Mahindra Thar Roxx: The rugged landscapes of India have long demanded vehicles with character and capability. Few nameplates have answered this call with more authenticity than the Mahindra Thar.

Now, with the introduction of the Thar Roxx variant, Mahindra has reimagined its iconic off-roader for a new generation of adventurers while expanding its appeal to family-oriented buyers who previously viewed the Thar as too specialized for everyday use.

This evolution represents Mahindra’s most ambitious attempt yet to straddle two seemingly contradictory worlds – maintaining the hardcore off-road DNA that made the Thar a legend while introducing levels of refinement, technology, and practicality previously foreign to the model.

The question on enthusiasts’ minds: has Mahindra successfully walked this tightrope, or has something essential been lost in translation?

Mahindra Thar Roxx: Design: Honoring Heritage While Breaking New Ground

The Thar Roxx immediately announces itself as something different yet familiar. The boxy silhouette and circular headlamps – hallmarks of the Thar lineage – remain, but they’ve been reinterpreted with contemporary flair.

The front fascia features a wider seven-slot grille with subtle chrome accents that lend a more premium appearance without sacrificing the vehicle’s rugged identity.

Perhaps the most significant exterior change is the extended wheelbase and additional rear doors, transforming the traditionally two-door Thar into a more practical five-door configuration.

This fundamental shift reflects Mahindra’s recognition that many potential buyers were intrigued by the Thar’s character but deterred by its limited accessibility and cargo space.

The wheel arches have been subtly flared to accommodate larger 18-inch alloy wheels on higher variants, while roof rails add both visual height and practical utility.

LED headlamps and tail lights bring modern illumination technology to the package, with a distinctive light signature that ensures the Thar Roxx remains recognizable even in darkness.

What’s most impressive about the design evolution is how Mahindra’s team has managed to add 400mm to the wheelbase without making the vehicle look stretched or awkward.

The proportions remain cohesive, and from certain angles, you might not immediately register that this is a fundamentally different vehicle architecture from its predecessor.

Available in seven exterior colors – including the new Canyon Red and Everest White – the Thar Roxx allows for further personalization through contrast roof options and accessory packages that range from urban-focused styling enhancements to expedition-ready equipment.

Interior: Where the Revolution Truly Lives

While the exterior represents evolution, the interior marks a revolution in the Thar experience. Gone are the utilitarian plastics and hose-down simplicity of earlier generations, replaced by a cabin that wouldn’t look out of place in vehicles costing twice as much.

The dashboard features a layered design with contrast stitching and brushed aluminum-effect trim pieces. Soft-touch materials appear in key touchpoints, while more durable, scratch-resistant surfaces remain in areas likely to face abuse during adventure activities.

This thoughtful material selection demonstrates Mahindra’s understanding of how these vehicles will actually be used – a blend of daily driving and occasional off-road excursions.

The centerpiece of the dash is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sits flush with the surrounding panel, avoiding the “tablet stuck to the dash” appearance common in many contemporary vehicles.

This is complemented by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to display different information based on driving modes and personal preferences.

The front seats offer good lateral support with just enough bolstering to hold occupants in place during off-road maneuvers without compromising comfort during highway cruising.

The newly added rear bench provides surprisingly generous legroom thanks to the extended wheelbase, though headroom remains at a premium for passengers over six feet tall due to the traditional Thar roofline.

Perhaps most importantly for family buyers, the cargo area has grown substantially. With the rear seats in use, the Thar Roxx offers 425 liters of storage – more than double the capacity of the three-door model.

Fold the 60:40 split rear seats, and this expands to 876 liters, making weekend getaways with gear entirely feasible.

Powertrains: Capability Meets Efficiency

Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers a choice of refined yet capable powertrains:

Engine Type	Displacement	Power Output	Torque	Transmission Options	Fuel Efficiency (Claimed)	Drivetrain
mStallion Turbo Petrol	2.0L (1997cc)	152 HP @ 5000 RPM	320 Nm @ 1500-3000 RPM	6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic	13.5 km/l (Manual), 12.8 km/l (Auto)	4×2 / 4×4
mHawk Diesel	2.2L (2184cc)	170 HP @ 3750 RPM	370 Nm @ 1500-2800 RPM	6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic	15.9 km/l (Manual), 14.5 km/l (Auto)	4×2 / 4×4
mHawk130 Diesel	2.2L (2184cc)	130 HP @ 3750 RPM	300 Nm @ 1600-2800 RPM	6-Speed Manual	16.8 km/l	4×2 Only

 

In a significant departure from Thar tradition, Mahindra now offers two-wheel-drive variants of the Thar Roxx, acknowledging that many buyers are drawn to the vehicle’s style and presence rather than its off-road capabilities.

This move also delivers better fuel economy and a lower price point for entry-level models.

For purists, the 4×4 variants remain the true expression of the Thar spirit. The system features a shift-on-the-fly transfer case with high and low ranges, allowing drivers to adapt to changing terrain without stopping the vehicle. Electronic locking differentials on top variants provide additional capability in extreme conditions.

All engines meet BS6 Phase 2 emission norms and have been tuned to deliver strong low-end torque – essential for off-road driving but equally valuable for urban conditions where responsiveness at low speeds improves drivability.

Technology: Unexpected Sophistication

The technology package in the Thar Roxx represents the most dramatic departure from the model’s traditionally spartan equipment list:

• AdrenoX connected car technology with over-the-air update capability

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• 9-speaker JBL audio system with subwoofer

• Wireless smartphone charging pad

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• 360-degree camera system with off-road view modes

• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function

• Terrain mapping system that records and shares trail information

• Drive modes that adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control settings

The inclusion of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) further emphasizes the Thar Roxx’s crossover into mainstream territory:

• Autonomous emergency braking

• Lane keep assist

• Adaptive cruise control

• Driver attention monitoring

• Traffic sign recognition

• Blind spot detection

These features, once unimaginable in a Thar, reflect Mahindra’s understanding that safety expectations have evolved dramatically, even among enthusiast buyers.

Off-Road Capability: Still the Core Identity

Despite the newfound refinement, Mahindra has been careful to preserve – and in some aspects enhance – the Thar’s off-road credentials:

• Ground clearance: 226mm

• Approach angle: 41.2 degrees

• Departure angle: 36.7 degrees

• Breakover angle: 24.8 degrees

• Water wading depth: 650mm

• Mechanical locking rear differential (standard on 4×4 variants)

• Electronic locking front differential (available on top 4×4 variant)

• Rock, Mud, Sand, and Snow drive modes

• Hill descent control

• Low-range transfer case with 2.48:1 ratio

During testing on the punishing trails of Mahindra’s Igatpuri proving ground, the Thar Roxx demonstrated that the added weight and length haven’t significantly compromised its capability.

If anything, the longer wheelbase provides greater stability on off-camber sections and improved high-speed stability on rough surfaces.

The improved approach and departure angles compared to the previous generation are particularly impressive given the increased dimensions, a testament to the engineering team’s focus on maintaining the model’s core competency.

On-Road Behavior: The Greatest Improvement

While off-road performance was expected, the Thar Roxx’s on-road manners come as a genuine surprise.

The extended wheelbase has transformed the sometimes nervous handling of the shorter Thar into something approaching crossover-like stability. Body roll remains present but is now progressive and controlled rather than alarming.

Wind and road noise have been dramatically reduced through improved insulation and aerodynamic refinements.

At highway speeds, conversation is now possible without raised voices – a small but significant quality-of-life improvement for a vehicle that may be used for long-distance touring.

The steering, while still relatively slow by passenger car standards, offers improved precision and requires fewer corrections during highway driving. The turning circle has naturally increased with the longer wheelbase but remains manageable at 11.3 meters.

The ride quality deserves special mention. The five-link rear suspension with Frequency Dependent Damping absorbs both large obstacles and high-frequency road imperfections with equal composure.

This sophisticated setup allows the Thar Roxx to avoid the compromise typically associated with off-road-focused vehicles, which often deliver either a harsh ride or excessive body motion.

Safety: No Longer an Afterthought

Safety features in the Thar Roxx include:

• Six airbags as standard across all variants

• Electronic stability program with rollover mitigation

• ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution

• Tire pressure monitoring system

• ISOFIX child seat anchors

• Three-point seatbelts for all positions with reminders

• High-strength steel safety cage

• Impact-absorbing structures engineered to meet global safety standards

The previous generation Thar achieved a four-star Global NCAP rating; Mahindra engineers express confidence that the Roxx will improve upon this result when tested.

Value Proposition and Variants

The Thar Roxx is offered in four primary trim levels:

1. AX (entry-level) – Available in 4×2 configuration with basic amenities and manual transmission only

2. AX(O) – Adds essential comfort features and safety enhancements

3. MX – Introduces premium features like the larger infotainment system and partial ADAS functions

4. LX – The flagship variant with all available technology and comfort features

Pricing spans from ₹12.99 lakh for the base AX petrol 4×2 manual to ₹21.49 lakh for the fully-loaded LX diesel 4×4 automatic (ex-showroom).

This positioning places the Thar Roxx in competition with both traditional SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos at the lower end, and more premium offerings like the Jeep Compass at the higher end.

The breadth of the range allows Mahindra to capture buyers at multiple price points while offering meaningful differentiation between variants.

Ownership Experience

Mahindra has addressed traditional pain points in the ownership experience with several initiatives:

• 3-year/unlimited kilometer standard warranty

• Option to extend warranty coverage to 5 years

• Service intervals extended to 10,000 kilometers

• Mahindra Adventure program offering curated off-road experiences

• Thar Roxx community events and trail drives

• Dedicated off-road training programs

• Comprehensive mobile app for service scheduling, vehicle health monitoring, and community engagement

Key Takeaways

1. Expanded Appeal – The five-door configuration dramatically increases the Thar’s practicality without compromising its character.

2. Dual Personality – Genuine off-road capability now coexists with surprising on-road refinement.

3. Premium Ascension – Interior quality and technology features elevate the Thar Roxx above its utilitarian roots.

4. Thoughtful Engineering – The longer wheelbase improves stability and interior space while maintaining critical off-road geometry.

5. Value Consideration – The wide range of variants allows buyers to choose their preferred balance of capability, luxury, and price.

6. Brand Evolution – The Thar Roxx represents Mahindra’s growing confidence in competing in more premium segments.

7. Cultural Icon Status – Despite the changes, the Thar Roxx retains the essential character that made the nameplate an Indian automotive icon.

Mahindra Thar Roxx: Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar Roxx accomplishes something remarkable – it broadens the appeal of an iconic model without diluting its core identity.

By addressing the practical limitations that kept many interested buyers from considering the previous generation, Mahindra has positioned the Thar Roxx to attract both traditional enthusiasts and family-oriented customers seeking something more characterful than conventional SUVs.

The inevitable comparisons to international icons like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco are now more justified than ever, but the Thar Roxx isn’t merely imitating these vehicles – it’s charting its own course with distinctly Indian sensibilities regarding value, feature content, and market positioning.

For Mahindra, the Thar Roxx represents not just an expanded model line but a statement of intent. This is a manufacturer no longer content to be pigeonholed as a maker of rugged but crude utility vehicles.

Instead, the Thar Roxx demonstrates Mahindra’s ability to create sophisticated products that can compete on the global stage while remaining true to the company’s heritage and expertise.

Whether crawling up a rocky trail or navigating urban traffic, the Thar Roxx does so with newfound polish that makes it not just capable, but genuinely desirable.

In evolving the Thar formula, Mahindra hasn’t just created a better vehicle – they’ve reimagined what an Indian SUV can be.

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