Joseph Fernandes 
Mahindra has been consistently testing the Thar 5-door in India, resulting in numerous sightings of the SUV. In this article, we’ll compare the current 3-door Thar against the upcoming 5-door Thar, scheduled for 15th August launch.. We’ll examine its exterior, interior, and features to see how it stacks up against its rivals.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs 3-Door: Design
Externally, both versions share an identical front profile, with differences in the front grille where the 5-door gets H-pattern grille and two additional door. However, upon closer inspection, distinctions emerge. The 3-Door model features halogen headlamps, while the 5-Door version boasts LED headlamps with dual-functional round LED DRLs reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. Additionally, the 3-Door sports halogen fog lamps, whereas the 5-Door incorporates LED fog lamps.
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Shifting focus to the side profile, the 3-Door’s convertible nature allows for the removal of the roof at any time. In contrast, the 5-Door version lacks convertibility, compensating with a fixed roof. To address this, Mahindra is offering a panoramic sunroof, though some trims will get single-pane sunroof given the SUV’s. Both versions while share same alloy wheel, the 5-Door Thar top-trims will get new 19-inch alloy wheels.
Examining the rear, both versions appear identical, yet the 5-Door Thar introduces wheel cover for the tailgate mounted wheel; new LED Taillight which is same in design but the 5-door version gets integrated stop lamps into the tail-lamps keeping it unique. Transitioning to the interior, similarities abound, but differences exist. The 3-Door variant boasts a 7-inch infotainment system and an analog instrument cluster with a TFT display. In contrast, the 5-Door version upgrades to a free-standing 10.25-inch infotainment system and a new 10.25-inch digital cluster same unit as the XUV3XO and the XUV400 EV. Moreover, there’s camera module on the top windshield for ADAS which isn’t available with the 3-door version.
The rear seat experience in the 3-Door model is hindered by minimal legroom, a concern addressed by Mahindra in the 5-Door variant. The latter also adopts a new steering wheel from the XUV700, distinguishing it from the 3-Door Thar.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs 3-Door: Engine Specs
| Diesel | Mahindra Thar | |||
| 5-Door | 3-Door | |||
| Engine | 1.5 L 4 Cylinder | 2.2 L 4 Cylinder | 1.5 L 4 Cylinder | 2.2 L 4 Cylinder |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD, 4WD | RWD | RWD, 4WD |
| Power | 117 BHP | 160 – 170 BHP | 117 BHP | 130 BHP |
| Torque | 300 NM | 350 – 370 NM | 300 NM | 300 NM |
| Transmission | 6 Speed MT | 6 Speed MT / AT | 6 Speed MT | 6 Speed MT / AT |
The Thar 5-Door will be taking the diesel engine from the Scorpio-N but the power and torque output will be lowered. It’ll be more powerful than the 3-door version, but also retains the 1.5 L Diesel engine from the 3-door version which is likely for the lower trims.
| Petrol | Mahindra Thar | |
| 5-Door | 3-Door | |
| Engine | 2.0 L 4 Cylinder | 2.0 L 4 Cylinder |
| Drivetrain | RWD, 4WD | RWD, 4WD |
| Power | 180 BHP | 150 BHP |
| Torque | 380 NM | 300 – 320 NM |
| Transmission | 6 Speed MT / AT | 6 Speed MT / AT |
Even with the Petrol engine which is also taken from the Scorpio-n for the 5-door, it’ll have slightly lowered power and torque output but still way more than the 3-door version.
Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs 3-Door: Features
| Features | Thar 5-Door | Thar 3-Door |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamps | LED | Halogen |
| Tail-lamps | LED | LED |
| Wheel Size and Type | 19-inch alloy wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Manual |
| Infotainment System | 10.25-inch | 7-inch |
| Apple Carplay & Android Auto | Wireless | Wired |
| Instrument Cluster and Size | Digital 10.25-inch | 7-inch Analog |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | – |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | – |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Yes | – |
| Electronic Brake Locking Differential | Yes | Yes |
| 360 Surround View Camera | Yes | Rear Parking Camera |
| Airbags | 6 | 2 |
| ADAS | Yes | – |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | Yes | – |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Modes | Yes | – |
| Traction Modes | Yes | – |
Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs 3-Door: Price and Launch
| Model | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar (3-Door) | Rs. 11.35 – Rs. 17.60 L |
| Mahindra Thar (5-Door) | Expected Rs. 15 L |
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door price ranges from Rs. 11.35 Lakh for the base ‘LX 4-Str Hard Top RWD Automatic’ variant, and Rs. 17.60 Lakh for the top variant, ‘LX 4 Str Hard Top Automatic 4WD.’ Meanwhile, the 5-Door Thar is expected to start from Rs. 15 Lakh.
As for the launch, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door is expected to launch on 15th of August, i.e. during the Independence Day and upon its launch it’ll compete with the new Force Gurkha 5-door.
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Mahindra Thar 5-Door vs 3-Door – Which Version is Worth Buying?