Mahindra Thar Mileage (June 2025): ARAI Figures & Real‑World Tests
The Mahindra Thar is admired for its iconic design and go‑anywhere attitude, but buyers still want to know one crucial number: how many kilometres per litre does it really deliver? This guide brings together official ARAI ratings, independent road‑test data, and owner feedback so you can set realistic fuel‑cost expectations—whether you pick the punchy 2.0 L mStallion petrol or the torquey diesel.
Mahindra Thar Mileage at a Glance
- Petrol variants: 7–11 km/L (real‑world) | 15.2 km/L (ARAI)
- Diesel variants: 11–16 km/L (real‑world) | up to 16.3 km/L (ARAI)
- 57‑litre fuel tank gives theoretical range of 400–930 km, depending on terrain & driving style.
- Manual gearboxes are typically 1–2 km/L more efficient than automatics in mixed driving.
Variant‑Wise ARAI Mileage
| Engine & Drivetrain | Transmission | ARAI (km/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 L Diesel RWD | 6‑MT | 16.3 |
| 1.5 L Diesel RWD | 6‑AT | 15.2 |
| 2.2 L Diesel 4WD | 6‑MT | 15.2 |
| 2.2 L Diesel 4WD | 6‑AT | 15.0 |
| 2.0 L Petrol RWD | 6‑MT | 15.2 |
| 2.0 L Petrol RWD | 6‑AT | 15.0 |
| 2.0 L Petrol 4WD | 6‑MT | 15.2 |
| 2.0 L Petrol 4WD | 6‑AT | 15.0 |
Source: ARAI certification documents & manufacturer brochure (June 2025).
Real‑World Mileage: What Owners & Tests Reveal
Independent media tests (Autocar India, May 2021) and hundreds of owner logs paint a more varied picture than the lab‑cycle numbers above:
Petrol (2.0 L TGDi)
- City: 7–9 km/L
- Highway: 10–11 km/L
Diesel (1.5 L / 2.2 L)
- City: 12–14 km/L
- Highway: 15–16 km/L
Off‑roading, traffic jams, oversize tyres or roof‑rack accessories can easily shave 2–3 km/L off the figures above.
Petrol vs Diesel: Which Thar Is More Fuel‑Efficient?
The diesel Thar beats the petrol by roughly 30–40 % in mixed driving. However, the petrol’s turbo punch and smoother NVH may outweigh extra fuel costs for some buyers.
Factors Affecting Thar Mileage
- Driving style – smooth throttle and early up‑shifts save fuel.
- Terrain & traffic – stop‑and‑go or steep climbs hurt economy.
- Tyre size & pressure – larger/wider tyres and under‑inflation add drag.
- Weight & accessories – steel bumpers, winches and luggage racks increase load.
- Maintenance – clogged air filters or overdue engine oil changes sap efficiency.
8 Proven Tips to Improve Mahindra Thar Mileage
- Maintain 32–34 psi tyre pressure (check monthly).
- Avoid idling over 60 seconds—kill the engine at traffic lights.
- Shift up before 2,000 rpm in diesel / 2,500 rpm in petrol.
- Plan routes to minimise stop‑start congestion.
- Use cruise control on open highways.
- Service on schedule; clean air filters add up to 5 % better economy.
- Travel light; remove roof‑rack when not needed.
- Run A/C at 24 °C instead of max cool.
Fuel‑Efficiency Comparison with Rivals
| SUV | Engine | ARAI (km/L) | Real‑World (km/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar (Diesel MT) | 2.2 L | 15.2 | 12–14 |
| Maruti Jimny (Petrol MT) | 1.5 L | 16.94 | 13–15 |
| Force Gurkha (Diesel MT) | 2.6 L | 14.0 | 10–12 |
| Mahindra Scorpio‑N (Diesel MT) | 2.2 L | 16.5 | 13–15 |
Figures compiled from manufacturer disclosures & 2024‑25 media tests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mileage of Mahindra Thar petrol automatic?
Expect ~8–10 km/L in the city and ~10–11 km/L on the highway, versus 15.0 km/L in the ARAI test cycle.
How far can the Thar go on one tank?
With a 57‑litre tank, range can vary from ~400 km (petrol in heavy traffic) to ~930 km (diesel on long highway drives).
Does 4WD reduce fuel economy?
Yes—extra drivetrain losses and the Thar’s heavier kerb weight drop mileage by ~0.5–1 km/L compared with equivalent RWD models.
Can eco‑tuning or remapping improve mileage?
Mild remaps focused on low‑end torque may gain 5–7 % efficiency, but warranty could be void. Consult an authorised tuner.
Key Takeaways
- Diesel Thar is the economy champ; petrol sacrifices 30–40 % efficiency for performance.
- Real‑world mileage spans 7–16 km/L; your driving style has the biggest impact.
- Follow the tips above to squeeze 1–2 km/L more from every tank.
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