The Mahindra Bolero has been a household name in India for over two decades, a true icon for those who value durability, reliability, and no-nonsense performance. In 2025, Mahindra has rolled out the new Mahindra Bolero, and it’s making waves with a starting price of just ₹7.85 lakh (ex-showroom) and a game-changing CNG variant. This isn’t just another SUV—it’s a vehicle built for India’s heartlands, blending rugged charm with modern upgrades. Let’s dive into what makes the 2025 Bolero a standout choice for rural and urban drivers alike.
Why the Mahindra Bolero Remains India’s Favorite SUV
Imagine driving through a dusty village road in Uttar Pradesh, potholes galore, with a car full of family members and luggage. For millions of Indians, this is where the Bolero shines. Launched in 2000, the Bolero has been a go-to for farmers, small business owners, and families needing a tough, reliable ride. According to Mahindra, the Bolero family sells 8,000–9,000 units monthly, accounting for 20% of the company’s total sales—a testament to its enduring appeal.
The 2025 model builds on this legacy. It’s not trying to compete with flashy urban SUVs like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Sonet. Instead, it doubles down on what it does best: offering unmatched toughness at an affordable price. With the new CNG option, it’s now even more budget-friendly for daily commuters and commercial users.
What’s New in the 2025 Mahindra Bolero?
A Refreshed, Bold Design
The new Bolero sticks to its signature boxy, muscular look—think of it as the SUV equivalent of a trusty old tractor. But Mahindra has added subtle tweaks to keep it fresh. The front grille now sports chrome accents, giving it a slightly premium feel. The halogen headlamps are sharper, and the redesigned bumper adds a modern edge. Body decals and blacked-out ORVMs (outside rearview mirrors) give it a rugged yet stylish vibe. Available in classic colors like Diamond White, Lakeside Brown, and DSAT Silver, it’s a vehicle that demands attention on any road.
Diesel and CNG Powertrains: Power Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Bolero stays true to its roots with the reliable 1.5L mHawk diesel engine, delivering 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque. This engine is a workhorse, perfect for hauling heavy loads or climbing steep rural roads. Paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, it offers a claimed mileage of 16–18 kmpl, making it a frugal choice for long drives.
The real game-changer is the factory-fitted CNG variant. With a claimed mileage of up to 26 km/kg, it’s a boon for budget-conscious buyers, especially in rural areas where fuel costs can add up. The CNG tank (estimated at 60 liters water equivalent) ensures fewer refueling stops, ideal for small business owners like Rajesh, a vegetable vendor in Madhya Pradesh, who relies on his Bolero to transport goods daily. The CNG option cuts his fuel expenses significantly, letting him save more for his family.
Built for India’s Toughest Roads
The Bolero’s suspension is tuned to tackle India’s unpredictable terrain. With coil springs at the front and leaf springs at the rear, it absorbs bumps and potholes like a champ. While the ride can feel bouncy when empty, it stabilizes with a full load—perfect for family trips or commercial use. The high ground clearance ensures it glides over rough patches, though some users note the DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) tank’s placement could be better to avoid damage on uneven roads.
Dr. Anil Sharma, an automotive engineer with 15 years of experience, explains, “The Bolero’s ladder-frame chassis is its backbone. It’s not about speed or luxury—it’s about surviving India’s toughest conditions, from muddy village tracks to rocky hills.”
Features and Safety: Practicality Over Flash
Modern Touches for Everyday Use
The 2025 Bolero doesn’t chase luxury, but it’s not stuck in the past either. You get a semi-digital instrument cluster, a Bluetooth-enabled music system, power windows, and manual AC—enough to keep things practical. Higher variants add creature comforts like remote locking and USB charging outlets. It’s not loaded with tech like a touchscreen or sunroof, but for a starting price of ₹7.85 lakh, it covers the essentials.
Take Sunita, a schoolteacher in Rajasthan, who uses her Bolero to ferry students. “I don’t need a fancy infotainment system,” she says. “The Bluetooth audio and AC are enough, and the car never breaks down, even on those rough desert roads.”
Safety That You Can Trust
Safety-wise, the Bolero offers dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors as standard. While it lacks advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) or a crash test rating from NCAP, its robust build and high seating position give drivers confidence. Mahindra claims the metal bumpers meet pedestrian protection norms, adding an extra layer of safety.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Mahindra Bolero?
The Bolero isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a sleek, tech-packed SUV for city commutes, you might lean toward the Tata Nexon or Maruti Brezza. But if you need a vehicle that can handle rural roads, carry seven passengers, and keep running costs low, the Bolero is unmatched. It’s ideal for:
- Farmers and small business owners: Its durability and low maintenance make it a workhorse for rural tasks.
- Large families: The 7-seater layout (with side-facing rear seats) is perfect for big family outings.
- Commercial users: The CNG variant’s 26 km/kg mileage is a game-changer for taxi operators or delivery services.
Pricing and Variants: Affordable and Accessible
The 2025 Bolero starts at ₹7.85 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base model, with top variants going up to ₹11.20 lakh. The CNG option makes it one of the most affordable 7-seater SUVs with this fuel type in India. Compared to rivals like the Renault Triber or the discontinued Tata Sumo, the Bolero offers better durability and resale value.
Mahindra also plans a next-gen Bolero by 2026–27, built on the new U171 platform, which could bring even more updates. For now, the 2025 model is a solid facelift that keeps the Bolero competitive.