Abhijeet A
Hello friends! Get ready for the biggest and most-awaited car launch of the decade. The wait is finally, officially, almost over! Mahindra is all set to launch the brand-new 5-door Thar, reportedly named the Thar Armada, next month!
For years, we’ve all loved the Thar’s incredible style and go-anywhere attitude, but always wished for more space for our family and friends. Now, that dream is a reality. But with the tough Force Gurkha 5-door and the budget-friendly Maruti Jimny already on the roads, is the new Thar Armada the default champion? Let’s find out!
The All-New Thar Armada: What’s the Big Deal?
This is so much more than just a Thar with two extra doors. It’s a bigger, more comfortable, and more feature-packed SUV designed for the Indian family that loves adventure.
| Feature | What it Means for You |
| Two Extra Doors | The biggest upgrade! Finally, easy access to the back seat for family and friends. No more climbing in! |
| More Space | A longer wheelbase means much more legroom for rear passengers and a bigger, more practical boot for luggage. |
| Modern Interior | Expect a larger touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and maybe even a sunroof! |
| Powerful Engines | It will get the same powerful petrol and diesel engines from the Scorpio-N, which means great performance on the highway. |
| Proper 4×4 | Of course, it will have a proper 4×4 system, making it a true go-anywhere adventure vehicle. |
What This Means for Your Wallet
The Thar Armada will be positioned as a premium lifestyle SUV, so it will cost more than the 3-door Thar. Here’s a realistic estimated on-road price for the new Thar Armada compared to its rivals.
| Car Model | Expected On-Road Price Range (Delhi) |
| Mahindra Thar Armada (5-door) | ₹18 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh |
| Force Gurkha 5-door | ~₹22 Lakh |
| Maruti Jimny | ~₹15 Lakh – ₹17 Lakh |
(Note: These are estimated prices. The final price will be announced at the launch next month.)
How it Stacks Up: Thar Armada vs. Gurkha 5-Door vs. Jimny
This is a fantastic battle of three very different but very capable 4x4s.
| Feature | Mahindra Thar Armada (Expected) | Force Gurkha 5-door | Maruti Jimny |
| Engine Power | Winner (Powerful Petrol & Diesel) | Strong Diesel Engine | Modest Petrol Engine |
| Features & Comfort | Winner (Modern & Feature-Packed) | Basic and Utilitarian | Basic but Functional |
| Off-Road Ability | Excellent | Winner (Most Hardcore) | Excellent (Light & Nimble) |
| Key Feature/Weakness | Feature: The perfect all-rounder for style & adventure. Weakness: Will have long waiting periods. | Feature: Unbeatable off-road hardware. Weakness: Very basic interior and a bumpy ride. | Feature: Great value & mileage. Weakness: Feels underpowered on the highway. |
Our Verdict: Should You Book the Thar Armada?
So, with the launch just around the corner, should you get your chequebook ready? Here’s our simple, direct advice.
- For the “Lifestyle & Adventure” Family: It’s an ABSOLUTE BUY! If you want one car that can do it all – handle your daily city commute, cruise comfortably on the highway, and tackle the toughest mountain roads on your family vacation – then the Thar Armada is the answer to your prayers. It promises to be the perfect mix of the iconic Thar style, serious off-road capability, and now, the practicality your family needs. It’s the ultimate do-it-all SUV.
- For the “Hardcore Off-Road” Purist: The Force Gurkha 5-door is a ‘BUY’ If your main priority is pure, no-compromise off-roading, the Gurkha is still the king of the rough stuff. It comes with factory-fitted accessories like a snorkel and has locking differentials on both axles, which in simple terms, makes it an unstoppable mountain goat. It’s more of a tool than a style statement, but it’s the best tool for the job.
- For the “Budget-Conscious” Adventurer: The Maruti Jimny is a ‘BUY’ What really makes the Jimny a ‘paisa vasool’ deal is its price. It gives you legendary Suzuki reliability and a proper 4×4 system for much less money. We’ve driven it on tough trails, and its small size and light weight make it incredibly fun and agile. If you want a mountain-conquering 4×4 on a tight budget, the Jimny is a fantastic choice.
Common Questions Answered (FAQ)
When is the Mahindra Thar Armada launching exactly?
While Mahindra hasn’t given the exact date, the launch is confirmed to be happening next month, in September 2025.
Will the Thar Armada have a sunroof?
Yes! Test mules have been spotted with a single-pane sunroof, which will be a huge feature for Indian buyers.
Is the Armada’s back seat comfortable for three people?
The new 5-door model is much wider and has a longer wheelbase, so the rear seat will be significantly more comfortable than the 3-door Thar. It will be a proper 5-seater, with enough space for three people in the back for most journeys.
Which is better for extreme off-roading: the new Thar Armada or the Force Gurkha?
For the most extreme, hardcore off-road trails, the Force Gurkha 5-door has a slight edge because of its factory-fitted snorkel and front and rear locking differentials. However, for 99% of the off-roading that most people will do, the Thar Armada will be incredibly capable.
