Not having to content with similarly-styled SUVs from China, Jeep now has to fight against an Indian rival as well in the 2020 Mahindra Thar.

Launched on India’s 74th Independence Day, the Mahindra Thar is a true SUV whose predecessor served their army since the 1950s. This all-new model is built atop a body-on-frame chassis that was extensively tested in the harshest terrains around India. Its all-around independent suspension setup gives it better off-roading capability along with improved handling and on-road comfort. This is backed up by a shift-on-the-fly 4x4 system with low ratio, a mechanical locking differential on the rear axle, and even a brake locking differential.

Numbers don’t lie as the Thar has 226 mm of ground clearance, 650 mm of water wading, 41.8-degree approach, 36.8-degree departure, and 27-degree breakover angles.

Backing up the off-road credentials is a choice between two engines: a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct injection gasoline (mStallion) or 2.0-liter turbo diesel (mHawk). The former has 150 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, while the latter has 130 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Both are available with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic.



From here on though, things are going to get a bit dicey between Jeep and Mahindra.

While Mahindra maintains that its Thar maintains a “classic 2-door SUV silhouette,” the contemporary design touches do match up closely to the current Jeep Wrangler “JL” model. It must be noted that the Thar’s most immediate predecessor already caused the irk of Jeep when the Indian automaker wanted to launch it for the U.S. market as the Roxor. Jeep has since won the suit.

Meanwhile, inside, the Thar looks closer to the previous Wrangler “JK” model down to the placement of its 7-inch infotainment system, round AC vents, roof-mounted speakers, and even IP54 compliant (drizzle resistant) dashboard switches.

Making the Thar different though is that aside from the standard four front facing seats, it can be optioned to seat six with the rear seats converted to side facing benches.



Aside from its complement of airbags, the Thar also gets ABS with EBD, stability control with hill hold and hill descent control.

Sales of the Thar will commence in India by October with an estimate price between 1 million to 1.7 million Indian Rupee (P 650,000 to 1.1 million). With Mahindra in the Philippines currently concentrating its efforts on fleet and business-oriented clients, chances of seeing the Thar here is slim to none. Still, one can hope for a Mahindra brand revival using the Thar; it can possibly make its way to Korea through its affiliate brand, SsangYong as well.