Buying a tough SUV in India often comes down to two popular choices: the Mahindra Bolero and the Mahindra Thar. Both are known for their muscular design, off-road capability, and strong road presence. But which one fits your needs better?
The Bolero has long been a favourite in rural and semi-urban areas due to its durability and practicality. Meanwhile, the Thar is a lifestyle SUV, gaining popularity among off-road lovers and city adventurers alike. While the Bolero appeals to those who want a reliable workhorse, the Thar attracts buyers looking for a mix of thrill and comfort.
Buying a car also means planning your finances wisely. That is where the Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan comes in. With flexible EMIs, quick disbursals, and competitive interest rates, you can own either of these vehicles without straining your budget. The loan also comes with extended repayment tenure and requires minimal paperwork.
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Key highlights of Mahindra Bolero vs Mahindra Thar
| Feature | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Thar |
| Ex-showroom price (starting at) | Rs. 9.79 lakh (approx.) | Rs. 11.50 lakh (approx.) |
| ARAI mileage | 16 kmpl | 10 kmpl |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine displacement | 1493 cc | 2184 cc |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual / Automatic |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
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Engine and transmission
The Mahindra Bolero comes equipped with a 1.5-litre mHAWK75 diesel engine that produces 74.96 PS of power and 210 Nm of torque.
The Mahindra Thar, on the other hand, packs a stronger 2.2-litre mHawk CRDe engine, churning out 130.07 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
| Specification | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Thar |
| Engine type | mHAWK75 | mHawk 130 CRDe |
| Engine displacement | 1493 cc | 2184 cc |
| Maximum power | 76 PS @ 3600 rpm | 131.8 PS @ 3750 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 210 Nm @ 1600–2200 rpm | 300 Nm @ 1600–2800 rpm |
Fuel and performance
The Bolero offers a practical fuel efficiency of 16 kmpl, which is ideal for cost-conscious buyers. The Thar, being a more powerful SUV, offers 10 kmpl and is built more for adventure than economy.
| Specification | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Thar |
| ARAI mileage | 16 kmpl | 10 kmpl |
| Fuel type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 litre | 57 litre |
Dimensions and capacity
The Bolero is slightly longer and taller, offering a 7-seater layout which is more practical for larger families. The Thar, in contrast, offers a compact and bold 3-door layout, suited for lifestyle and off-road purposes.
| Specification | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Thar |
| Length | 3995 mm | 3985 mm |
| Width | 1745 mm | 1820 mm |
| Height | 1880 mm | 1844 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2680 mm | 2450 mm |
| Ground clearance | 180 mm | 226 mm |
| Boot space | 370 litre | Not specified |
| Kerb weight | 1630 - 1710 kg | Approx. 1750 kg |
Design and exterior
The Bolero has a classic utilitarian look with halogen headlamps, steel wheels, and a rugged body-on-frame design. It features body-coloured ORVMs, decals, and a chrome grille—ideal for those who want simplicity with strength.
The Thar boasts a bolder look with its flared wheel arches, LED DRLs, 18-inch alloy wheels, and off-road stance. It has a more premium exterior appeal, which is a hit among urban explorers and weekend adventurers.
Interior and cabin space
The Bolero’s cabin is functional with fabric upholstery, a semi-digital cluster, and dual-tone dashboard. It features manual air conditioning, a glovebox, and practical storage compartments—perfect for long rural drives.
The Thar’s cabin is more modern and refined, with washable flooring, 4.2-inch digital cluster, BlueSense app connectivity, and comfortable seating. Rear seats fold in 50:50 split, and the interior has better fit and finish.
Technology and infotainment
The Bolero keeps things simple with a basic 2DIN audio system, Bluetooth, and USB. It is enough for entertainment on a budget.
The Thar adds more to the mix—offering a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, steering-mounted controls, and four speakers with tweeters. It is the better pick for tech-savvy buyers.
Safety features and ratings
Safety has improved in both vehicles. The Bolero offers two airbags, ABS with EBD, central locking, and rear parking sensors—standard for today’s safety needs.
The Thar takes it further with features like hill assist, ISOFIX mounts, ESC, TPMS, and a 4-star Global NCAP rating.
| Safety Feature | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Thar |
| Airbags | 2 | 2 |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | No | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | No | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | No | Yes |
| TPMS | No | Yes |
| Global NCAP (Adult) | Not Rated | 4 Star |
| Global NCAP (Child) | Not Rated | 4 Star |
Comfort and convenience
The Bolero offers basics like power steering, AC, remote fuel lid opener, rear reading lamps, and driver information system. It is reliable and focused on function.
The Thar steps up comfort with cruise control, adjustable driver seat, foldable rear seats, tyre direction monitoring, and electrically operated HVAC controls. It is designed for leisure as much as practicality.
Note: Many premium features in both the Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Thar are generally available only in their higher-end models. These upgrades add comfort and enjoyment to your drive but often increase the total car price.
The good news is you do not need to compromise on technology or comfort to stick to your budget. The Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan offers up to 100% financing based on the on-road price.
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Why choose Bajaj Mall for your car purchase
Planning to buy the Mahindra Bolero or Mahindra Thar? Make your purchase smooth and simple with Bajaj Mall. The platform offers a wide range of Mahindra cars and user-friendly tools to help you choose the right model.
Booking a new car is convenient, thanks to the Bajaj Finserv New Car Loan. It provides flexible EMI plans with extended repayment tenures, competitive car loan interest rates, and quick loan approvals—all with minimal paperwork.
To manage your finances better, try our online new car loan EMI calculator. It helps you plan monthly payments in advance and stay within budget.
Why wait? Check your new car loan eligibility now to find out how much you can borrow and take the first step toward owning your Mahindra SUV with ease.
