The Mahindra Thar is one of the highly preferred B-segment SUVs, which is specifically built for urban roads and country trails. It can be a cause of appeal for you if you want to explore with style and an adventurous ride. No matter whether you want to use Thar for your city ride, where frequent stops and starts are common or for your next adventurous journey, you may feel a world-class experience. But before joining the Mahindra Thar family, you must know the Mahindra Thar mileage. It is an important factor to understand what your budget requirement for fuel purposes will be throughout the years. Let’s dive deeper into the article to find out the details.
Mahindra Thar Engine and Transmission Options
Check the available engine and transmission variants for the Mahindra Thar.
- 2.0 L turbo‑petrol (1997 cc) with:
- 6‑speed manual transmission
- 6‑speed torque converter automatic
- 2.2 L turbo‑diesel (2184 cc) with:
- 6‑speed manual
- 6‑speed automatic
- 1.5 L turbo‑diesel (1497 cc) manual in base variants
Each of these combinations has a different way of fuel consumption. Usually, the automatic version tends to consume more fuel than the manual variant. Also, the diesel engine delivers better mileage compared to the petrol variants. Based on the driving conditions, smaller engines also offer better efficiency.
Mahindra Thar: Claimed vs Real-world Mileage
Compare the breakdown of claimed vs. actual Mahindra Thar mileage in real-world conditions.
ARAI-certified Mileage
The table below includes the ARAI-certified mileage claimed by Mahindra officials.
| Mahindra Thar Variants | ARAI Mileage in kmpl |
| Petrol Automatic | 12.4 |
| Petrol Manual | 12.4 |
| Diesel Automatic | 15.2 |
| Diesel Manual | 15.2 |
Real-world Mileage Feedback
Here is a real-world mileage feedback from previous users. Let’s have a look.
| Variant | City Mileage (kmpl) | Highway Mileage (kmpl) | Mixed / Tank-to-Tank (kmpl) | Notes on ARAI vs Real-World difference |
| Petrol Automatic (2.0 L AT) | 7–9 | 10–12 (some hits ~13 kmpl) | — | Lower than ARAI claims |
| Petrol AT 4×4 | 8.3–9.8 | Up to ~13 kmpl | — | Lower than ARAI claims |
| Diesel Manual (2.2 L MT) | 10-12 | ~12.6 kmpl highway | 11.5 kmpl avg over 10,000 km ownership | Lower than ARAI claims |
| Diesel Automatic (2.2 L AT) | 10-11 | 11.5–11.6 kmpl highway | 11–11.5 kmpl long-term | Closer to ARAI claims |
| Diesel AT (tank-to-tank) | Mixed city/highway: 10–11 kmplHilly: ~8.78 kmpl | ~13.35 kmpl | 11.5 kmpl long-term avg | Lower than ARAI claims |
Note: The ARAI mileage is checked under several environments, like without traffic, with minimum load and no extra weight. On the other hand, real-world mileage is what any buyer like you will experience on the road during a daily journey. At those moments, Mahindra Thar mileage depends on traffic stops, usage of AC, driving conditions, tyre pressure, maintenance of parts, etc.
What Affects Mahindra Thar’s Mileage in Daily Use
There are several factors you may experience when you will use the Mahindra Thar. You will see that the original ARAI Mahindra Thar mileage is comparatively lower than the real-world mileage. Here’s why.
- City traffic and stop‑go patterns: In the city, frequent idling and low speeds due to traffic are required. These factors significantly reduce mileage.
- Rough driving: When you use lead-foot acceleration and high revs, these will also reduce fuel efficiency.
- 4×4 usage: Sometimes, locking front hubs, engaging 4WD, and 4×4 diff locks cause the lowering in mileage.
- Road gradient and load: Driving uphill or carrying unnecessary baggage or loads reduce the Mahindra Thar mileage.
- AC usage: AC is used frequently in hot Indian summers. It can add roughly a 0.5–1 kmpl penalty to your Thar mileage.
- Tyre pressure: In case your Thar tyres are under-inflated, it may create rolling resistance. Resistance also leads to mileage reduction.
- Maintenance: If the servicing and maintenance are neglected, it may reduce the mileage, too. Old air filters or engine oil can especially reduce mileage.
Variant-Wise Mileage Comparison
The table below shows a comparison among all variants of the Mahindra Thar. Check the table to understand the Mahindra Thar mileage.
| Variant | ARAI Claim (kmpl) | City Mileage (kmpl) | Highway (kmpl) |
| Petrol 2.0L Manual | 12.4 | ~8–9 | ~10–11 |
| Petrol 2.0L Auto (ROXX) | 12.4 | ~8–9 | ~10–11 |
| Diesel 2.2L Manual | 15.2 | ~10–12 | ~12–13 |
| Diesel 2.2L Auto | 15.2 | ~10–12 | ~11–12 |
| Diesel 1.5L Manual | 15.2 | ~10–11 | ~12–13 |
How to Improve Mahindra Thar Mileage
So, it seems that the Mahindra Thar mileage can be lower than the officially claimed mileage. But you can extend the fuel usage by following a few tips. Here are these.
- Acceleration: Always try to go for smooth acceleration. Harsh braking and acceleration reduce the Mahindra Thar mileage noticeably. You should maintain a steady speed also when it comes to bumper dividers on the road.
- Engine usage: In case you are waiting at the traffic signals for more than 30 seconds, then please switch off your Thar engine to save fuel.
- Driving modes: In some Mahindra Thar variants in 2025, several driving modes are available, which are effective in different driving scenarios. Always try to keep the driving mode in eco mode while driving within the city. It will save you Thar’s fuel.
- Gear shifts: Stick to the optimal gear shift. Try to keep it around 2,000 to 2,500 RPM.
- Servicing and maintenance: Always schedule timely servicing and maintenance to keep your Thar’s parts in their best condition. Regularly check the engine oil, brake fluid, spark plug, and other such items. Regular cleaning will help in saving fuel, too.
- Tyre pressure: Always keep your Thar tyres at the recommended tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres can be the cause of a 3 to 5% drop in mileage. So, check the tyre pressure.
- Excess weight: Do not overweight your Thar. Already, it is a heavy car; extra weight can cause resistance and a drop in mileage.
- Use of AC: When you are driving at a lower speed, try not to use the AC and keep the windows open.
Summary
So, you can expect Mahindra Thar mileage to be around 8 to 12 kmpl in real time. Usually, a manual variant can offer higher mileage compared to the automatic variants. Besides, the mileage is also dependent on several factors like driving habits, driving mode or conditions, type of fuel, and others. Whenever you are using your Thar in city traffic or hilly areas, make sure to follow some tips which can improve the mileage noticeably. But the most important factor is that Thar may need comparatively more fuel, but it can offer you a rugged capability of driving both in the city and in rough terrain.
FAQs about Mahindra Thar Real World Mileage
Q. Which Mahindra Thar fuel variant is better for mileage?
The Mahindra Thar petrol variant offers lower mileage, around 12.4 kmpl. On the other hand, diesel variants offer comparatively higher mileage, like 15.2 kmpl.
Q. Why is the original Mahindra Thar mileage comparatively lower than ARAI’s mileage?
In the real world, Thar offers lower mileage due to several factors like frequent accelerations, rough driving, mode of driving, etc. But the ARAI mileage is checked in a controlled environment with standard driving factors.
Q. Does 4×4 mode reduce Mahindra Thar mileage?
Yes, this mode reduces the mileage significantly. Because of heavy mechanical drag, the resistance increases, which reduces the mileage.
Q. Which Thar variant is suitable for heavy-duty users?
There are several variants for Thar. But the diesel manual variant can be the most suitable one for heavy-duty users because it gives comparatively higher mileage.
