In the ever-evolving landscape of the Indian automotive market, few vehicles have stood the test of time quite like the Mahindra Bolero.

Since its inception in 2000, this rugged workhorse has been a staple on Indian roads, from bustling city streets to the most challenging rural terrains.

As we approach 2025, Mahindra is set to unveil a significant facelift for this iconic SUV, breathing new life into a design that has become synonymous with durability and reliability.

The Legacy of the Bolero

Before we dive into the exciting changes coming with the 2025 facelift, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the Bolero’s rich history.

For over two decades, the Bolero has been Mahindra’s bestselling model, a testament to its versatility and appeal. Its boxy design, high ground clearance, and robust build have made it a favorite among rural buyers, government agencies, and urban adventurers alike.

The Bolero’s success lies in its simplicity and functionality. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not – it’s unapologetically utilitarian, designed to tackle the toughest conditions while providing reliable transportation.

This no-nonsense approach has earned it a loyal following, with many owners swearing by its ability to keep running year after year with minimal maintenance.

The Need for Change

However, as we move further into the 2020s, even a vehicle as timeless as the Bolero needs to evolve. Changing consumer preferences, stricter safety and emission norms,

and the need to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded SUV market have all played a role in Mahindra’s decision to give the Bolero a comprehensive facelift.

The challenge for Mahindra’s designers and engineers has been to modernize the Bolero without losing the essence of what makes it special. How do you update a classic without alienating its core audience?

How do you add modern features and improve refinement while maintaining the ruggedness that Bolero owners love? These are the questions that have guided the development of the 2025 facelift.

The 2025 Bolero facelift retains the bo

Exterior Design: A Modern Take on a Classic Shape

xy silhouette that has been its trademark for years, but with subtle refinements that bring it firmly into the modern era. The front fascia receives the most significant updates:

A redesigned grille features a more prominent Mahindra logo and a honeycomb pattern, giving the Bolero a more assertive presence on the road.
New LED headlamps with integrated DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) flank the grille, improving both visibility and aesthetics.
The front bumper has been resculpted, with a more pronounced skid plate emphasizing the Bolero’s off-road credentials.

Moving along the side, new alloy wheel designs (available on higher trims) add a touch of sophistication, while retaining the high profile tires essential for rough road use. The wheel arches have been slightly flared, giving the Bolero a more muscular stance.

At the rear, LED taillights replace the old units, mirroring the modern look of the front. The tailgate design has been tweaked to improve aerodynamics slightly, though the side-hinged door remains – a practical feature appreciated by many Bolero owners.

New color options, including a striking “Mystic Copper” and “Everest White,” give buyers more choices to personalize their Bolero.

Interior: Comfort Meets Functionality

Step inside the 2025 Bolero, and you’ll find an interior that strikes a balance between the utilitarian roots of the vehicle and the comfort expected in a modern SUV. The dashboard has been completely redesigned:

A new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage, offering smartphone connectivity, navigation, and a reverse camera display.
The instrument cluster now features a digital display between analog dials, providing more information at a glance.
Improved materials throughout the cabin enhance the feeling of quality, with soft-touch plastics on frequently touched surfaces.

The seating layout remains flexible, with options for 7 or 9-seat configurations. The seats themselves have been redesigned for better comfort on long journeys, with improved bolstering and lumbar support. Higher trims offer faux leather upholstery, adding a premium touch to the cabin.

Climate control has been upgraded, with a more efficient air conditioning system that cools the cabin quickly – a crucial feature in India’s hot climate. Rear AC vents are now standard across all variants, ensuring comfort for all passengers.

Storage has always been a strong point for the Bolero, and the 2025 facelift builds on this. There are more cubby holes, a larger glovebox, and a new center console with cupholders and a storage bin.

Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Power

Under the hood, the 2025 Bolero sees significant updates to meet the latest emission norms while improving performance and efficiency:

The tried-and-tested 1.5-liter mHawk diesel engine has been further refined, now producing 100 bhp and 260 Nm of torque. This represents a modest increase in power and a significant boost in torque over the previous model.
A new 6-speed manual transmission replaces the old 5-speed unit, improving both acceleration and fuel efficiency.
For the first time, Mahindra is offering an automatic transmission option on the Bolero. The new 6-speed torque converter automatic is available on higher trims, catering to urban buyers who prioritize convenience.

Fuel efficiency has been improved across the board, with Mahindra claiming a 10% increase over the previous model. This has been achieved through a combination of engine refinements, improved aerodynamics, and the new transmission options.

Chassis and Suspension: Refining the Ride

While the Bolero’s rugged body-on-frame construction remains, Mahindra has made several tweaks to improve both on-road comfort and off-road capability:

The suspension has been retuned, with new shock absorbers and springs that provide a better balance between ride comfort and handling.
The steering system has been updated for better feedback and easier maneuverability at low speeds.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) levels have been significantly reduced through the use of better insulation materials and improved engine mounts.

The Bolero’s legendary ground clearance remains unchanged at 180mm, ensuring it can tackle rough terrain with ease. The approach and departure angles have been slightly improved, enhancing its off-road credentials further.

Technology and Features: Bringing the Bolero into the 2020s

One of the most significant areas of improvement in the 2025 Bolero facelift is in its technology offerings. While staying true to its rugged roots, the new Bolero now offers features that buyers expect in a modern SUV:

The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 6-speaker audio system provides improved sound quality.
Steering-mounted controls allow for easy management of audio and phone functions.
USB charging ports are available for both front and rear passengers.
A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is standard on higher trims.
Automatic climate control is available on top-spec models.
LED fog lamps improve visibility in adverse conditions.

Perhaps the most notable technological addition is the inclusion of connected car features on higher trims. This allows owners to remotely monitor their vehicle’s location, fuel level, and service needs through a smartphone app.

Safety: A Top Priority

Safety has been a key focus area for the 2025 Bolero facelift. Mahindra has significantly upgraded the safety features to meet and exceed the latest regulatory requirements:

Dual front airbags are now standard across all variants.
ABS with EBD is included on all models.
ISOFIX child seat anchors are fitted to the rear seats.
A high-strength steel frame improves crash protection.
Rear parking sensors are standard, with a reverse camera available on higher trims.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Hold Control are offered on automatic transmission variants.

These improvements are expected to significantly enhance the Bolero’s safety ratings, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone

The 2025 Bolero facelift will be available in four variants:

B2 – The base model, offering essential features at an attractive price point.
B4 – Adding comfort features like power windows and a better audio system.
B6 – Introducing the touchscreen infotainment system and alloy wheels.
B8 – The top-spec model with all the bells and whistles, including the automatic transmission option.

While official pricing hasn’t been announced, industry insiders expect the 2025 Bolero to start at around ₹9.5 lakh for the base B2 variant, going up to ₹14 lakh for the fully-loaded B8 automatic (all prices ex-showroom).

Market Positioning and Competition

With the 2025 facelift, Mahindra is positioning the Bolero as a versatile SUV that can appeal to both its traditional rural customer base and urban buyers looking for a robust, feature-packed vehicle. Its primary competitors include:

Maruti Suzuki Ertiga: While technically an MPV, the Ertiga competes in a similar price bracket and offers seven-seat practicality.
Renault Triber: Another sub-4 meter seven-seater that has gained popularity in recent years.
Tata Sumo Gold: A direct competitor in the rugged utility vehicle segment.

The Bolero’s unique selling points remain its proven reliability, high ground clearance, and now, with the facelift, a more modern feature set that can compete with newer entrants in the market.

Environmental Considerations

In line with Mahindra’s commitment to sustainability, the 2025 Bolero incorporates several eco-friendly features:

The diesel engine is BS6 Phase II compliant, with reduced emissions compared to its predecessor.
Improved aerodynamics and the new transmission options contribute to better fuel efficiency, reducing the vehicle’s carbon footprint.
Mahindra has increased the use of recycled and recyclable materials in the Bolero’s construction, particularly in the interior plastics.

While not a hybrid or electric vehicle, these improvements represent significant steps in making the Bolero more environmentally friendly without compromising its core attributes.

The Bolero’s Place in Mahindra’s Lineup

The 2025 Bolero facelift comes at a time when Mahindra is aggressively expanding its SUV portfolio. With newer models like the Thar, XUV700, and the upcoming XUV300 electric, one might wonder about the Bolero’s place in this evolving lineup.

However, Mahindra sees the Bolero as a crucial product, serving a specific niche that other models can’t fill. Its ruggedness, simplicity, and now improved feature set make it an ideal choice for buyers who need a reliable, go-anywhere vehicle that can handle both family duties and tough working conditions.

The Bolero also serves as an entry point into Mahindra’s SUV range, potentially introducing new customers to the brand who may later upgrade to other Mahindra products.

Customer Expectations and Initial Reception

Early previews of the 2025 Bolero facelift have generated significant buzz among automotive enthusiasts and potential buyers. Long-time Bolero owners appreciate that Mahindra has retained the vehicle’s core DNA while bringing it up to date with modern features.

Urban buyers, who might have previously overlooked the Bolero, are showing renewed interest, attracted by the improved interiors, better NVH levels, and the addition of an automatic transmission option.

Rural customers, who form a significant portion of Bolero’s customer base, are particularly excited about the improved fuel efficiency and added safety features, which translate to lower running costs and better peace of mind.

Conclusion: A Legend Reborn

The 2025 Mahindra Bolero facelift represents a significant milestone in the journey of this iconic Indian SUV. By carefully balancing modernization with the retention of its core attributes, Mahindra has ensured that the Bolero remains relevant and appealing in an increasingly competitive market.

The improvements in design, comfort, technology, and safety address the key areas where the Bolero was falling behind its competitors, while the retention of its rugged construction and go-anywhere ability ensure that it doesn’t lose the essence that made it so popular in the first place.

As we look to the future, the 2025 Bolero seems well-positioned to continue its success story. It’s a vehicle that respects its heritage while embracing the future – a true embodiment of India’s automotive journey.

Whether navigating city streets, cruising on highways, or tackling rough rural roads, the new Bolero promises to be a faithful companion, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, purposeful vehicle.

It’s not just a facelift; it’s a reaffirmation of the Bolero’s place in the heart of India’s automotive market. As it rolls out onto the roads in 2025, the new Bolero is set to write the next chapter in its remarkable story, continuing to be the choice of millions of Indians for years to come.

Mahindra Bolero Facelift of 2025 Come With Powerful Engine