In the rough and tumble world of Indian automobiles,s very few cars demand the kind of respect and loyalty that a Mahindra Bolero does.
For more than 20 years, this practical beast-of-burden has served as the spine of rural transportation, the trusty farmhand that ensures farmers and ranchers get the job done, and more recently, a thoughtful option for urban dwellers who value substance over sizzle.
Now, as we’re about to hit the middle of 2025, Mahindra prepares to re-enter the Indian market with a facelift to this iconic nameplate that it promises will continue its historic toughness while including modern conveniences and technologies.
An Evolution of Design, Not Revolution
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero facelift is a tastefully executed job – one which respects its no-nonsense nature and adds modern design elements that will appeal to a wider audience.
The most dramatic changes are focused up front and includes a new bolder grille flanked by bigger, more aggressive looking smoked-out headlights that takes inspiration from Mahindra’s contemporary SUV range.
This aggressive nose is flanked by revised headlights and now includes LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and brings it up to date a bit, destroying any temporary ruggedness.
The design of the Bolero-at least the boxy proportions that have made it a Bolero-is largely unchanged, though small changes to bumpers and body cladding make it look more cohesive and up to date.
The wheel arches remain square-cut but have been subtly tweaked, while new alloy wheel designs help push the car’s stance, without limiting its off-roading prowess.
At the back, the differences are far more subtle, updating the tail lamps and new bumper as the only exterior revisions. The spare wheel that is located on the tailgate – Bolero’s signature – has been retained, so it retains a very functional design (despite the cosmetic updates).
Inside: Utilitarian Comfort With Modern Details
When you step inside the 2025 Bolero, you get more of a sense of the modernization attempts taking place. The dashboard is all-new, with a more modern design and a bigger touchscreen infotainment unit in the centre of it.
The new system, which is tipped to be 7 to 9 inches in size, also drags the Bolero kicking and screaming into the present day with the new tech support for both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The new system will “enable seamless smartphone integration, thereby allowing drivers and passengers access to apps navigation, music and more with minimum distraction,” Mahindra says.
The instrument panel also receives a major upgrade with standard analog gauges now joined by a multi-functional, high-resolution LCD display with gear position indicator; a play back recording feature to track progress and lean angle; and peak hold function, which is quite unique and a novelty for a production bike.
This combination of analog and digital componentry keeps the Bolero as easy to use as ever but with practical contemporary features.
Seating convenience is often overlooked in utility monocrooss, and I sure was pleasantly surprised with the Bolero. Seats are more comfortable and supportive, even though the higher grades have imitation leather containing fake, but quality, leather casing for a premium look without the usual wear and tear.
The design of the cabin continues to put a focus on space and practicality, with plenty of storage bins and cubbies located throughout.
The best part: a better air conditioning system, now with auto climate control on the higher accessories and read A/C vents to keep you well soothed even on sweltering summer days in India.
Strategically used sound insulation materials help reduce road and engine noise to produce an even more polished environment in the cabin.
Power to the people: The Tried and True with AConsiderate Upgrade Powertrain
Under the bonnet, the 2025 Bolero facelift continues to be powered by Mahindra’s familiar 1.5-litre mHawk diesel engine that has been updated to meet the current BS6 Phase II emission regulations.
It is another three petrol motor, which in typical Daihatsu tradition offers a blend of reliability and economy and churns out around 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque described by the company as “enough torque for everyday driving.”
As for the rest, there is the sturdy 5-speed manual gearbox – brisk, reliable, positive.
But, in a nod to shifting customer beliefs—especially in urban markets—Mahindra is set to make an option of an AMT (automated manual transmission) available with the facelifted Bolero, which would be “mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional AMT gearbox” in order to make it easier for city drivers who prefer to have two pedals for stop-and-go traffic.
The suspension set up on the Bolero still leans toward longevity and load lugging capacity instead of outright comfort, but Mahindra has tweaked it a bit to make end users feel slightly less like a bullock cart on less than perfect roads without reducing the vehicle’s workhorse character.
At around 180mm, the ground clearance is good enough for the Bolero to venture into rough rural areas and squelch through flooded city streets.
Technology and Features: Heralding the Bolero into the 21st Century
One of the biggest improvements in the 2025 Bolero facelift is the technology suite and it’s a world away from the old one. That aforementioned touchscreen infotainment system is the centrepiece, providing a whole bunch of connectivity that you never got in the Bolero range.
Additional tech-oriented features include a plethora of USB ports (including Type-C), Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and voice recognition that lets drivers manipulate a range of features without having to remove their hands from the steering wheel.
A wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones is also set to join the lineup in upper trims, enhancing the Bolero’s tech chops.
Some safety equipment come as a pleasant surprise, such as dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors and speed alerts being offered as standard on all trim levels.
The Bolero’s muscular body on frame construction, traditionally a boon to safety conscious buyers, has been further strengthened in crucial areas to offer more protection in a crash without the usual addition in bulk.
Variant Strategy and Pricing
The 2025 Bolero facelift will continue with Mahindra’s good old variant structure – so, the range will kick things off with the barebones B4 trim, from where you can move to the more equipped B6 Optional spec. This is in keeping with the Bolero’s workhorse nature, offering buyers to select a model that suits their needs and price range.
Expect the price to kick off at the Rs 10 lakh mark for the base variant with the range topping models at around Rs 12.50 lakh keeping in line with the quoted price range of “between Rs 10.00 lakh and Rs 12.50 lakh”.
That’s up on the outgoing model but the extra equipment and the improvements justify this premium and ensure the Bolero remains a great value option.
Market Position/Competition
The Bolero has been a one-of-a-kind vehicle in the context of the Indian market as it blends the attributes of a typical MUV and that of an entry-level SUV.
With this facelift, and by the looks of it, Mahindra now looks interested in projecting the Bolero as the more direct competitor to compact SUVs such as the Toyota Urban Cruiser and Traviser, while also keeping touch with its countryside customer base adsolutrley in place.
The Bolero directly competes with very few products in rural markets and wins hands down on parameters of tough build, easy maintenance and luggage carrying ability.
In a crowded parking lot in the city, however, it has other rivals like the Renault Triber, Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, and even the Mahindra Bolero Neo that challenge its monopoly.
The facelift intends to fortify Bolero’s position against the competition by fixing a few of the key negatives of the outgoing model, including the lack of features and interior comfort.
The Bolero Legacy Continues
What’s more endearing about the Bolero is how it has continued to evolve and yet withstand the test of time in an industry that seems to value the new over what works each time.
In an era when most vehicles appear to be replaced every 5-7 years….. The Bolero is here over 20 years having gone through incremental changes.
This strategy has produced a very loyal following who like the truck’s honest and no-nonsense approach, as well as its renowned dependability.
WA Since 2005: Re: Scope for Lifting in Bolero Standard, The Bolero is the highest selling UV in India (Source: Auto car) and the popularity is still going strong.
For the 2025 facelift, Mahindra is not trying to reinvent the Bolero but bolstering its strengths and rectifying its most obvious shortcomings. The end product is a vehicle that stays true to form, with so many of the modern comforts that will attract new buyers.
Expected Launch and Market Impact
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero facelift is likely to reach showrooms sometime around mid-2025 with official bookings set to open in few weeks before the launch.
With a good brand recall and loyal client base, the company is expected to have a robust order book from the start itself.
The updated Bolero is a crucial part of Mahindra’s larger product plan. Though the company has been carving into the lifestyle SUV segment with the offerings like Thar and XUV700, the Bolero continues to be a volume puller, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities where utility and resilience dominate over the latest features.
Mahindra Bolero New Facelift : Relevant and Continually Evolving
With the proliferation of soft-roaders and crossovers encroaching continuously into the idea of what an ‘SUV’ really is, the Mahindra Bolero is a throwback to rugged SUVs that were actually built with purpose in the mind.
The identity is not diluted, but strenghtened with the 2025 facelift, lending the Bolero a modern appeal and a few updates, while continuing with the rugged toughness, which has made the Bolero an icon.
Buy one as a no-nonsense ride that won’t mind years of abuse, yet return decent comfort and modern bits and the facelifted Bolero is a good point to make.
It might not have the shiniest looks or the most exhaustive feature list compared to the competition, but what it does offer is a good mix of durability, practicality and now, enhanced comfort and technology – which is sure to keep the legends of Bolero flying high in the many years to come.
Lyrics by Ajay Singha, Manthan and Mausiqi, and by Ali Hayat Rizvi and Danish penned the Pakistani lyrics, respectively[2]Titles The overall plot description of the 2025 Mahindra Bolero facelift is also a statement of sorts, because it’s not just a new version of an existing product, it’s a reaffirmation of the things that have made the Bolero one of India’s most trusted automotive nameplates.
By adhering to these values while also embracing the modernization that is needed, Mahindra’s Bolero is just as relevant in 2025 as it was when it redefined rural transport over two decades ago.