Mahindra & Mahindra, a household name in Indian SUVs, is gearing up for a significant refresh of three of its most popular models: the Thar, Bolero, and XUV700. These aren’t just minor updates; we’re talking about comprehensive facelifts that promise enhanced looks, upgraded interiors, and potentially even better performance, all hitting the market in 2025 and early 2026. Let’s dive into what you can expect from these rejuvenated powerhouses.
The Thar: Even More Adventurous
The Mahindra Thar has always been about rugged adventure, and its 2025 facelift aims to dial that up a notch. Expect a refreshed front fascia with a new radiator grille, possibly inspired by the bold Thar Roxx concept. Look out for updated circular LED headlights and fog lights that will give it a more modern yet aggressive appeal. New 18-inch alloy wheels and redesigned bumpers will complete the exterior refresh, ensuring it looks ready for anything.
Inside, the Thar facelift promises a more refined experience while keeping its practical core. You’ll likely see a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital driver’s display. Comfort features like automatic climate control and a premium sound system are also anticipated. Mahindra is also focusing on ergonomics, with power window switches possibly relocating to the door panels. Safety gets a boost too, with the probable inclusion of six airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Under the hood, the familiar 1.5-litre diesel, 2.2-litre diesel, and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines are expected to continue, offering a great mix of power and efficiency. Expect the updated Thar around the festive season of 2025.
The Bolero: A Bold New Chapter
The Bolero has long been the backbone of rural and semi-urban India, known for its sheer toughness. The 2025 Bolero facelift, especially the Bolero Neo, is set for a substantial overhaul. Mahindra is reportedly giving it an entirely new body shell, all while retaining its robust ladder-frame chassis. This means a more contemporary and upscale look, with fresh body panels and a more refined shape. The Bolero Neo facelift is slated for a grand reveal on August 15, 2025, at Mahindra’s Independence Day event, with a market launch expected in October 2025.
The interior of the Bolero facelift is where the biggest changes are likely to happen. Picture a new dashboard, a larger touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and perhaps even a panoramic sunroof – a first for the Bolero! A semi-digital instrument cluster with a large colour TFT MID will also enhance the driver’s experience. While the reliable 1.5-litre, three-cylinder diesel engine is likely to continue, the exciting possibility of an automatic gearbox option could significantly broaden its appeal. Mahindra is also showcasing its new NFA (New Flexible Architecture) platform, which the new-gen Bolero might utilize. Standard safety features will include dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and reverse parking sensors.
The XUV700: Smarter and More Sophisticated
The XUV700 made waves with its advanced features and strong performance, and its upcoming facelift aims to cement its position as a segment leader. Expected to launch in January 2026, the XUV700 facelift is already creating a buzz with spy shots showing a heavily camouflaged test vehicle. Exterior updates will likely include a refreshed front grille, redesigned headlamps, tweaked bumpers, and a new set of alloy wheels, further enhancing its dominant road presence.
While specific interior details are still under wraps, the XUV700 facelift is expected to push the boundaries of in-cabin technology and comfort even further. It will likely build on its already impressive feature list, which includes dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment and the digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, and a premium Sony sound system. The focus will be on refining the user experience and potentially introducing even more cutting-edge connected car technologies. The powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, known for their strong performance, are expected to carry over, offering both manual and automatic transmission options, along with FWD and AWD configurations. The XUV700’s Level-2 ADAS suite is also likely to see enhancements, boosting its safety credentials even further.
Mahindra’s decision to update these three key SUVs shows its commitment to innovation and staying competitive in the Indian market. By blending their inherent strengths with modern looks, advanced features, and refined driving dynamics, the facelifted Thar, Bolero, and XUV700 are poised to not only keep their loyal fan base happy but also attract a new generation of buyers looking for a mix of ruggedness, comfort, and technology. The next few months are definitely going to be exciting for Mahindra enthusiasts!