The Mahindra Bolero has always been a symbol of rugged reliability on Indian roads. Whether you’re driving through a busy city lane or tackling a rocky countryside trail, the Bolero has been a trusted companion for over two decades. And now, in 2025, Mahindra has introduced an updated version of this legendary SUV — the 2025 Mahindra Bolero.
But here’s the big question: What’s new in the 2025 Bolero compared to the old model? Has Mahindra finally given it a significant makeover, or is it just another mild update?
Let’s dive deep into the 2025 Mahindra Bolero Old vs New comparison to find out whether this iconic SUV has evolved or simply been refreshed.
A Brief Overview – Bolero’s Legacy
The Mahindra Bolero first hit Indian roads in the early 2000s. Known for its durability, affordability, and simplicity, it quickly became the go-to vehicle for rural India, government departments, and utility fleets. Over the years, Mahindra kept tweaking it slightly to meet new emission norms and add basic features, but the Bolero largely retained its original DNA.
Fast forward to 2025 — Mahindra has introduced the latest version of the Bolero with some minor exterior and interior updates, keeping the essence of the SUV intact while making it a bit more modern for today’s buyers.
1. Exterior Design – The Familiar Face with a Fresh Touch
At first glance, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero looks almost identical to its predecessor. The overall boxy, upright design remains, which is what makes the Bolero instantly recognizable. However, there are a few subtle but noticeable updates that give it a slightly more refined appeal.
Front Design
The front fascia now sports a new five-slat grille with chrome inserts. This makes the Bolero look bolder and more contemporary while maintaining its tough stance. The headlights, however, are the same “clear-view” units as before.
Another visible upgrade is the addition of fog lamps, which were missing in the older version. These not only improve visibility in bad weather but also enhance the SUV’s front profile. The front bumper design with its signature X-shape remains, but Mahindra has refined the air dam pattern for a cleaner look.
Side Profile
Move to the sides, and you’ll immediately spot the new dual-tone alloy wheels, which replace the simpler steel wheels from the older model. This small change adds a dash of sophistication to the rugged SUV.
Apart from that, the Bolero’s silhouette — the upright body, flat panels, and large glass areas — remains unchanged. It’s clear that Mahindra didn’t want to mess with a design that has become iconic in its own right.
Rear Design
At the back, things are largely the same. The tail lamps, spare wheel mounted on the tailgate, and side-hinged rear door are all carried over. Even the bumper and parking sensors are identical to the outgoing model.
If you’re expecting a dramatic redesign, you might be disappointed. But if you appreciate the Bolero’s tried-and-tested looks, the 2025 version stays true to its heritage.
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2. New Colour Options – A Touch of Personality
Mahindra has slightly expanded the Bolero’s colour palette in 2025. The older version came in three shades — Diamond White, Dsat Silver, and Lakeside Brown.
Now, the new lineup includes a fourth colour: Stealth Black, which adds a rugged, premium appeal. The return of Rocky Beige, a fan favourite from earlier years, is also a pleasant surprise. These subtle options give buyers more room to express their style without straying from the Bolero’s robust image.
3. Interior Updates – Modern Comfort with Familiar Simplicity
Step inside the 2025 Bolero, and you’ll feel right at home if you’ve ever driven an older model. The overall cabin layout and structure haven’t changed dramatically — but Mahindra has made some practical and aesthetic updates to enhance comfort and usability.
Dashboard and Cabin Layout
The dashboard retains its simple, utilitarian look, but Mahindra has removed the old co-passenger grab handle, giving it a slightly cleaner appearance. The faux wood trim around the AC vents is also gone, replaced by more subtle dark grey accents that feel understated and modern.
The door trims now have a refreshed design, and the steering wheel finally gets integrated controls — a welcome addition for those who prefer convenience at their fingertips.
Seats and Upholstery
One of the most significant upgrades is the introduction of leatherette upholstery. The older Bolero used fabric seats, which were easy to clean but looked basic. The new leatherette seats add a sense of comfort and durability, elevating the cabin’s overall look.
As before, the Bolero continues with its seven-seater configuration, including side-facing jump seats in the third row — perfect for utility use but not ideal for long family trips.
4. Infotainment and Features – Catching Up with the Times
Here’s where the Bolero finally gets a dose of modernity. The 2025 Bolero now features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which was missing in the previous version.
While it’s not a flashy system like those found in modern crossovers, it does support basic media playback and Bluetooth connectivity. It’s a big step up for Bolero owners who’ve been waiting for a more connected driving experience.
Another practical upgrade is the addition of a Type-C USB charging port. This small change ensures compatibility with newer smartphones and gadgets — a thoughtful touch for 2025.
Other features such as manual AC, power windows, remote locking, and semi-digital instrument cluster remain the same. On the safety front, Mahindra continues to offer dual front airbags, ABS, and rear parking sensors, maintaining compliance with current safety norms.
5. Powertrain and Performance – The Proven Workhorse
Under the hood, the 2025 Mahindra Bolero sticks to its tried-and-tested formula. It continues to use the same 1.5-litre diesel engine, producing 75 PS of power and 210 Nm of torque.
This engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, sending power to the rear wheels. The setup may seem dated compared to modern compact SUVs, but it’s designed for reliability and torque-heavy performance — ideal for rural and semi-urban terrains.
Mahindra has made no mechanical changes, and honestly, it doesn’t need to. The Bolero has built its reputation on mechanical simplicity and robustness. It’s not the fastest SUV out there, but it gets the job done with confidence and efficiency.
6. Ride Quality and Driving Experience
On the road, the Bolero continues to feel tough and capable. The ladder-frame chassis offers durability on rough roads, though it does make the ride slightly firm compared to monocoque SUVs like the Tata Nexon or Hyundai Venue.
However, for buyers who value dependability over luxury, the Bolero’s old-school dynamics remain its strongest asset. It can take abuse, carry heavy loads, and still keep moving — exactly what its core buyers expect.
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7. Price and Variants
The 2025 Mahindra Bolero is priced between ₹7.99 lakh and ₹9.69 lakh (ex-showroom), which keeps it affordable while offering a few premium touches.
It’s available in multiple trims, catering to both private and commercial users. Considering inflation and feature additions, Mahindra has done a commendable job of keeping prices reasonable.
8. Rivals and Market Position
The Bolero doesn’t have a direct rival because it sits in a unique niche — a rugged, ladder-frame utility SUV under 4 meters. However, in terms of price and usage, it competes with vehicles like:
- Tata Nexon
- Maruti Suzuki Brezza
- Hyundai Venue
- Kia Sonet
- Mahindra XUV 3XO
- Tata Punch (micro-SUV territory)
Despite this competition, the Bolero continues to sell well because of its unmatched reliability, low maintenance, and rural appeal.
9. Old vs New – Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | 2024 Bolero (Old) | 2025 Bolero (New) |
| Front Grille | 3-slat design | New 5-slat chrome grille |
| Fog Lamps | No | Yes |
| Alloy Wheels | Steel wheels | Dual-tone alloys |
| Upholstery | Fabric | Leatherette |
| Infotainment | 2-DIN unit | 7-inch touchscreen |
| USB Port | Regular | Type-C |
| Steering Controls | No | Yes |
| Colour Options | 3 | 4 (incl. Stealth Black) |
| Grab Handle | Present | Removed |
| Faux Wood Trim | Yes | Removed |
10. Final Verdict – The Bolero Stays True to Its Roots
So, does the 2025 Mahindra Bolero feel like an all-new SUV? Not really. But is it better than before? Absolutely.
Mahindra has smartly refined the Bolero without diluting its character. The updates — though modest — make it slightly more modern, comfortable, and practical, while keeping its rugged, dependable nature intact.
If you’re a Bolero loyalist or someone looking for a no-nonsense SUV that’s built to last, the 2025 version is a solid buy. It’s not a high-tech city SUV, but it’s a trusted workhorse that continues to stand tall in an age of flashy designs and fragile build quality.