2025 Mahindra Bolero Review: Rugged Legend or Outdated Workhorse?

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2025 Mahindra Bolero
Quick Facts – 2025 Mahindra Bolero CategoryDetailsEngine1.5L mHawk DieselPower100 HP

Quick Facts – 2025 Mahindra Bolero

CategoryDetails
Engine1.5L mHawk Diesel
Power100 HP / 260 Nm
Transmission5MT / AMT
Price (Est.)₹10L – ₹13L (Ex-showroom)
RivalsForce Gurkha, Maruti Suzuki Jimny (base trim)

First Look: Still a Box on Wheels?

2025 Mahindra Bolero gets a “modern” update—but is it actually fresh or just the same old SUV with LED lights?

  • Exterior: Same boxy shape, new grille, LED DRLs, and 16-inch alloys (top variant only).
  • Interior: 7-inch touchscreen, digital MID—finally, but still plasticky and basic.
  • Space: 7-seater layout, but 3rd row = torture chamber for adults.

“Mahindra calls it an update—but it’s still a 2005 SUV with a touchscreen.”

Engine & Performance: Tough or Just Slow?

Key Specs

  • 1.5L Diesel – 100 HP, adequate for villages, sluggish on highways.
  • AMT Option – First time in Bolero, but expect jerky shifts.
  • Mileage16-17 kmpl (claimed), real-world 14-15 kmpl.

Who’s It For?

  • Farmers & rural buyers (durability + low maintenance)
  • Budget off-roaders (basic 4×4 capability)
  • City slickers (rides like a tractor)

Features & Tech: 2025 or 2010?

What’s New?

  • 7-inch Touchscreen (with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay)
  • Digital MID (shows fuel efficiency, trip data)
  • AMT Option (no more clutch fatigue)

What’s Missing?

  • No ADAS (safety? Just drive carefully.)
  • No Rear AC Vents (3rd row = sauna mode)
  • No Turbo Petrol (still diesel-only)

Verdict: Slightly less prehistoric, but still behind rivals.

Off-Road & Ride Quality: Tough or Just Uncomfortable?

Pros:

  • Ladder-frame chassis – Takes a beating.
  • 180mm Ground Clearance – Good for bad roads.
  • Leaf Spring Suspension – Handles loads well.

Cons:

  • Ride Quality = Stiff (empty, it’s back-breaking).
  • No Proper 4×4 (just rear-wheel drive with optional 4×4).
  • AMT Off-Road? Forget it.

Price & Rivals: Still the King of Rural India?

Expected Price

VariantPrice (Est.)
B2 (Base)₹10L
B4 (Mid)₹11.5L
B6 (Top AMT)₹13L

Vs Competition

  • Force GurkhaMore off-road capable, but costlier.
  • Maruti JimnyMore modern, but smaller.
  • Mahindra TharMore fun, but less practical.

Why Bolero?

  • Proven reliability (rural mechanics can fix it blindfolded)
  • Low maintenance costs (cheap parts everywhere)
  • Still the cheapest rugged 7-seater

FAQs: Should You Buy It?

Q1. Is the Bolero still relevant in 2025?

A: In villages? Yes. In cities? No.

Q2. How’s the real-world mileage?

A: 14-15 kmpl (diesel is thirsty, but cheaper than petrol).

Q3. Bolero vs Thar?

A: Thar for fun, Bolero for work.

Q4. Is the AMT any good?

A: Better than manual in traffic, but still jerky.

Verdict: Who Should Buy the 2025 Bolero?

Buy if:

  • You need a no-nonsense rural workhorse
  • You carry heavy loads regularly
  • You prioritize durability over comfort

Skip if:

  • You want modern features & comfort
  • You mostly drive in cities
  • You expect car-like refinement

Final Thought:
“The 2025 Mahindra Bolero is like a trusted old tractor—it won’t let you down, but don’t expect luxury.”

Bonus: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Legendary ruggedness
  • Cheap to maintain
  • Good load-carrying capacity

Cons

  • Uncomfortable ride
  • Outdated interior
  • No petrol/hybrid option

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