Jeep Wrangler Lookalike Gets A Facelift That's Another Lawsuit In The Making

Now, the Indian automaker has rolled out a facelift for its boxy SUV, but little has changed to separate it from the American off-roader. The updates focus on small things other than aesthetics, leaving the Thar looking just as much like Jeep's iconic 4x4 as ever.

On the outside, the Thar continues to wear its familiar square-edged stance, round headlights, and boxy proportions that mirror the Wrangler's design language. The facelift introduces a few enhancements, including a dual-tone bumper, a slightly revised seven-slot grille, and new alloy wheels. Two new color options have been added: Tango Red and Battleship Grey. Even so, the Thar's exterior, which Mahindra describes as "iconic" (oh yes, it is), remains unmistakably familiar, right down to the exposed door hinges and flared fenders.

The Cabin Differs From The Wrangler's
Inside, Mahindra focused on modernizing the cabin rather than changing its layout. Many of the updates were lifted directly from the newer Thar Roxx, its five-door version akin to the Wrangler Rubicon. The urethane steering wheel is new, now featuring integrated audio, cruise, and MID controls. A larger 10.25-inch touchscreen features Mahindra's second-generation Adventure Stats system, which tracks pitch, roll, and off-road metrics. The dashboard layout does differ from the Wrangler, especially with its door-mounted power windows.

Despite these changes, the Thar's resemblance to the Jeep Wrangler remains undeniably uncanny. From nearly any angle, just squint your eyes and the Indian version could pass for its American counterpart. Mahindra's decision to retain the design and shape certainly gives it the rugged, utilitarian appeal that made it popular. But it also keeps the automaker on very thin ice, legally speaking.

Mahindra's Legal Woes With Jeep
Jeep's legal battles with Mahindra date back several years, beginning with the Roxor – an off-road vehicle that US courts ruled bore too much resemblance to the classic CJ-7. The company later modified the Roxor's front design to comply with trade dress laws, but the resemblance to Jeep's DNA remains a sore point. At the start of this decade, Jeep again raised concerns over the Thar's design, arguing that Mahindra's SUV infringes on its intellectual property by replicating key Wrangler elements.

Mahindra, for its part, has consistently defended its design choices. The company claims its styling heritage dates back to the licensed Willys Jeeps it built in the 1940s, giving it a legitimate lineage. In its legal filings, Mahindra argued that Jeep does not own exclusive rights to the boxy off-road silhouette that defines vehicles like the Thar. For now, the latest facelift keeps that argument alive.