Mahindra Thar ROXX: The Mahindra Thar has long been an icon for off-road enthusiasts in India, but its two-door configuration limited its appeal for family buyers. Enter the Mahindra Thar ROXX – the five-door avatar that combines the rugged DNA of the original Thar with practical family-friendly features. Launched to much fanfare, this SUV has quickly established itself as a compelling option in the mid-size SUV segment. Let’s dive into what makes the Thar ROXX stand out in a crowded marketplace and whether it deserves a spot in your garage.
Design and Exterior: Turning Heads Wherever You Go
The Thar ROXX maintains the iconic boxy silhouette that has made the Thar instantly recognizable on Indian roads. However, the addition of two extra doors and increased dimensions give it a more substantial road presence. At 4428mm in length, 1870mm in width, and with a wheelbase of 2850mm, the ROXX is significantly larger than its three-door sibling.
What strikes you immediately about the Thar ROXX is its old-school boxy SUV styling that commands attention on the road. It has more road presence than similarly priced SUVs, making it stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter designs. The front fascia features a distinctive grille and LED headlamps that enhance both its visual appeal and visibility.
For 2025, Mahindra has introduced subtle updates to the exterior, including new aerodynamic wipers that reduce cabin noise during operation. These aero wipers not only look more premium but also provide more effective wiping than standard wipers.
The ROXX comes with 19-inch alloy wheels on higher variants that add to its imposing stance. Available in seven different colors, there’s a shade to match every personality. Whether parked at a mall or tackling a mountain trail, the Thar ROXX exudes an adventurous spirit that few vehicles in its price range can match.
Interior Comfort and Features: Luxury Meets Ruggedness
Step inside the Thar ROXX, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how premium it feels. The dual-tone dashboard with modern elements creates an upscale ambiance that belies its rugged exterior. One owner described it perfectly: “It’s seats are soft and comfortable. Best display screen, a great option for one who needs rugged, yet feature loaded and tough SUV”.
The cabin is packed with features that would make even premium SUVs envious:
- Panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light
- Ventilated front seats for those hot summer drives
- Powered driver’s seat for finding that perfect driving position
- Digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
For 2025, Mahindra has added several new convenience features, including keyless entry with a button on the door handle, eliminating the need to take out your key fob. The front armrest now has a sliding function for both driver and passenger sides, enhancing comfort during long journeys.
The Harman Kardon audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, making every drive an immersive experience. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, supporting both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone integration.
Practicality and Space: Room for Everyone and Everything
Unlike the three-door Thar, the ROXX is a proper five-seater with comfortable space for all occupants. The rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, making it suitable for family use. The boot space is generous enough for weekend getaways, addressing one of the biggest limitations of the original Thar.
The interior is thoughtfully designed with multiple storage spaces, including bottle holders in all doors, cup holders in the center console, and a spacious glovebox. These practical touches make the Thar ROXX a genuinely usable daily driver rather than just a weekend toy.
Performance and Engine Options: Power When You Need It
The Thar ROXX offers two potent engine options to suit different driving preferences:
| Engine Type | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.2L Turbo Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1997 cc | 2184 cc |
| Max Power | 150 bhp | 172 bhp @ 3500 rpm |
| Max Torque | – | 370 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed MT/AT | 6-Speed MT/AT |
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD/4WD |
| Fuel Efficiency | 12.4 kmpl | 15.2 kmpl |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | – | 57 Litres |
Both engines deliver punchy performance and good driveability even with a full passenger load. The diesel engine, in particular, impresses with its 172 bhp power output and massive 370 Nm of torque available from just 1500 rpm1. This translates to effortless acceleration and overtaking capabilities on highways.
As one enthusiastic owner put it: “Performance is like riding a powerful horse”. The Thar ROXX accelerates with authority, and maintaining highway speeds doesn’t feel stressful. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly, making it ideal for both city commutes and highway cruising.
For those who venture off the beaten path, the 4WD diesel variants come with various drive modes and terrain selection options. The double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension setup ensure good ride quality on most surfaces.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
While performance is impressive, fuel efficiency is reasonable for an SUV of this size and capability. The diesel variants return an ARAI-certified mileage of 15.2 kmpl, while the petrol variants deliver 12.4 kmpl. The 57-liter fuel tank ensures a good range between fill-ups, making it suitable for long road trips.
It’s worth noting that the petrol engine, while high on performance, is also high on fuel consumption compared to similarly sized SUVs. If fuel economy is a priority, the diesel variant makes more sense for most buyers.
Safety Features: Protection for Your Adventures
Safety is a priority in the Thar ROXX, with a comprehensive suite of features to protect occupants:
- Six airbags as standard across all variants
- ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill-hold assist
- Tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
- 360-degree camera
- Electronic parking brake with auto hold function
- Disc brakes on all wheels
Higher variants also come with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. These features make the Thar ROXX one of the safest SUVs in its segment.
The robust build quality further enhances safety, giving you peace of mind whether navigating city traffic or exploring off-road trails. As one owner mentioned, “The look is very premium with the best build quality”.
Pricing and Variants: Something for Everyone
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is available in multiple variants to suit different budgets and requirements. Prices start at ₹12.99 lakh for the base MX1 RWD petrol variant and go up to ₹23.09 lakh for the top-spec AX7L 4WD Diesel AT variant (ex-showroom).
Here’s a breakdown of some key variants:
- MX1 RWD (Base Model): ₹12.99 Lakh
- MX1 RWD Diesel: ₹13.99 Lakh
- MX5 RWD (Top Selling): ₹16.49 Lakh
- AX7L RWD Diesel AT: ₹20.99 Lakh
- AX7L 4WD Diesel AT (Top Model): ₹23.09 Lakh
The mid-range variants offer the best value, with a good balance of features and affordability. The waiting period is currently around one month across all variants.
Customer Experiences: Real-World Feedback
The Thar ROXX has garnered positive reviews from owners, with many praising its blend of style, performance, and features. One satisfied customer noted: “One of the best in this segment great looks design is outstanding… when you sit you don’t feel it’s a car you feel like you sitting in mean machine”.
Another owner highlighted its versatility: “It’s a great option for one who needs rugged, yet feature loaded and tough yet SUV, engine and transmission offer punchy performance and good refinement”.
However, some users have pointed out that the ride quality isn’t as comfortable as cars like the Hyundai Creta or Maruti Grand Vitara, especially on bad roads which can toss occupants around, particularly in the rear seat.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar ROXX successfully bridges the gap between a hardcore off-roader and a practical family SUV. It retains the rugged DNA and capability that made the original Thar an icon while adding the space, comfort, and features that modern families demand. With its powerful engines, comprehensive feature list, and distinctive styling, the Thar ROXX offers a unique proposition in the crowded SUV market.
Whether you’re looking for a vehicle that stands out from the crowd, need genuine off-road capability, or simply want a spacious and feature-loaded SUV that can handle anything Indian roads throw at it, the Thar ROXX deserves serious consideration. It may not be as refined as some of its road-focused competitors, but it offers a character and capability that few can match at this price point.
FAQs About Mahindra Thar ROXX
What is the mileage of the Mahindra Thar ROXX?
The Mahindra Thar ROXX delivers a fuel efficiency of 15.2 kmpl for the diesel variants (both manual and automatic) and 12.4 kmpl for the petrol variants. The actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions and habits.
Does the Thar ROXX come with 4WD in all variants?
No, the 4WD system is available only in select diesel variants of the Thar ROXX. The petrol variants come exclusively with rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration. If off-road capability is important to you, you’ll need to opt for one of the 4WD diesel variants.
What are the new features added to the 2025 Mahindra Thar ROXX?
The 2025 Thar ROXX has been updated with three new features: keyless entry with a button on the door handle, a sliding armrest function for both driver and passenger sides (previously available only for the driver), and aerodynamic wipers that reduce cabin noise and provide more effective wiping.
How does the Thar ROXX compare to the Hyundai Creta?
While both SUVs are priced similarly, they cater to different buyer preferences. The Thar ROXX offers more road presence, better off-road capability, and a more powerful engine, while the Creta provides better ride comfort, higher fuel efficiency (17.4-21.8 kmpl), and more refined on-road manners. The Thar ROXX is ideal for adventure enthusiasts, while the Creta is better suited for primarily urban use.
What is the waiting period for the Mahindra Thar ROXX?
Currently, the waiting period for all variants of the Mahindra Thar ROXX is approximately one month. However, this may vary depending on your location and the specific variant you choose.