Mahindra Thar Roxx: The dust plumes rise behind as the Mahindra Thar Roxx conquers a steep incline, its muscular profile silhouetted against the setting sun.
This isn’t just another SUV stretching its legs – it’s the evolution of an icon, the manifestation of decades of off-road engineering finally meeting modern family practicality.
The Thar Roxx represents Mahindra’s boldest statement yet: that rugged capability and everyday usability need not be mutually exclusive propositions.
Launched in 2024, the five-door Thar Roxx isn’t merely an elongated version of its three-door sibling. It’s a comprehensive reimagining that has transformed the beloved but somewhat impractical Thar into a genuine family SUV without compromising its adventurous spirit.
As Indian automotive preferences evolve and mature, the Thar Roxx positions itself at the intersection of aspiration and practicality – a sweet spot that few manufacturers have successfully captured.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Design Evolution: Standing Out in a Sea of Conformity
The Thar Roxx’s design represents a delicate balance – respecting the iconic silhouette that has defined the Thar lineage while introducing contemporary elements that broaden its appeal.
The front fascia maintains the commanding presence of its predecessor, with a distinctive six-slat grille flanked by sleek LED projector headlamps and C-shaped daytime running lights that add a touch of modernity to its utilitarian aesthetic.
Viewed in profile, the Roxx reveals its most significant transformation. The additional set of doors is integrated seamlessly, though some purists might debate the execution of the C-pillar design and rear door treatment.
The upright greenhouse and squared-off edges maintain the classic boxy SUV proportions, while the all-metal roof (available with either a single-pane or panoramic sunroof depending on the variant) replaces the removable top of the standard Thar, adding structural rigidity and all-weather comfort.
The rear continues the purposeful design language with vertically oriented LED tail lamps and a side-hinged tailgate that houses the spare wheel – a practical solution that maximizes interior space while preserving the quintessential off-roader look.
Ground clearance stands at an impressive 226mm, providing the necessary elevation for tackling challenging terrain while maintaining reasonable ingress and egress characteristics for everyday use.
Available in seven striking colors – Stealth Black, Tango Red, Everest White, Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Burnt Sienna, and more – all paired with a black roof for a distinctive two-tone appearance, the Thar Roxx makes a powerful visual statement. The higher variants ride on imposing 19-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on lower trims), further enhancing its commanding road presence.
Cabin Comfort: From Spartan to Sophisticated
Step inside the Thar Roxx, and the transformation is even more dramatic. Gone is the utilitarian interior of old, replaced by a cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in a premium urban crossover.
The dashboard design draws inspiration from the three-door Thar but elevates the execution with soft-touch materials, piano black accents, and metallic finishes.
The driver faces a leather-wrapped steering wheel borrowed from the XUV700, featuring well-damped controls for audio, phone, and cruise functions.
Behind it, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays including navigation directions, a welcome upgrade from the analog dials of the standard Thar.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is another 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, powered by Mahindra’s Adrenox connected car technology.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice commands, and over-the-air updates. Sound reproduction comes courtesy of a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with a subwoofer, delivering impressive sound quality that enhances the cabin experience.
Seating comfort represents another significant upgrade. The front seats offer good bolstering and support, with the driver benefiting from 6-way power adjustments and both front occupants enjoying the luxury of ventilation – a particularly welcome feature in India’s climate.
The rear bench accommodates three adults with reasonable comfort, though the tall floor means passengers sit in a slightly knees-up position. The backrest reclines for added comfort on long journeys, and rear passengers benefit from dedicated AC vents and USB-C charging ports.
Interior color schemes include a light ivory theme for RWD variants and an optional mocha brown for 4WD models – the latter being particularly practical for those who intend to exploit the vehicle’s off-road capabilities.
Storage solutions abound, with thoughtfully placed cupholders, door pockets, a cooled glovebox, and a center console bin, addressing one of the key limitations of the three-door model.
The boot offers 365 liters of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to over 800 liters with the rear seats folded – not class-leading but sufficient for weekend getaways and grocery runs.
The side-hinged tailgate requires consideration when parking, but the separately opening rear glass provides convenient access for smaller items.
Powertrains: Muscle That Matters
Powering the Thar Roxx is a choice of two robust engines, both offering impressive outputs that befit a vehicle of its stature. The 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine develops 160bhp and 330Nm of torque in base trim, with higher variants boosting this to 175bhp and 380Nm – figures that ensure spirited performance despite the vehicle’s substantial weight.
The diesel option, likely to be more popular given India’s fuel economics, is a 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged unit producing 150bhp and 330Nm in standard form, while higher-spec variants offer 172bhp and 370Nm. Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth-shifting 6-speed torque converter automatic.
Fuel efficiency, as expected from a vehicle of this size and capability, is moderate. The petrol variants deliver approximately 12.4 kilometers per liter according to ARAI figures, while the diesel manages a more economical 15.2 kilometers per liter. Real-world efficiency will naturally vary based on driving conditions and usage patterns.
The Roxx’s powertrain characteristics prioritize low-end torque and driveability over outright performance, with both engines offering strong mid-range punch that translates to confident overtaking maneuvers and relaxed cruising capabilities.
The automatic transmission, while not the quickest-shifting unit in its class, offers smooth transitions between ratios and proves particularly convenient in urban traffic conditions.
Drive modes – Zip, Zap, and Zoom (equivalent to Eco, Normal, and Sport in conventional terminology) – alter throttle response and shift patterns to suit different driving scenarios, adding versatility to the driving experience.
The steering, electrically assisted, strikes a reasonable balance between ease of operation in parking maneuvers and stability at highway speeds, though it lacks the feedback that driving enthusiasts might desire.
Off-Road Prowess: The Thar’s Beating Heart
While the Thar Roxx has evolved into a more family-friendly package, Mahindra has been careful not to dilute its core off-road DNA. Built on the company’s newest M_GLYDE platform (an evolution of the one underpinning the Scorpio-N), the Roxx retains a ladder-frame construction and offers impressive off-road geometry with an approach angle of 41.7 degrees, a departure angle of 36.1 degrees, and a ramp-over angle of 23.9 degrees.
The 4WD system, available exclusively with the diesel engine at launch (a curious omission for the petrol variant), employs a traditional mechanical transfer case with shift-on-the-fly capability between 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive high range), and 4L (four-wheel drive low range with a crawl ratio).
This is supplemented by an electronic locking differential (ELD) and electronic brake locking differential (E-BLD) that work in conjunction with the terrain management system offering dedicated modes for snow, mud, and sand.
Two notable innovations enhance the Roxx’s off-road credentials. The CrawlSmart Assist (available on automatic variants) allows drivers to set a crawl speed between 2.5 and 30 km/h, after which the vehicle maintains that pace over challenging terrain without further throttle input – similar to hill descent control but usable in multiple scenarios.
The IntelliTurn feature locks the inner rear wheel at low speeds (under 15 km/h) to aid in tight maneuvers, effectively reducing the turning radius – a boon when navigating narrow trails.
Water wading capacity stands at an impressive 650mm, while the mechanical architecture employs a Penta Link suspension setup with independent front suspension featuring double wishbones and a rigid axle coil spring rear with Watts linkage.
Advanced damping technologies, including Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) with Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS) and Multi-Tuning Valve-Concentric Land (MTV-CL) dampers, enhance both off-road articulation and on-road composure.
The result is a vehicle that feels substantially more refined than its three-door counterpart, with reduced body roll, improved directional stability, and a more planted feel at higher speeds, all without compromising the Thar’s legendary ability to conquer challenging terrain.
Technology and Connectivity: A Digital Overhaul
The Thar Roxx represents Mahindra’s commitment to bringing its technological arsenal to every segment it competes in. The aforementioned twin 10.25-inch screens – one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment – form the cornerstone of the vehicle’s digital interface.
The Adrenox connected car technology enables over-the-air updates, personalized user profiles, and remote vehicle controls through a smartphone application.
Wireless smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminates cable clutter, while voice commands powered by Alexa’s natural language processing capabilities allow for hands-free operation of various vehicle functions.
Higher variants benefit from a 360-degree surround camera system with a blind view monitor that activates in conjunction with the turn indicators, displaying the vehicle’s blind spots in the instrument cluster – a particularly useful feature given the Roxx’s substantial dimensions and high shoulder line.
Other technological highlights include wireless smartphone charging, a comprehensive trip computer with detailed performance metrics, automatic climate control with rear vents, and ambient lighting that enhances the cabin ambiance during night driving.
The panoramic sunroof (available on top-spec variants) features voice control, allowing occupants to open or close it via verbal commands.
Safety Systems: Protection in All Dimensions
Safety has become a cornerstone of Mahindra’s product philosophy, and the Thar Roxx continues this commitment with a comprehensive suite of passive and active safety features.
While official crash test ratings from Bharat NCAP were pending at the time of writing, Mahindra’s recent track record with vehicles like the XUV700 and Scorpio-N (both achieving 5-star ratings) bodes well for the Roxx’s structural integrity.
The safety package begins with six airbags as standard across all variants – an commendable decision at this price point. This is supplemented by electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold and descent control, and rear parking sensors even on base models. Higher trims add a tire pressure monitoring system, a driver drowsiness detection system, and the aforementioned 360-degree camera.
The flagship AX7L variant introduces Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) to the Thar lineup, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and traffic sign recognition.
While the implementation of these features is generally effective, some users have reported that the autonomous braking can be overly cautious in India’s chaotic traffic conditions – a common challenge for ADAS systems calibrated for more ordered driving environments.
Thankfully, Mahindra has incorporated the ability to permanently disable these features if desired – the system remembers the driver’s preference even after the vehicle is restarted, addressing a common frustration with many ADAS-equipped vehicles that default to active status with each ignition cycle.
Variant Strategy and Pricing: Something for Everyone
Mahindra offers the Thar Roxx in a comprehensive range of variants to cater to different budget considerations and usage scenarios. The lineup begins with the MX1 trim, positioned at Rs. 12.99 lakh for the petrol manual and Rs. 13.99 lakh for the diesel manual (ex-showroom), representing the entry point to Thar Roxx ownership.
The mid-range offerings include the MX3, AX3L, and AX5L variants, gradually adding features like the larger infotainment system, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, and enhanced interior appointments as you move up the hierarchy.
The range culminates in the flagship AX7L variant, which includes all the bells and whistles mentioned earlier, priced at Rs. 20.49 lakh for the petrol automatic and extending to Rs. 23.09 lakh for the diesel automatic with 4WD (ex-showroom).
This pricing strategy positions the Thar Roxx in an interesting space – overlapping with both premium compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and MG Astor at the lower end, and encroaching upon the territory of larger midsize SUVs such as the Mahindra’s own Scorpio-N and the Tata Harrier at the upper end.
The value proposition is strongest in the mid-range variants, which offer a good balance of features without the premium commanded by the top-spec models.
Waiting periods for the Thar Roxx have stabilized at approximately 2-3 months for most variants, though the entry-level MX1 trim still commands longer waiting lists of up to 18 months in some regions – a testament to the strong demand for the more accessible variants despite their reduced feature set.
Competition Landscape: Carving a Unique Niche
The Thar Roxx occupies a somewhat unique position in the Indian market, with few direct competitors matching its blend of off-road capability and family-friendly features.
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny, while comparable in its off-road orientation, lacks the space and practicality of the five-door Thar. The Force Gurkha 5-door offers similar rugged credentials but falls short in terms of refinement, feature list, and brand cachet.
More conventional compact and midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Astor, and Volkswagen Taigun compete on price but offer fundamentally different value propositions – prioritizing on-road comfort, efficiency, and urban practicality over off-road capability. For buyers genuinely interested in venturing beyond tarmac, the Thar Roxx presents a far more compelling case.
Perhaps the most significant competition comes from within Mahindra’s own stable, with the Scorpio-N offering similar dimensions, powertrain options, and off-road capability (in select variants), along with the option of seven seats – a feature the Thar Roxx lacks.
The decision between these siblings often boils down to subjective preferences regarding styling and brand image, with the Thar carrying greater emotional appeal despite the Scorpio’s practical advantages.
Living with the Thar Roxx: Everyday Realities
Prospective buyers should approach the Thar Roxx with realistic expectations regarding its everyday usability. While significantly more practical than its three-door counterpart, certain compromises remain inherent to its design and purpose.
The elevated ride height and side steps are essential for off-road capability but can make ingress and egress challenging for elderly passengers or those with mobility limitations. The boxy dimensions and relatively high seating position, while beneficial for visibility, result in noticeable wind noise at highway speeds.
The ladder-frame construction and off-road-focused suspension tuning, though vastly improved from the standard Thar, still translate to a ride quality that’s less pliant than monocoque crossovers, particularly on sharp-edged bumps and expansion joints.
Fuel efficiency, as mentioned earlier, is moderate at best, especially for the petrol variants in urban driving conditions. The side-hinged tailgate requires consideration when parking, potentially limiting access in tight spots, though the separately opening rear glass mitigates this to some extent.
These characteristics aren’t flaws so much as they are inherent traits of a vehicle designed with specific capabilities in mind. For buyers who prioritize these capabilities and appreciate the Thar’s distinctive character, such compromises will seem entirely reasonable; those seeking a more conventional family SUV experience might be better served by alternatives in Mahindra’s lineup or from other manufacturers.
Maintenance and Ownership Experience
Mahindra has made significant strides in improving its after-sales service in recent years, and the Thar Roxx benefits from this evolution. The vehicle comes with a standard warranty of 3 years or 100,000 kilometers, with the option to extend this coverage at additional cost.
Service intervals are set at 10,000 kilometers or 12 months, whichever occurs earlier, with the first three services typically covered under the purchase price.
Mahindra’s service network is extensive across India, with dedicated facilities in metropolitan areas and smaller cities alike, ensuring reasonable accessibility for maintenance and repairs.
The robust mechanical architecture should theoretically translate to good long-term durability, though as a relatively new model, definitive conclusions about reliability would be premature.
The simplified electronics and infotainment systems in lower variants may prove more dependable over time than the feature-laden higher trims, which incorporate more complex components with greater potential for issues.
Resale value is likely to remain strong, if the three-door Thar’s market performance is any indication. The iconic status of the Thar nameplate, combined with its relative exclusivity and Mahindra’s growing reputation, should ensure that the Roxx holds its value better than many mainstream alternatives, particularly in well-maintained condition.
The Road Ahead: Future Prospects
The Thar Roxx represents a significant investment for Mahindra, both financially and in terms of brand positioning. Early market response suggests that this gamble is paying off, with strong demand across most variants and demographics.
The vehicle successfully bridges the gap between lifestyle accessory and practical family transportation, potentially broadening the Thar’s appeal beyond enthusiasts to include more conventional SUV buyers.
Future developments might include a petrol 4WD option to cater to markets like Delhi-NCR where diesel vehicles face registration restrictions, as well as potential special editions to maintain interest throughout the model’s lifecycle.
The platform’s flexibility could theoretically accommodate hybrid or even fully electric powertrains as Mahindra advances its electrification strategy, though such variants would likely arrive later in the product cycle.
Competitive pressure from both domestic and international manufacturers continues to intensify in the Indian market, but the Thar Roxx’s distinctive positioning and emotional appeal provide a degree of insulation from direct competition.
Few rivals can match its combination of authentic off-road heritage, modern features, and distinctive styling – attributes that resonate strongly with an increasingly discerning Indian customer base.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Conclusion: A Worthy Evolution
The Mahindra Thar Roxx successfully modernizes and expands the appeal of an iconic nameplate without diluting its core identity. In transforming the Thar from a niche lifestyle product into a legitimate family SUV, Mahindra has created a vehicle that honors its heritage while acknowledging contemporary market realities.
Is it perfect? Certainly not. The ride quality, while improved, still trails monocoque competitors. The pricing of higher variants pushes into territory occupied by more refined alternatives.
The absence of a third row limits its appeal for larger families. Yet these compromises seem reasonable given the vehicle’s breadth of capability and distinctive character.
For those drawn to the idea of occasionally venturing beyond the beaten path, who appreciate the commanding driving position and rugged aesthetic that define proper SUVs, and who value the emotional connection that comes with a vehicle bearing genuine heritage, the Thar Roxx presents a compelling proposition that few alternatives can match.
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by homogenized crossovers that prioritize efficiency and practicality over character and capability, the Thar Roxx stands as a refreshingly authentic alternative – an SUV that remembers what the acronym originally stood for, while acknowledging the practical realities of modern family transportation. That balance, more than any specific feature or capability, may prove to be its most enduring quality.