The updated Bolero 2025 has been launched by Mahindra in India, and it’s starting to look like a compelling choice for anyone who wants a vehicle that’s capable of taking a pounding, able to handle potholed roads but offers a measure of modern features. This SUV remains faithful to its roots as an all-business workhorse but it’s been treated to a few intelligent upgrades to bring it up to date. Let’s dissect what the Bolero 2025 offers for families, farmers, and fun seekers.
A Hard Look With a New Style of Freshness
The Bolero 2025 retains the iconic boxy form that shouts “tough guy,” but it takes some new cues for a slightly sharper appearance. Just as the headlights are more energy-efficient, it takes less energy to keep the road ahead lit with LED lights in front. The bumper is rugged-looking, and there’s body cladding down the sides, which adds to the loutish vibe. And it measures 3995mm long, 1745mm wide, 1880mm tall and rides 180mm off the deck, which is a pretty good amount of clearance for when the going gets tough. It is quite heavy, weighing in at 1620 kg and thus it feels planted on the road meaning it doesn't get shaken up as much. You get 16 inch alloy wheels with 215/75 tubeless tyres and is available in colours like Diamond White,
Strong Engine
Powering the Bolero 2025 is a 1.5L mHawk diesel engine capable of producing 75 bhp at 3600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque from 1600 to 2200 rpm. It’s mated to a 5-speed manual transmission that has smooth shifts, although some people over on X have pointed out that shift quality can be a bit rubbery. This thing doesn’t crack 120 kmph and it takes 14 seconds to reach 60 km/h from standstill—not racing material. The engine is BS6 Phase 2 compliant, and it gets micro-hybrid tech, which turns off the engine at standstill to conserve fuel. Mahindra promises 16-18 kmpl, while real world will be closer to 14-16 kmpl.
Handles Rough Roads Like A Champ
The Bolero 2025 uses a ladder-frame chassis, with a double-wishbone front suspension and leaf springs at the back, built to carry heavy loads over bumpy roads. The wheelbase is 2680 mm, keeping it stable on highways. Ground clearance is 180 mm, which is good for rural roads but might scrape on really rough terrain—some users on X have noted issues with the DEF tank placement reducing effective clearance compared to older models. Brakes are disc in front, drum at the rear, with ABS and EBD for safer stops. It rides well on uneven surfaces, but the leaf spring setup means you’ll feel some vertical bounce on bad roads. At 1620 kg, it’s heavy, so steering can feel slow in tight city spots, but it’s manageable for most rural and semi-urban drives.
Practical Features For Everyday Use
Inside, the Bolero 2025 keeps things simple but adds a few modern touches. It’s a 7-seater with a 2-3-2 layout, though higher variants offer a 9-seater option with a 2-3-4 setup using jump seats in the third row. The cabin has a wooden finish on the dashboard, fabric seats, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in top trims, with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. You also get a digital instrument cluster, power steering, manual AC, and power windows. Safety includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, and a seatbelt reminder, but it misses out on side airbags or ESC, which some rivals offer. Boot space is 384L, enough for family trips, and there’s a small storage spot for essentials. It’s practical for rural buyers, but the fit and finish aren’t great—some users mention the interior feels dated compared to modern SUVs.
Keeps Running Costs Low
The Bolero 2025 gets 16-18 kmpl as per Mahindra, but expect 14-16 kmpl in real-world use. With a 60L tank, you can go 840 to 960 km, saving around ₹10,000 a year at ₹100/litre compared to a 10 kmpl SUV. Running cost is ₹6 to ₹7 per km, which is decent for its size. The BS6 Phase 2 engine with micro-hybrid tech cuts emissions, and Mahindra’s production focuses on sustainability, making it a practical choice for budget-conscious buyers. Maintenance is low, with spare parts easily available thanks to Mahindra’s wide service network, especially in rural areas.
Price And Variants In India
The Bolero 2025 starts at ₹9.99 lakh ex-showroom for the base B4 variant, going up to ₹12.10 lakh for the top B6 (O) trim, according to reports from WELM News and Mahindra Eden. On-road prices in Delhi are around ₹11.25 lakh to ₹13.5 lakh. EMIs can start at ₹28,000/month with a ₹1 lakh down payment at 8% interest for 3 years. It comes in three variants—B4, B6, and B6 (O)—with colors like Diamond White, Lakeside Brown, and DSAT Silver. Mahindra sold over 1.64 lakh Boleros in FY2025, showing its popularity, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Delivery takes 15-30 days, and festive deals in May might include free accessories like roof rails or body decals.
SUVs It Competes With
The Bolero 2025 takes on:
Renault Triber (₹6 lakh): 7-seater, 19 kmpl, cheaper but less rugged.
Nissan Magnite (₹6 lakh): 20 kmpl, more modern but smaller boot.
Tata Nexon (₹8 lakh): 17 kmpl, safer with 5-star NCAP but pricier.
The Bolero’s rugged build and seating capacity give it an edge for rural buyers, but Triber and Nexon offer more modern features for urban drivers.
What You Should Know Before Buying
The Bolero 2025’s ₹9.99 lakh starting price is competitive, but it lacks modern features like cruise control or a sunroof, which Nexon offers. At 1620 kg, it’s heavy, and the 180 mm ground clearance can be a concern on rough terrain—some users on X have complained about the DEF tank getting scraped. Mileage drops to 12 kmpl in heavy traffic. It’s a 7 or 9-seater, no third row in base models. The suspension feels bouncy on bad roads, and the interior quality isn’t great for the price. Mahindra’s service network is wide, but urban buyers might find repair costs higher than Maruti or Tata. It’s also rear-wheel-drive only, with no 4x4 or automatic options, which some buyers might miss.
Who This SUV Is For
The Bolero 2025 is for rural buyers, farmers, or fleet operators who need a rugged 7 or 9-seater with 16-18 kmpl mileage. ABS and high ground clearance make it great for tough roads, while the spacious cabin suits large families or commercial use. It’s not for those wanting a modern SUV with car-like handling, advanced tech, or highway comfort.
Where To Find It
You can get the Bolero 2025 at Mahindra’s dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities. Book online through Mahindra’s official website. Metro cities get delivery in 15 days, smaller towns in 30 days. Festive deals in May might include free accessories.
Mahindra Bolero 2025: Tough And Ready For Anything
The Mahindra Bolero 2025 has a 1.5L diesel engine, 16-18 kmpl mileage, and starts at ₹9.99 lakh. You get ABS, a touchscreen system, and rugged styling. It lacks modern features and has a bouncy ride, but it’s a solid pick for durability and utility. Perfect for rural buyers who need a reliable SUV that can handle tough jobs without breaking the bank.
Disclaimer: Specs and prices are based on recent reports. Check with Mahindra dealers for the latest details.
