Every trim of the Mahindra Thar gets this feature, from the base AX (0) Hard Top RWD Diesel to the Earth Edition Diesel 4WD.

Competitors with same feature:

• The Maruti Jimny doesn't have parking sensors, but it does have a reverse parking camera, which is a big plus and more important than just sensors. Thankfully, both trim levels, Zeta and Alpha, get it.
• On the other hand, the Force Gurkha comes with rear parking sensors, but not with a rear parking camera. So, this evens things out.

Two Diesel Engine and One Petrol Engine

In the Thar, you get two diesel engines. One is a 1.5 L CRDe available only for the RWD version. This engine produces 118 PS and 300 Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Both the AX (0) and LX variants come with this engine.

The second diesel engine is a 2.2 L mHawk, producing 131 PS and 300 Nm of torque, with a 4WD High & Low Reduction Gear arrangement. In the AX (0) variant, only a 6-speed manual gearbox is available, while the LX variant offers both a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

Let's talk about the petrol engine, which is a 2.0 L mStallion producing 152 PS and 300 Nm of torque with a 6-speed manual. In the case of the 6-speed torque converter automatic, the torque increases to 320 Nm and is reserved for the LX variant. Additionally, the big difference here is that the AX (0) variant comes with 4WD, while the LX variant offers the option to choose between 4WD or RWD.

Additional Popular Features

• Uphill and downhill control
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Dual Front Airbags
• Blue Sense App
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Power Windows

Features Missing in the Mahindra Thar:

• 360 - Degree Camera
• Projector LED headlamps and foglight
• Front parking sensors
• Fully digital drivers display
• ADAS
• Terrain Modes
• Wireless charging pad
• rear AC vents
• Electrically adjustable front seats