Welcome to the wild world of Mahindra’s latest automotive beast, the Thar Roxx—a name that sounds like it’s straight out of a WWE championship, and frankly, this car might as well be. The Thar Roxx is here to challenge everything you thought you knew about SUVs, and it’s doing it with style, grit, and a level of ruggedness that would make a mountain goat blush.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is available in both petrol and diesel options, with prices starting at an attractive INR 13 lakh ex-showroom. If you’re looking for the top-tier experience, the most premium model is priced at INR 20.49 lakh. The variant you’re currently admiring is the AX7L Rear Wheel Drive, which stands at the pinnacle of the Thar Roxx lineup. For those with a taste for adventure, there’s also a 4-wheel drive version in the works, though the price for that has yet to be revealed. The Thar Roxx you’re seeing is the 5-door model, perfect for accommodating family and friends. However, if you prefer something more compact, the 3-door Thar starts at INR 11.35 lakh, offering a more streamlined yet equally robust experience.
Exterior: The Hulk of SUVs
At first glance, the Thar Roxx is like that one friend who shows up to a casual hangout in full hiking gear—seriously over-prepared, but you can’t help but respect it. This thing is built like a tank, with 88% high-strength steel that practically dares Mother Nature to throw her worst. And with a 4.4-meter length, 1.9-meter width, and 235 mm of ground clearance, it’s clear that Mahindra wants you to know this SUV isn’t just for Sunday drives to the grocery store. It’s more like “Hey, do you need to ford a river on your way to work? No problem, the Thar Roxx has got you covered.”
Mahindra has also thrown in a bunch of details that scream “adventure!”—like external hinges, a metal roof, and even a skid plate because apparently, you might accidentally end up in a Mad Max movie. And that 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheel? Pure overkill in the best way possible. They could probably cut through a mild apocalypse without a scratch. It features disc brakes on both the front and rear, while lower variants have drum brakes at the rear. The SUV is fitted with 255/60 R19 109H MRF Wanderer A/T steel belted radial tubeless tires for both front and rear, ensuring a robust grip on any terrain.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is assembled in Nashik, with its design crafted under the expertise of Pratap Bose at the Mahindra India Design Studio (MIDS) in Mumbai. Built on the new M_Glyde platform, the Thar Roxx promises a smooth ride, precise handling, and impressive on and off-road dynamics. Its all-metallic body shell ensures durability, while features like LED projector fog lamps and a new 6-slot grille add to its rugged appeal.
The Thar Roxx also boasts Bi-LED projector headlamps with C-shaped LED DRLs, high beam assist, and convenient “lead me to vehicle” and “follow me home” functions. LED turn indicators, an acoustic windshield, and rain-sensing wipers further enhance its modern design. As a unique touch, the glass features the Thar Roxx and camel design, adding a distinctive flair to the SUV’s aesthetic.
The model you’re looking at is in the sleek Stealth Black color, but it’s also available in a variety of other colors, including red, white, brown, grey, blue, and green. Designed to achieve a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, the Thar Roxx also includes a Brake Locking Differential, which distributes torque to the wheels with the best traction, ensuring stability and control in challenging driving conditions.
Performance: More Modes Than a Swiss Army Knife
The Thar Roxx doesn’t just want to drive you from point A to point B—it wants to do it while proving it’s tougher than a roadside dhaba’s paratha. With two drive modes (Zip and Zoom) and three terrain modes (Snow, Sand, and Mud), you’re essentially piloting a vehicle that’s got more personalities than a Bollywood actor. Whether you’re traversing the Thar desert at a scorching +50°C or scaling the freezing altitudes of Umling La, the Thar Roxx is all like, “Cool story, bro. Let’s go!”
Let’s not forget that this is the first Indian SUV to come with an CrawlSmart obstacle-detecting automatic throttle response adjuster, which is a fancy way of saying this car is smarter than your average weekend off-roader. Mahindra claims it can handle tight turns, off-road challenges, and more with features like the Intelliturn system and Electric Locking Differential. Honestly, it sounds like this car could probably parallel park itself on the side of a cliff.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is engineered for off-road excellence with a 41.7-degree approach angle, a 36.1-degree departure angle, and a 23.9-degree ramp-over angle, allowing it to tackle challenging terrains with ease. Up front, it features an independent double wishbone suspension, while the rear is equipped with a rigid axle and Watts Link Suspension, enhanced by Hydraulic Rebound Stop (HRS) technology.
Both the front and rear suspensions are fitted with coil springs, Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD), and Multi-Tuning Valve-Concentric Land (MTV-CL) components, ensuring superior comfort, ride quality, and handling. Mahindra proudly states that the Thar Roxx is the first SUV to incorporate Advanced Hydraulic Rebound Stop (AHRS) for exceptional body control. Additionally, key sections of the vehicle are equipped with dampeners to create a quiet and serene cabin environment.
Interior: A Fortress of Solitude (But With Wi-Fi)
Step inside the Thar Roxx, and it’s like entering a bunker, but one that’s inexplicably luxurious. The 9-speaker Harman Kardon Quantum Logic sound system is probably better than what you’ve got at home, and with 560 watts of power and a sub-woofer, you might forget you’re not at a concert. The Leatherette upholstery and 60:40 split folding rear seats offer a touch of class, but let’s be honest, you’re here for the fact that the base model has washable mats with a drain plug—because Mahindra knows you’re going to get this thing dirty. Very dirty.
And the features? Oh, there are features. 10.24-inch HD touchscreen infotainment & instrument cluster, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof (or as Mahindra cheekily calls it, the “Skyroof”), and more Level 2 ADAS tech than you can shake a stick at. We’re talking Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, and enough airbags (six, to be exact) to make you feel like you’re inside a bubble wrap cocoon.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx comes with a one-year subscription to Adrenox, allowing you to access 83 features from your smartphone, such as remote AC control, sunroof control, remote engine start/stop, urea level check, vehicle status alerts, location tracking, Alexa integration, and much more. It also features a side-hinged split tailgate, offering practicality with a generous 447-liter boot space.
The driver enjoys the convenience of a 6-way power adjustable seat, while the front seats are ventilated for added comfort. The electric power steering includes a tilt function for ease of use. The Thar Roxx is available with a choice of transmissions, including a 6-speed manual and a 6-Speed Aisin Torque Converter automatic, with options for both in the petrol variant. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with a Fully Automatic Temperature Control AC, enhanced by an active carbon filter, ensuring a comfortable and clean cabin environment.
Engine: The Heart of a Beast
Under the hood, you’ve got a choice of two powertrains that might make you feel a bit like a kid in a candy store. There’s a 2184 cc mHawk diesel engine that churns out a respectable 150 horsepower and 330 Nm torque in RWD—but if you’re feeling particularly wild, opt for the 4WD version with 172 horsepower and 370 Nm torque. Expect around 15 kmpl average from 57 litre of fuel tank.
If petrol is more your thing, the 1997 cc mStallion engine offers 174 horsepower and 380 Nm torque in automatic form. Whether you go for diesel or petrol, manual or automatic, one thing’s for sure: this SUV is as thirsty as it is powerful, but then again, you don’t buy a Thar Roxx to win a fuel efficiency contest.
For the Road Less Traveled…Or No Road At All
In the end, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is not just an SUV—it’s a statement. A loud, proud, and possibly slightly unhinged statement that says, “I’m ready for anything.” Whether you’re navigating city streets, or off-roading in places where roads are just a suggestion, the Thar Roxx is the companion you want. Just be prepared for everyone to ask you if they can take it for a spin—or if they can borrow it to conquer the nearest mountain.
Drive Review: The SUV That’s Ready to Rock Your World (and Maybe a Few Boulders Too)
So, you’re ready to take the Thar Roxx for a spin? Buckle up, because Mahindra’s finally launched the much-awaited 5-door version after what feels like a lifetime of testing and teasers. The 3-door Thar was already flying off the shelves in India, so Mahindra thought, “Why not cash in on the buzz and give people an extra two doors?” And voila, the Thar Roxx 5-door was born!
For those families with a million bags, a huge friend circle, or an insatiable need for road trips, the Thar Roxx is your new best friend. It’s like Mahindra finally heard your cries for more space and luxury. You’ll find all the essential features packed into this beast, making it the perfect ride for both off-road adventures and city cruising. Gone are the days when the Thar was just your second car for weekend thrills—now, it can be your daily driver, and a pretty cool one at that.
And let’s talk about the pricing—it’s surprisingly reasonable. As for the name “Roxx,” we’re still scratching our heads. Maybe Mahindra was inspired by their U.S. model, the Roxor, or maybe they just liked the sound of it. Personally, I think “Armada” would’ve been a killer name, but who knows, maybe they’re saving that for something else.
The Thar Roxx is like a Swiss Army knife on wheels—it’s a hardcore off-roader by day and an everyday family vehicle by night. You might think they just stretched the 3-door Thar and called it a day, but you’d be wrong. The Thar Roxx 5-door is an entirely new beast, with significant changes in the interior, ride, and handling. It’s not just a clone with a growth spurt.
Now, some folks might not be too thrilled with the front design, but don’t worry. The aftermarket is sure to offer 100+ grille options soon enough. Basically, if you loved driving the Scorpio N, you’ll feel right at home in the Thar Roxx. Is it built on the same platform? Mahindra says it’s got a new M_Glyde platform, but whether that’s true or not, the ride, handling, and steering sure remind us of the Scorpio N.
Safety-wise, Mahindra has really upped the game with 6 airbags, Level 2 ADAS, ESP, hill descent control, and more. The 3-door Thar was based on a third-generation chassis, but the 5-door Roxx gets the fourth-generation treatment, making the ride smoother, the steering lighter, and the overall dynamics much better. For added precision, they’ve moved the steering rack 18% closer to the wheel center, and the new multi-link suspension system with Watt’s linkage keeps the body roll in check. This is particularly effective for high-suspension travel vehicles like the Thar Roxx, ensuring stability even in the toughest conditions.
The front suspension features soft bushings and a tall knuckle for a plush ride, premium steering feel, and maximum cornering power. Mahindra even changed the suspension mounting points and shifted the rear dampers to wider positions for a smoother ride and better body control, boasting a rear damper span of 1083 mm. The suspension is rock-solid and ready to handle serious off-roading challenges.
The 3-door Thar had hydraulic steering, but the Roxx now comes with electric power steering, the same one used in the XUV700 and Scorpio N. Extra welding strengthens the body structure, so this SUV is tougher than ever. While the overall design borrows from the 3-door Thar, the Roxx is a whole new ballgame.
Style-wise, the Thar Roxx is tough and ready to take on the world. It carries the Thar name proudly and is set to elevate it even further. The interior is where the magic really happens—you get a massive panoramic sunroof (and yes, it’s truly massive), soft-touch materials, and a leatherette finish that adds a touch of luxury. Mahindra has taken all the feedback from customers and thoughtfully integrated it into the Roxx, making it an all-rounder that’s hard to beat.
However, the white upholstery might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially since it’s prone to getting dirty quickly. And getting in and out of the rear seats might be a bit tricky. On the bright side, the driver’s seat is now electrically adjustable, which was a much-needed feature, and the front seats are ventilated—another must-have in our hot climate.
The under-thigh support in the front seats is a bit lacking, but the rear seats are just right, with ample legroom for three adults to sit comfortably. The infotainment and instrument cluster provide plenty of information to keep you entertained, though they can be a bit slow to respond. Mahindra has also focused on creating a quieter cabin, so you’ll notice less noise at high speeds.
The ride and handling of the Thar Roxx are better than the Scorpio N, with the car feeling more planted and stable on the road. You might still feel some bumps, but the body roll is significantly reduced compared to the 3-door model, and the bouncy ride is a thing of the past. When it comes to off-roading, the Roxx is unbeatable. Whether you’re climbing mountains, crossing rivers, tackling deep potholes, or plowing through heavy mud, this SUV won’t let you down.
However, unlike the 3-door Thar, which can go off-road without needing 4×4, the 5-door Roxx will require it. So, while the Roxx is fantastic, the 3-door model still holds the crown in hardcore off-roading. The soft suspension is something you’ll appreciate, especially on rough terrains, and the 18% lighter M_Glyde next-generation frame, weighing in at 179 kg, adds to the vehicle’s overall agility.
When you start the engine, you might feel a bit of a body shake—that’s the Thar’s signature move, after all. Both petrol and diesel engines offer over 150 horsepower, delivering excellent performance, just like the 3-door Thar. Mahindra’s diesel engines are particularly impressive—smooth and effortless, as always. However, petrol lovers might be disappointed that the top variants don’t come with a petrol engine, and there’s no 4×4 option in the petrol variants either.
Overall, the Thar Roxx delivers on looks, space, interior quality, features, performance, and suspension feel. It would have been even better with a removable hard-top like the Wrangler or a convertible soft-top like the 3-door Thar for serious off-roaders. Speaking of the Wrangler, it’s clear that the Thar’s design is inspired by it, but let’s not compare the two—Wrangler is in a league of its own, and comparing them would be sacrilege. A Thar buyer isn’t going to buy a Wrangler, and vice versa.
As with any new Mahindra model, there might be a few teething issues, but the company will need to address those quickly. Expect a flood of aftermarket accessories to hit the market soon, allowing you to customize your Thar Roxx inside and out. Mahindra has thoughtfully designed the Roxx with everything you need, without overdoing it. Many 3-door Thar owners will likely upgrade to the Roxx, and it’s sure to sell like hotcakes.
However, this might impact the sales of the 3-door model, at least until it gets some of the Roxx’s updates. The Thar Roxx is poised to win several Car of the Year awards, and it’s easy to see why. The Thar legacy is here to stay, and the Roxx is ready to take it to new heights.
