If you have been eyeing the iconic Mahindra Thar, the window for a lower price tag has officially closed. Effective April 6, 2026, Mahindra & Mahindra has implemented a nationwide price revision across its SUV lineup, with the Thar bearing a significant brunt of the increase.
This marks the second price hike for the lifestyle SUV in just three months, coming shortly after a ₹20,000 revision in January. For prospective buyers, this cumulative increase means the top-tier variants have become nearly ₹64,000 dearer since the start of the year.
The “Luxury Wall”: Steep Hikes for Automatics
The price hike isn’t uniform across the board. Mahindra has targeted its high-demand, top-spec variants with the steepest increases.
- The Diesel Peak: The LXT 4WD 2.2L Diesel AT has seen the largest jump, with a price increase of ₹43,500. This top-of-the-line variant now retails at an ex-showroom price of ₹17.62 lakh.
- The Petrol Premium: Similarly, the LXT 4WD 2.0L Petrol AT has become more expensive by ₹41,500, pushing its sticker price to ₹16.86 lakh.
- Manual Variants: The 4WD manual variants for both petrol and diesel have seen increases ranging between ₹37,500 and ₹39,500.
The Strategic “Price Lock” on the Base Variant
In a move to keep the Thar’s entry-level marketing intact, Mahindra has notably spared the base model. The AXT 2WD 1.5L Diesel MT continues to start at its psychological milestone of ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
This “Price Lock” ensures that the Thar remains accessible to budget-conscious enthusiasts on paper, even as the more desirable LXT trims move further into the premium territory.
Variant-Wise Price Breakdown (April 2026)
| Variant | New Price (Ex-Showroom) | Quantum of Hike |
| AXT 2WD 1.5L Diesel MT | ₹9.99 Lakh | No Change |
| LXT 2WD 1.5L Diesel MT | ₹12.69 Lakh | + ₹30,500 |
| LXT 4WD 2.0L Petrol MT | ₹15.26 Lakh | + ₹37,500 |
| LXT 4WD 2.2L Diesel MT | ₹16.08 Lakh | + ₹39,500 |
| LXT 4WD 2.2L Diesel AT | ₹17.62 Lakh | + ₹43,500 |
Why the Sudden Surge?
Mahindra has attributed this 2.5% portfolio-wide hike to a combination of rising input costs and inflationary pressures on raw materials like steel and precious metals used in catalytic converters.
However, industry analysts suggest this timing is also strategic. With the Thar Roxx (5-door) recently receiving its own massive price update (hiking up to ₹61,500 for some trims), the 3-door Thar’s price adjustment helps maintain a clear hierarchy between the “lifestyle” off-roader and the “family” SUV.
The Verdict: Buy Now or Wait?
With two hikes in 90 days, the Thar is no longer the “bargain” it once was. However, with rumors of a Thar Facelift arriving later in 2026—potentially featuring the 10.25-inch screen from the Roxx—some buyers may find it wiser to wait for the updated tech, even if it comes at a higher premium.
Is the Thar still a “must-buy” at ₹17.6 lakh, or has it finally entered a price bracket where it faces too much competition? Let us know in the comments!
