Mahindra Thar 5 Door Review: The SUV That Finally Fixes Everything People Complained About

Introduction

The Mahindra Thar has always been one of those cars people want to own, even if they don’t fully need it. It looks tough, it feels adventurous, and it carries a kind of emotional pull that most SUVs in India simply don’t have.

But let’s be honest for a second. The 3-door Thar had compromises. Big ones. Rear seat access was a pain, boot space was laughable, and using it as a proper family car required a lot of patience. People bought it anyway, but they adjusted.

Now Mahindra is finally addressing all of that with the 5-door version, often referred to as the Thar Armada. This isn’t just a stretched Thar, it’s Mahindra trying to turn a lifestyle SUV into something you can actually live with every day.

The big question is: has Mahindra gone too soft in the process, or have they nailed the balance?

Design & Road Presence

• The Thar 5-door keeps the iconic boxy silhouette intact, which means it still looks every bit like a proper off-roader.
• The longer wheelbase gives it a more proportionate stance compared to the slightly stubby look of the 3-door version.
• Additional rear doors are integrated cleanly into the design, without ruining its rugged appeal.
• The upright grille, round headlamps, and chunky bumpers continue to give it serious road presence.
• Alloy wheel design and wider stance enhance its overall muscular appearance.

Also read about the Tata Curvv Petrol and Diesel.

Engine Options & Performance

• Expected to carry forward the 2.0L turbo petrol engine that delivers strong performance for highway driving.
• The 2.2L diesel engine remains the more popular option, especially for torque-heavy off-road conditions.
• The diesel feels effortless at low speeds, making it perfect for crawling over rough terrain.
• Petrol variant feels quicker and more responsive, especially during overtakes on highways.
• Both engines are expected with manual and automatic gearbox options.

Ride & Handling

• The longer wheelbase improves ride stability significantly compared to the 3-door version.
• High-speed behavior feels more planted, reducing the nervousness some drivers experienced earlier.
• Suspension continues to be tuned for rough terrain, which means it handles bad roads easily.
• Body roll is present, as expected, but feels more controlled than before.
• Steering remains slightly heavy at low speeds but improves as you pick up pace.

Interior & Features

• The cabin gets noticeable upgrades, making it feel more modern and usable for daily driving.
• A larger touchscreen infotainment system is expected, along with connected car tech.
• Rear seat comfort improves massively, thanks to proper doors and better space.
• Features like cruise control, automatic climate control, and premium upholstery enhance comfort.
• Overall cabin still feels rugged but more polished than before.

Practicality & Space

• Rear seat access is now effortless, no more climbing or adjusting front seats awkwardly.
• Legroom and headroom are significantly better, making it usable for family trips.
• Boot space sees a huge improvement, finally making it practical for luggage.
• Cabin storage spaces are more functional for daily use.
• This is the first time the Thar actually feels like a proper family SUV.

Off-Road Capability

• Retains strong off-road DNA with high ground clearance and excellent approach/departure angles.
• 4×4 system continues to be one of the best in the segment.
• Low-range gearbox ensures serious off-road capability remains intact.
• Water wading and rough terrain handling remain strengths.
• This is still one of the most capable off-roaders you can buy in India.

Mileage & Running Costs

• Petrol variant is expected to return around 12–14 km/l in real-world conditions.
• Diesel variant could deliver 15–18 km/l depending on usage.
• Maintenance costs are reasonable for the segment.
• Mahindra’s service network ensures accessibility across India.
• Fuel efficiency is acceptable given the size and capability of the SUV.

What Could Be Better

• Pricing may increase significantly over the 3-door version.
• Fuel efficiency is still not a strong point.
• Urban maneuverability can be tricky due to size.
• Ride quality at low speeds can feel slightly stiff.
• Not everyone will need its hardcore off-road capabilities.

Should You Buy It?

• If you always loved the Thar but avoided it due to practicality, this is your answer.
• It finally works as both a lifestyle SUV and a family car.
• Diesel variant is ideal for most buyers due to better torque and efficiency.
• It offers something no soft-roader SUV can match, real capability.
• However, if your usage is purely city driving, there are more comfortable alternatives.

FAQs

Final Verdict

The Mahindra Thar 5-door is exactly what the original Thar should have been for most buyers. It keeps the charm, adds practicality, and doesn’t lose its core identity. If you’ve been waiting for a Thar you can actually use every day without compromises, this is it.

Author: Manav Akbari, TheWheelFeed