Mahindra Vision T vs Mahindra Thar E: Compared in Images

The Mahindra Vision T concept was unveiled at the carmaker’s Freedom NU event in Mumbai with a boxy design that is strongly linked to the Thar range in India. Its shape and stance also bring to mind the Mahindra Thar E concept, which was first shown in South Africa in 2023. So, how different is the Mahindra Vision T concept from the Mahindra Thar E prototype? Let us compare the exterior and interior design of both to find out. 

Front

Both the SUV concepts come with a boxy design that gives them an aggressive appeal. However, a closer look will uncover that the Vision T gets a larger grille with rectangular slits finished in silver that looks menacing compared to the simple gloss-black grille of the Thar E. Both grilles, however, feature the respective concept names. 

The headlamp setup on both SUVs uses a square housing, but the detailing is different. The Thar E gets a crosshair-style LED DRL signature, while the Vision T uses rectangular lighting elements placed beside the projector lamps, giving it a more conventional look.

Lower down, both SUVs are equipped with off-road-focused bumpers that have a wide centre section suitable for mounting a winch. The difference also lies in the two hooks, which are finished in yellow in the Vision T, while the Thar E sports a red unit. The Vision T also gets a silver skid plate.

Side

In profile, one common element that both SUV concepts share is the dual-tone alloy wheels clad in off-road-specific rubber and a boxy silhouette. The wheel arches are surrounded by thick, angular cladding on both, although the Vision T uses more subtle and traditional cladding along the lower section of the doors compared to the Thar E’s bolder treatment.

Other than this, the front doors come with pull-type door handles on both concepts, the only difference being their placement on the doors. The rear door handles are mounted on the C-pillar like the Mahindra Thar Roxx.

Another distinction lies in the door hinges. On the Thar E, they are prominently exposed, adding to its rugged character, whereas on the Vision T, they are neatly integrated into the doors. The D-pillar on both SUV concepts features mounts for jerry cans. 

Rear

At the rear, the taillight design of both models takes inspiration from the headlights and is hence different from each other. The tailgate-mounted spare wheel, however, is the same on both SUV concepts. Other than this, the Vision T and Thar E feature differently styled bumpers, both of which project the same go-anywhere character.

Interior

Inside, both the Mahindra Vision T and Thar E use a layered dashboard layout, but the Vision T feels closer to a production model. It features a circular flat-bottom steering wheel, while the Thar E uses a more futuristic hexagonal unit.

Both concepts come with a twin-screen setup that combines a digital driver display and a large infotainment system, with the interface extending to the AC controls. Here too, the Vision T appears more refined, with a UI design that looks more mature than the Thar E’s.

The differences continue on the centre console. The Vision T opts for a conventional gear selector stalk, whereas the Thar E uses a more experimental aircraft-style lever. The Thar E also packs plenty of physical buttons on the console, while the Vision T takes a simpler approach with a cleaner layout and two cupholders that can be covered when not in use.

Other Details

Mahindra has commented that the Vision T will get into production by early 2028 in India, after which it will be launched. It is underpinned by the NU IQ platform, which is capable of having conventional ICE as well as an EV powertrain. While there’s no confirmation on what powertrain it will pack, we expect the electric powertrain to debut first. Upon launch, it won’t have any competitors as such, but will continue to lock horns with the Maruti Jimny and the Force Gurkha in the off-road SUV segment.

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