Mahindra has lifted the veil on the much-anticipated 2025 Bolero, a legendary SUV that now returns with a sharper, sportier attitude. As one of India’s most iconic utility vehicles, the Bolero has long been a favorite among rural buyers, fleet operators, and SUV lovers seeking durability and value. This year, Mahindra is aiming higher—with a fresh new design, modern tech features, and better performance. With these updates, the Bolero now sets its sights on more premium territory, aiming to challenge dominant names like the Tata Safari.
This upgrade is more than a facelift—it’s a strategic move by Mahindra to re-establish the Bolero in an evolving SUV market. While it still stays true to its rugged DNA, the new Bolero adds urban appeal, tech-savvy interiors, and refined road manners. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes the 2025 Mahindra Bolero such a compelling package.
Exterior Design: Toughness Meets Modern Aesthetics
The most noticeable change in the 2025 Bolero is its bold new exterior design. Although it retains the tough, boxy silhouette that has become its trademark, Mahindra has successfully introduced design elements that modernize its road presence.
- LED Headlights and DRLs: One of the standout upgrades, the new LED headlamp units are sleeker and more stylish. Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) not only improve visibility but also lend a more premium appeal.
- Sunroof: For the first time, the Bolero now comes with a sunroof, catering to the growing demand for this feature across Indian car buyers, especially the youth and urban families.
- Refined Grille and Bumper: The new front fascia includes a bolder grille and sharper bumper design that enhances the SUV’s stance on the road.
- Aerodynamic Body Lines: Unlike the utilitarian flat panels of previous generations, the 2025 Bolero features slightly contoured lines that improve airflow and reduce drag, subtly boosting fuel efficiency and performance.
These exterior changes help the Bolero shed its purely rural image and open it up to a new demographic—those who want ruggedness without sacrificing modern aesthetics.
Interior Experience: From Utility to Premium Comfort
The interiors have seen a radical transformation. While previous models were basic and practical, the 2025 version aims to offer comfort and connected technology.
- Digital Instrument Cluster: Replacing the dated analog dials, the new cluster gives the driver a clean, modern interface with customizable display options and vehicle information.
- Touchscreen Infotainment System: Equipped with a crisp display, this infotainment unit supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering seamless smartphone connectivity and easy access to navigation, music, and calls.
- Climate Control: Automatic climate control ensures that cabin temperature is regulated precisely, enhancing comfort during long drives or city traffic.
- Cruise Control: A surprising addition for a vehicle in this segment, cruise control makes highway cruising effortless and fuel-efficient.
- Air Purifier: Another premium feature that makes the cabin safer and healthier, especially for urban users.
The cabin now uses better materials, improved ergonomics, and well-padded seats. The dashboard and center console layout feel more car-like, while rear passengers enjoy better legroom and improved cushioning.
Engine, Transmission & Mileage: Performance With Efficiency
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero is powered by a reliable 1999 cc diesel engine, well-tuned for Indian conditions. While not the most powerful unit in its class, it delivers a solid balance between torque and efficiency.
- Power Output: This engine is expected to produce around 100 bhp and more than 250 Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt for both city driving and rugged terrain.
- Transmission: A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard, delivering smooth shifts and solid control. An automatic variant is reportedly in development and could be introduced soon.
- Fuel Efficiency: Mahindra claims a fuel economy of 17–18 km/l, which is commendable for a 7-seater diesel SUV of this size.
The Bolero continues to shine in areas where performance must meet practicality—long drives, rural roads, and tough conditions.
Safety: Raising the Bar
Safety has traditionally been a weak point for the Bolero, but Mahindra is changing that with the 2025 version.
- Dual Front Airbags: Now standard across all variants, this crucial safety feature provides basic protection for front occupants.
- ABS with EBD: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) ensure better control during sudden stops.
- Reinforced Body Structure: The frame has been strengthened for better crash resistance, improving occupant safety during high-impact collisions.
- Rear Parking Sensors: Assist with safe parking in tight urban spaces.
Though it may still fall short of 5-star crash ratings, these upgrades show that Mahindra is serious about passenger safety.
Utility, Space & Practicality
The Bolero continues to cater to large families and commercial users with its spacious 7-seater layout. Key practical features include:
- Foldable Third Row: Allows extra boot space when needed.
- Flat Floor Design: Improves rear-seat comfort and cargo storage.
- Robust Suspension: Tuned for poor road conditions, especially rural and hilly terrain.
Its ladder-frame chassis, high ground clearance, and excellent approach/departure angles make it a capable vehicle for unpaved roads, making it a solid performer in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Pricing and Variants
One of the Bolero’s strongest points has always been its affordability. Mahindra is expected to retain this with a starting price of around ₹10 lakh (ex-showroom). This undercuts most of its urban and premium rivals.
Expected variants:
- Bolero B4 (Base Model): Bare-bones utility with essential features.
- Bolero B6: Mid-range variant with infotainment and safety features.
- Bolero B6 (O): Top-end model with all the bells and whistles including sunroof, touchscreen, cruise control, and advanced safety.
This makes the Bolero suitable for a wide range of buyers—from daily commuters to business owners and rural operators.
Bolero vs Tata Safari: How It Stacks Up
The Tata Safari remains one of the most popular premium SUVs, offering a refined drive, plush interiors, and higher power output. However, it comes at a starting price of ₹15.50 lakh—significantly more than the Bolero.
- Price Advantage: The Bolero is ₹5–7 lakh cheaper, making it far more accessible.
- Design Philosophy: While the Safari targets the urban, premium segment, the Bolero balances both rural and city usage.
- Performance: The Safari’s engine is more powerful, but the Bolero’s simplicity and efficiency may appeal more to those focused on utility and low ownership costs.
In short, the Bolero is not a direct rival to the Safari in terms of luxury, but its upgraded features, new design, and low price point make it a surprising contender in overlapping buyer segments.
Conclusion: A Smart Evolution of a Legend
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero is a true example of how a classic SUV can evolve without losing its essence. It remains rugged, affordable, and practical—but now adds style, technology, and safety. Whether you’re a young professional looking for a tough-yet-modern SUV, a family needing space and comfort, or a business owner seeking long-term value, the Bolero delivers across all fronts.
With its sporty look, updated cabin, and smart price tag, Mahindra has successfully repositioned the Bolero as a modern SUV with real-world appeal—and perhaps even a worthy challenger to the likes of Tata Safari in India’s crowded SUV market. Mahindra Bolero Official Page