In the ever-evolving landscape of India’s automotive industry, few vehicles have managed to maintain their iconic status quite like the Mahindra Bolero.
As we step into 2025, Mahindra has once again raised the bar with a comprehensive overhaul of this beloved workhorse, introducing a Bolero that’s not just more powerful, but also smarter and more capable than ever before.
The Heart of the Beast: A New Era of Power
At the core of the 2025 Bolero’s transformation lies its formidable new powerplant. Mahindra has equipped this latest iteration with a robust 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, a significant upgrade from its predecessor.
This powerhouse churns out an impressive 130 bhp and a whopping 320 Nm of torque, figures that put the Bolero in a league of its own within the utility vehicle segment.
This newfound power isn’t just about raw numbers; it’s about how it translates to real-world performance. The 2025 Bolero accelerates with a vigor that belies its rugged, utilitarian roots.
From a standstill, it can hit 60 km/h in just under 7 seconds, a feat that would have seemed impossible for a Bolero just a few years ago.
But more importantly, this engine delivers its power in a smooth, linear fashion, ensuring that whether you’re navigating busy city streets or tackling rough rural terrain, you always have the grunt you need at your disposal.
Mated to this engine is a new 6-speed manual transmission, a welcome upgrade from the 5-speed unit of old. This extra gear not only improves acceleration and top speed but also contributes to better fuel efficiency.
Speaking of which, despite its increased power output, the 2025 Bolero manages to deliver a respectable fuel economy of around 15 km/l under mixed driving conditions, a testament to Mahindra’s engineering prowess.
For those who prioritize fuel efficiency above all else, Mahindra continues to offer the tried-and-tested 1.5-liter mHawk75 diesel engine.
This smaller powerplant produces 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque, figures that may seem modest compared to its bigger brother but are more than adequate for urban use and light off-road duties.
This engine variant boasts an impressive fuel economy of up to 18 km/l, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
4×4 Capability: Conquering Every Terrain
One of the most exciting additions to the 2025 Bolero lineup is the introduction of a 4×4 variant. This isn’t just a token offering
Mahindra has developed a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system that transforms the Bolero from a capable all-rounder into a genuine off-road machine.
The 4×4 system features a low-range gearbox and a locking differential, allowing the Bolero to tackle seriously challenging terrain. Whether you’re navigating muddy trails, rocky inclines, or water crossings, the Bolero 4×4 takes it all in stride.
An advanced terrain management system lets drivers choose between different modes – Normal, Snow, Mud, and Rock – optimizing the vehicle’s performance for specific conditions.
This off-road prowess is further enhanced by the Bolero’s impressive ground clearance of 210mm, approach angle of 37 degrees, and departure angle of 29 degrees.
These figures put the Bolero in the same league as some much more expensive off-road-oriented SUVs, making it a compelling option for adventure enthusiasts who don’t want to break the bank.
Design Evolution: Rugged Meets Refined
While the Bolero has always been known for its boxy, no-nonsense design, the 2025 model introduces a number of subtle yet effective updates that bring it firmly into the modern era.
The front fascia now sports a more imposing grille with chrome accents, flanked by sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. This combination gives the Bolero a more premium look without sacrificing its rugged character.
The side profile retains the Bolero’s classic boxy silhouette, but new alloy wheel designs and subtle character lines add a touch of sophistication.
At the rear, LED taillights and a redesigned bumper complete the modernized look. Despite these updates, the Bolero remains instantly recognizable, a testament to Mahindra’s understanding of the model’s heritage and its importance to loyal customers.
Interior: A Blend of Comfort and Functionality
Step inside the 2025 Bolero, and you’re greeted by an interior that strikes a careful balance between comfort and utilitarian functionality.
The dashboard has been completely redesigned, featuring a mix of hard-wearing plastics and soft-touch materials that elevate the overall feel of the cabin.
The centerpiece of the new interior is a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a first for the Bolero. This system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, bringing modern connectivity features to this rugged workhorse.
The screen also doubles as a display for the reverse camera, a welcome addition that makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces a breeze.
The seats have been redesigned with long-distance comfort in mind. They now offer better support and cushioning, making those long highway journeys or bumpy off-road excursions much more pleasant
In the higher trims, Mahindra offers leatherette upholstery, adding a touch of luxury to the otherwise utilitarian cabin.
Despite these comfort-oriented upgrades, the Bolero hasn’t forgotten its roots as a practical, hardworking vehicle. The cabin is filled with clever storage solutions, from large door pockets to a cooled glovebox.
The rear seats can be folded or even removed entirely, transforming the Bolero into a capacious cargo hauler when needed.
Technology and Safety: Bringing the Bolero into the 21st Century
One of the most significant areas of improvement in the 2025 Bolero is its technology suite. In addition to the aforementioned infotainment system,
the new Bolero comes equipped with a digital instrument cluster that provides clear, easy-to-read information about vehicle status, fuel economy, and navigation directions.
Mahindra has also introduced its Blue Sense app compatibility, allowing owners to monitor various vehicle parameters, locate their Bolero, and even pre-cool the cabin,
all from their smartphone. This level of connectivity was unthinkable in previous Bolero generations and represents a major step forward for the model.
On the safety front, the 2025 Bolero comes standard with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors across all variants.
Higher trims add side and curtain airbags, bringing the total count to six. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Hold Control are also available on the 4×4 variants, providing extra confidence in challenging driving conditions.
The Bolero’s body shell has been reinforced to meet the latest crash test norms, and the inclusion of ISOFIX child seat anchors makes it a more family-friendly option.
These safety upgrades are crucial, not just for meeting regulatory requirements, but for appealing to an increasingly safety-conscious Indian market.
Variants and Pricing: Something for Everyone
The 2025 Bolero is available in a wide range of variants to cater to different needs and budgets. The lineup starts with the base B2 variant,
which offers the essentials at an attractive price point. Moving up, the B4 and B6 variants add progressively more features and comfort amenities.
The top-of-the-line B8 variant is where the Bolero truly shines, offering all the bells and whistles including the 4×4 system, leather seats, the full suite of safety features,
and the most powerful engine option. Mahindra has managed to keep pricing competitive across the range, with the base model starting at around ₹9.5 lakh and the fully-loaded 4×4 variant topping out at approximately ₹15 lakh (all prices ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Bolero as an attractive option not just for its traditional rural and semi-urban customer base, but also for urban dwellers looking for a capable, no-nonsense SUV that won’t break the bank.
On the Road: Driving Impressions
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Bolero immediately impresses with its commanding driving position and excellent all-round visibility.
The new power steering system is a revelation, making the Bolero easy to maneuver in tight urban spaces while still providing good feedback at higher speeds.
The upgraded suspension does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections, providing a ride quality that’s significantly improved over its predecessor.
However, make no mistake – this is still a body-on-frame SUV, and it retains some of the ruggedness in its ride that Bolero purists have come to expect and appreciate.
On the highway, the new 2.2-liter engine really comes into its own. The Bolero cruises comfortably at 100 km/h, with plenty of reserve power for overtaking.
The improved NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels make long journeys much more pleasant than in previous generations.
Off the beaten path is where the Bolero, especially in its 4×4 guise, truly shines. It tackles rough terrain with aplomb,
the combination of ample ground clearance, robust construction, and advanced 4×4 system making light work of obstacles that would stymie lesser vehicles.
The low-end torque of the diesel engine is particularly appreciated in these scenarios, allowing for precise control in tricky situations.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
Despite its increased power and capability, Mahindra has managed to keep the Bolero’s running costs reasonable. The 2.2-liter engine, when driven sensibly,
can deliver up to 14 km/l in mixed driving conditions. The 1.5-liter variant, as mentioned earlier, can stretch this to 18 km/l.
Mahindra has also worked on improving the Bolero’s reliability and ease of maintenance. Service intervals have been extended to 10,000 km or one year, whichever comes first,
reducing the frequency of workshop visits. The company claims that the cost of routine maintenance has been kept in check, with the annual service cost estimated at around ₹5,000 to ₹7,000, depending on the variant.
Environmental Considerations
In an era of increasing environmental awareness, Mahindra has taken steps to reduce the Bolero’s ecological footprint. The engines are compliant with the latest BS6 Phase 2 emission norms, ensuring they meet the strictest pollution control standards.
Moreover, Mahindra has increased the use of recyclable materials in the Bolero’s construction. The company claims that up to 85% of the vehicle can be recycled at the end of its life, a significant improvement over previous generations.
Conclusion: The Bolero Grows Up, But Doesn’t Forget Its Roots
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero represents a significant evolution for this iconic nameplate. It has grown more powerful, more capable, and more sophisticated, yet it hasn’t lost the rugged charm and no-nonsense utility that have been its hallmarks for decades.
With its range of powerful engines, including the new 2.2-liter powerhouse, advanced 4×4 capability, and a host of modern features, the new Bolero is well-equipped to take on both urban jungles and rural landscapes.
It offers a compelling blend of old-school robustness and modern amenities, all at a price point that remains accessible to a wide range of Indian buyers.
The 2025 Bolero is more than just a facelift or a model update; it’s a reimagining of what a utilitarian SUV can be in the modern era.
It proves that with thoughtful engineering and design, it’s possible to significantly improve and modernize a vehicle without losing its core identity.
As India’s automotive market continues to evolve, with an increasing focus on SUVs and crossovers, the Bolero stands out as a genuine, purpose-built utility vehicle.
It’s a vehicle that doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not – instead, it takes pride in its capabilities and its heritage.
For loyal Bolero fans, the 2025 model offers a familiar friend with newfound capabilities. For those new to the nameplate,
it presents an intriguing alternative to more urban-oriented SUVs – a vehicle that’s as comfortable on city streets as it is on a rugged mountain trail.
In the end, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed, fit-for-purpose vehicle. It’s a reminder that sometimes,
the best way forward is to build upon a strong foundation rather than starting from scratch. With this new iteration,
Mahindra has ensured that the Bolero will continue to be a familiar sight on Indian roads for years to come, ready to take on whatever challenges its owners might throw at it.