The Mahindra Thar ROXX, launched in August 2024, represents a bold evolution of the iconic Thar lineup, blending rugged off-road prowess with modern sophistication. This five-door SUV builds on the legacy of the three-door Thar, offering enhanced practicality, advanced features, and a commanding road presence. Designed to cater to both adventure enthusiasts and families, the Thar ROXX combines a boxy, muscular aesthetic with contemporary comforts, making it a versatile choice in India’s competitive SUV market. With its robust engineering, potent powertrains, and a feature-rich cabin, the Thar ROXX stands out as a lifestyle vehicle that excels on highways, city streets, and uncharted trails alike. Mahindra has positioned the Thar ROXX to appeal to a broader audience by addressing the limitations of its predecessor, such as cramped rear seating and limited urban usability, while retaining the core DNA of a true off-roader. This detailed product overview explores the technical specifications, variants, pricing, and competitive landscape, drawing insights from trusted sources like CarDekho and CarWale to provide an in-depth understanding of what makes the Thar ROXX a compelling choice.
Technical Specifications
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is engineered to deliver performance, durability, and versatility. Below is a comprehensive table summarizing its key technical specifications, verified from sources such as CarDekho, CarWale, and DriveSpark.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | Petrol: 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol (160-177 hp, 330-380 Nm) Diesel: 2.2L mHawk Turbo-Diesel (150-175 hp, 330-370 Nm) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual, 6-Speed Automatic (Torque Converter) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) (select diesel variants) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | Petrol: 12.4 kmpl Diesel: 15.2 kmpl |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,428 mm Width: 1,870 mm Height: 1,923 mm Wheelbase: 2,850 mm Ground Clearance: 219 mm |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 liters |
| Boot Space | 644 liters (expandable) |
| Suspension | Front: Independent Double Wishbone with Coil Springs Rear: Penta-Link with Coil Springs |
| Brakes | Front: Disc Rear: Disc (higher variants), Drum (lower variants) |
| Tyres | 255/60 R19 (19-inch alloy wheels on higher variants, 18-inch on lower) |
| Weight | Approx. 1,850-2,000 kg (variant-dependent) |
Variants
The Thar ROXX is offered in a range of variants to suit different budgets and preferences, from the base MX1 to the top-spec AX7L. The lineup includes both petrol and diesel engines, with manual and automatic transmission options, and select variants offer a 4WD configuration. Below is a table detailing the variants and their key features.
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MX1 | Petrol (160 hp), Diesel (150 hp) | Manual | RWD | 10.25-inch touchscreen, 6 airbags, LED headlights, rear AC vents, 18-inch wheels |
| MX3 | Petrol (160 hp), Diesel (150 hp) | Manual, Auto | RWD | Push-button start, cruise control, rear parking camera |
| MX5 | Petrol (160 hp), Diesel (150 hp) | Manual, Auto | RWD, 4WD | Panoramic sunroof, 19-inch alloys, wireless Android Auto, keyless entry |
| AX3L | Diesel (150 hp) | Manual | RWD | Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, auto climate control |
| AX5L | Diesel (175 hp) | Auto | RWD, 4WD | Ventilated seats, 6-way adjustable driver seat, Harman Kardon 9-speaker system |
| AX7L | Petrol (177 hp), Diesel (175 hp) | Manual, Auto | RWD, 4WD | Panoramic sunroof, soft-touch dashboard, Level 2 ADAS, 19-inch alloys |
Price in Metro Cities
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is competitively priced, with ex-showroom prices varying slightly across metro cities due to differences in taxes and registration costs. The on-road prices, which include RTO and insurance, are higher. Below is a table summarizing the ex-showroom price range for key variants in major metro cities, based on data from CarDekho and CarWale (as of April 2025).
| City | Base Variant (MX1 Petrol MT RWD) | Top Variant (AX7L Diesel AT 4WD) | On-Road Price Range (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | ₹12.99 Lakh | ₹23.09 Lakh | ₹15.27 Lakh – ₹27.50 Lakh |
| Mumbai | ₹12.99 Lakh | ₹23.09 Lakh | ₹15.50 Lakh – ₹28.00 Lakh |
| Bangalore | ₹13.99 Lakh (Diesel) | ₹23.09 Lakh | ₹16.50 Lakh – ₹28.50 Lakh |
| Chennai | ₹13.99 Lakh (Diesel) | ₹23.09 Lakh | ₹16.75 Lakh – ₹28.75 Lakh |
| Kolkata | ₹12.99 Lakh | ₹23.09 Lakh | ₹15.40 Lakh – ₹27.80 Lakh |
Note: Prices are subject to change, and buyers are advised to check with local dealerships for the latest on-road prices.
In-Depth Information
Design and Exteriors
The Mahindra Thar ROXX exudes a commanding presence with its rugged yet refined design, staying true to the Thar’s iconic boxy silhouette while incorporating modern elements. The front fascia features a bold six-slat grille, flanked by round LED projector headlamps with distinctive C-shaped DRLs, giving it a contemporary edge. The bumper, finished in silver, houses LED fog lamps and a 360-degree front parking camera, enhancing urban utility. The side profile is muscular, with a longer wheelbase (2,850 mm, 400 mm more than the three-door Thar) and taller stance, accentuated by 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels on higher variants. The C-pillar-mounted vertical door handles and metal side steps add to its rugged charm, while the split tailgate and LED tail lamps at the rear complete the distinctive look. Available in seven striking colors—Stealth Black, Tango Red, Everest White, Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Battleship Grey, and Burnt Sienna—all paired with a black roof, the Thar ROXX offers a personalized aesthetic. The panoramic sunroof, one of the largest in its class, elevates its premium appeal, making it a head-turner on and off the road.
Interiors and Comfort
Step inside the Thar ROXX, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends rugged durability with premium comfort. The Mocha Brown interior theme, standard on 4WD variants and recently extended to 4×2 models, replaces the earlier Ivory white, offering a sophisticated ambiance with brown upholstery and matching plastic accents. The soft-touch dashboard and door pads on higher variants, like the AX7L, elevate the tactile experience, while the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system provide a tech-savvy interface. The infotainment supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, ensuring seamless connectivity.
The five-door configuration significantly improves rear-seat accessibility and space, making the Thar ROXX more family-friendly than its three-door sibling. The 644-liter boot space is generous, ideal for long trips, and the rear seats can be folded to expand storage. Comfort features include ventilated front seats, a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a cooled glovebox, and Type-C fast charging ports. The Harman Kardon 9-speaker audio system delivers immersive sound, while the sliding co-driver armrest and keyless entry add convenience. However, the ride quality on broken roads can feel firm, demanding some patience from occupants, as the suspension prioritizes off-road capability over urban plushness.
Performance and Handling
Under the hood, the Thar ROXX offers two potent powertrains: a 2.0L turbo-petrol mStallion engine and a 2.2L turbo-diesel mHawk unit. The petrol engine, available in tunes of 160 hp (manual) and 177 hp (automatic), delivers 330-380 Nm of torque, ensuring spirited performance for highway cruising and quick overtakes. The diesel engine, producing 150-175 hp and 330-370 Nm, is torquier, making it ideal for off-road trails and long-distance drives. Both engines are paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, offering smooth shifts and responsive dynamics.
The Thar ROXX’s double-wishbone front suspension and penta-link rear suspension provide excellent stability, soaking up bumps effectively during off-road tests. The 4WD variants, equipped with a low-range gearbox and terrain modes, excel in challenging conditions, with a 219 mm ground clearance and robust approach/departure angles. Disc brakes on all four wheels (higher variants) ensure confident stopping power. However, the petrol variant’s 12.4 kmpl mileage is a drawback for fuel-conscious buyers, and the diesel’s 15.2 kmpl is only marginally better. On-road handling, while improved over the three-door Thar, remains less agile than urban-focused SUVs due to its ladder-frame chassis.
Advanced Features
The Thar ROXX is packed with advanced features that enhance safety, convenience, and driving pleasure. The Level 2 ADAS suite, available on higher variants, includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking, though the system can feel overreactive in heavy traffic. Safety is a strong suit, with a 5-star BNCAP rating, six airbags, ESC, hill hold/descent control, and ISOFIX mounts as standard. The 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor offers crisp visuals, aiding parking and off-road navigation.
Other standout features include aerodynamic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, and 19-inch alloy wheels for a premium look. The electric steering improves urban maneuverability, and the wireless Android Auto integration ensures a connected driving experience. The Harman Kardon audio system and ventilated seats make long journeys enjoyable, while the soft-touch interiors and dual-zone climate control add a touch of luxury. These features position the Thar ROXX as a well-rounded SUV, balancing rugged capability with modern comforts.
Close Competitors
The Mahindra Thar ROXX operates in a unique niche, blending off-road capability with family-friendly practicality, but it faces stiff competition from both lifestyle SUVs and mainstream midsize SUVs. Below is an in-depth comparison with its closest rivals:
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny, priced between ₹12.76 Lakh and ₹14.95 Lakh, is a direct rival in the lifestyle SUV segment. Its 1.5L petrol engine (103 hp) and 4WD system make it a capable off-roader, but it lacks the Thar ROXX’s powerful engines and advanced features like ADAS or a panoramic sunroof. The Jimny’s compact size and lighter weight offer better fuel efficiency (16.94 kmpl), but its four-seater layout and limited boot space make it less practical for families. The Thar ROXX’s diesel option and larger cabin give it an edge for buyers seeking versatility.
Force Gurkha (5-Door)
The Force Gurkha 5-door, priced around ₹16.75 Lakh, is another off-road-focused competitor. Powered by a 2.6L diesel engine (140 hp), it offers excellent low-end torque and a 4WD system with locking differentials, ideal for extreme off-roading. However, its utilitarian cabin, lack of automatic transmission, and limited feature set (no ADAS or panoramic sunroof) make it less appealing for urban use. The Thar ROXX’s refined interiors, modern tech, and broader variant range make it a more well-rounded choice.
Hyundai Creta
The Hyundai Creta (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹20.15 Lakh) is a mainstream midsize SUV that competes with the Thar ROXX in the urban SUV space. With 1.5L petrol, 1.5L turbo-petrol, and 1.5L diesel engine options, it offers comparable powertrains but lacks 4WD. The Creta excels in ride comfort, fuel efficiency (up to 21 kmpl for diesel), and features like a 10.25-inch infotainment and Level 2 ADAS. However, its soft-roader credentials can’t match the Thar ROXX’s off-road prowess, making it less appealing for adventure enthusiasts.
Tata Curvv
The Tata Curvv (₹9.99 Lakh – ₹19.00 Lakh), a coupe-SUV, is another urban-focused rival. Its 1.2L turbo-petrol and 1.5L diesel engines deliver decent performance, and features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Level 2 ADAS, and a 5-star safety rating make it a strong contender. The Curvv’s sleek design and better fuel efficiency (up to 18 kmpl) appeal to city dwellers, but its lack of 4WD and lower ground clearance limit its off-road capability. The Thar ROXX’s rugged appeal and larger boot space give it an advantage for buyers prioritizing versatility.
Market Positioning and Appeal
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is strategically positioned as a lifestyle SUV that bridges the gap between hardcore off-roaders and premium urban SUVs. Its starting price of ₹12.99 Lakh makes it accessible, while the top-end AX7L 4WD at ₹23.09 Lakh competes with fully loaded midsize SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. The Thar ROXX’s key strengths include its 5-star BNCAP safety rating, class-leading off-road capability, and a feature-rich cabin, making it a compelling choice for buyers seeking a do-it-all SUV. However, its low fuel efficiency (especially in petrol variants) and firm ride quality on bad roads may deter buyers prioritizing economy and comfort.
Mahindra has addressed feedback from three-door Thar owners by improving rear-seat space, accessibility, and urban usability, making the Thar ROXX a viable primary car rather than a weekend toy. The panoramic sunroof, Level 2 ADAS, and premium interiors cater to younger buyers, while the 4WD diesel variants appeal to off-road purists. The Thar ROXX’s waiting period, stretching to mid-2026 in some cities, reflects its strong demand, further boosted by its Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025 win.
Ownership Experience
Owning a Mahindra Thar ROXX comes with the assurance of Mahindra’s vast service network across India, ensuring easy access to maintenance and repairs. The SUV is backed by a 3-year/1 lakh kilometer warranty, with optional service packages to enhance the ownership experience. The low-cost servicing, as noted by some owners, adds to its appeal, though the high fuel consumption of the petrol variants may increase running costs. The Thar ROXX’s resale value is expected to remain strong, given the Thar brand’s cult following and the vehicle’s rugged durability.
Verdict
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is a game-changer in the Indian SUV market, offering a rare blend of off-road capability, family-friendly practicality, and modern technology. Its powerful engines, 5-star safety rating, and premium features like a panoramic sunroof and Level 2 ADAS make it a standout choice. While it faces competition from the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, Force Gurkha, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Curvv, the Thar ROXX’s unique positioning as a rugged yet refined SUV gives it an edge. Buyers seeking a versatile vehicle that can handle both weekend adventures and daily commutes will find the Thar ROXX hard to beat, though fuel-conscious drivers may need to weigh the trade-offs. With its bold design, robust performance, and competitive pricing, the Mahindra Thar ROXX is poised to redefine expectations in the lifestyle SUV segment.
