The Mahindra Bolero has earned a reputation over the years for being one of India’s most trusted and practical SUVs, especially in semi-urban and rural regions. Known for its ruggedness, reliability, and low maintenance, the Bolero continues to stay strong in 2025 with minor updates but the same solid formula.
Whether you’re buying it for farm work, long village drives, or as a family SUV that can handle rough roads, the Bolero holds its ground like few others in this price range. Let’s take a closer look at what this SUV offers.
Overview Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Name | Mahindra Bolero |
| Engine | 1.5L mHawk75 Diesel |
| Power Output | 75 bhp @ 3600 rpm |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 1600-2200 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Mileage (Claimed) | 16–17 kmpl |
| Seating Capacity | 7 (side-facing rear seats) |
| Boot Space | Moderate with all rows up |
| Price Range | ₹9.8 – ₹10.9 Lakhs (ex-showroom) |
| Launch Year | Ongoing (latest update in 2025) |
Design & Style
The design of the Mahindra Bolero has never tried to be flashy, and it still maintains a boxy, strong appearance. The flat body panels, tall stance, and signature front grille give it a no-nonsense attitude.
The front fascia includes clear-lens headlamps, basic fog lamps, and simple steel wheels—everything is kept straightforward to keep costs and repairs easy. It now comes with subtle updates like a refreshed bumper and new decals, but the overall look remains classic Bolero.
Inside, the cabin is basic but functional. It has dual-tone shades, fabric seats, and durable plastic quality. The dash layout is simple, and the overall build is made to handle rough use.
Engine & Performance
Under the hood, the Bolero runs on a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder mHawk75 diesel engine. It produces around 75 bhp and 210 Nm of torque. Though the numbers aren’t high, they are tuned perfectly for the type of driving the Bolero is made for.
It doesn’t feel like a fast SUV, but it’s dependable. It climbs hills, carries weight, and runs across broken roads without giving up. The 5-speed manual transmission is smooth enough for daily usage, and the clutch is light compared to older versions.
The low-end torque makes it great for load-carrying or village roads where speed isn’t important, but torque is.
Ride & Handling
The Bolero is built tough. It rides on a ladder-frame chassis, which gives it strong build quality but makes it feel a bit bumpy over potholes. However, for rough roads and bad conditions, this setup is ideal.
The suspension is tuned for utility rather than comfort. You might feel the bumps, but the vehicle remains stable and strong. The high ground clearance helps in tackling off-road paths and flooded streets.
The steering is slightly heavy at low speeds, especially while parking, but becomes manageable once you’re on the move. It’s not built for tight city streets, but for open and rougher routes, it feels right at home.
Features & Tech
The Bolero keeps things minimal but gives you all essential features:
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Digital instrument cluster
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Manual AC
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Power steering
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Front power windows
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Central locking
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Bluetooth audio system (basic)
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Driver-side airbag
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ABS with EBD
There’s no touchscreen or fancy electronics, which is actually preferred by many users in rural areas who want less complexity and more reliability.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
Despite its size and build, the Bolero offers respectable mileage. Mahindra claims 16 to 17 kmpl, and in real-world conditions, it usually returns around 14–15 kmpl, depending on usage.
This kind of efficiency from a 7-seater, diesel-powered SUV is impressive, especially when used for longer distances or highway travel.
Price & Variants
The Mahindra Bolero is priced between ₹9.8 to ₹10.9 lakhs (ex-showroom). It comes in three main trims: B4, B6, and B6 (O).
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B4 – Basic variant with all essentials
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B6 – Adds a music system, power windows, and cosmetic upgrades
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B6 (O) – Top variant with driver-side airbag, decals, and more features
This pricing keeps it competitive with compact SUVs but offers a very different purpose and identity.
FAQs
Q1. Is Mahindra Bolero good for daily use in cities?
A: It’s better suited for semi-urban or rough-road use, but can work in cities if parking space is not a concern.
Q2. Does Bolero have an automatic version?
A: No, currently it is available only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Q3. Is the Bolero good for off-roading?
A: While not a full off-roader, its build and ground clearance help it handle bad roads and rural tracks easily.
Q4. What’s the seating configuration?
A: It’s a 7-seater with 2+3+2 layout. Rear seats are side-facing jump seats.
Q5. How is the safety in Bolero?
A: Basic safety features like driver airbag, ABS with EBD are available. No advanced safety tech yet.
Final Verdict
The Mahindra Bolero 2025 doesn’t try to compete with modern, flashy urban SUVs. Instead, it stays true to its roots: durability, simplicity, and ruggedness. If you want a vehicle that lasts long, runs with low maintenance, and handles bad roads without a fuss – this is one of the best options in India.
It may not suit everyone, but for those who value strength over style, the Bolero continues to be a solid and dependable choice. A timeless utility vehicle with an Indian heart – that’s the Bolero legacy.