Mahindra Thar Roxx: The Mahindra Thar has long established itself as an icon in the Indian automotive landscape, representing rugged capability and off-road prowess in its purest form.
With the introduction of the second-generation Thar in 2020, Mahindra successfully transformed what was once a niche, utilitarian vehicle into a lifestyle SUV with broader appeal while preserving its authentic character.
Now, with the Thar Roxx, Mahindra has taken this evolution a significant step further, creating a more refined, spacious, and versatile interpretation of the Thar philosophy that aims to conquer not just the trails but also the urban jungle.
The Thar Roxx represents Mahindra’s strategic response to the changing dynamics of the Indian automotive market, where consumers increasingly demand vehicles that combine capability with comfort, style with substance, and heritage with modernity.
By expanding the Thar family with a more practical five-door variant, Mahindra has opened the door to customers who were previously drawn to the Thar’s distinctive character but held back by its limited practicality for everyday family use.
What makes the Thar Roxx particularly interesting is how it manages to retain the core DNA that made the Thar special while addressing the limitations that restricted its appeal.
This delicate balancing act—preserving authenticity while expanding functionality—forms the central narrative of the Thar Roxx story and could potentially redefine Mahindra’s position in the competitive SUV segment.
Mahindra Thar Roxx: Design and Exterior
The Thar Roxx immediately announces its relationship to the standard Thar through familiar design elements while establishing its own distinct identity.
The front fascia maintains the iconic seven-slot grille and round headlamps that have become Thar signatures, though they’ve been subtly reshaped and enhanced with more sophisticated LED lighting elements.
The upright windshield and boxy silhouette continue to echo the vehicle’s utilitarian heritage.
What sets the Roxx apart visually is its extended wheelbase and two additional doors, which dramatically transform the vehicle’s proportions.
The roofline has been subtly raised and extended, creating a more balanced profile while accommodating rear passengers with improved headroom.
The rear quarter features unique D-pillar treatment with a distinctive kink that adds visual interest without compromising the Thar’s characteristic boxy stance.
The fender flares have been integrated more seamlessly into the body, presenting a more refined appearance while still accommodating the substantial wheel arches that house the 19-inch alloy wheels (a size up from the standard Thar’s 18-inch options).
These new wheel designs feature a multi-spoke pattern with machined accents that strike a balance between rugged capability and urban sophistication.
At the rear, the Roxx features a side-hinged tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel, maintaining this crucial off-road SUV design element.
The vertical taillights have been redesigned with LED elements that create a distinctive light signature at night.
A new roof design offers the option of a large panoramic sunroof—a first for the Thar family and a clear indication of the Roxx’s more lifestyle-oriented positioning.
The Thar Roxx is available in seven exterior colors, including two new options exclusive to this model: Everest White and Nebula Blue.
These join the existing Napoli Black, Red Rage, Deep Forest, Galaxy Grey, and Stealth Black. Dual-tone roof options further expand the personalization possibilities, allowing owners to tailor the vehicle’s appearance to their preferences.
With dimensions of 4,440 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and 1,850 mm in height, the Roxx is significantly larger than the standard Thar, with the wheelbase extended to 2,850 mm (a 300 mm increase).
This growth delivers the interior space necessary for family use while maintaining manageable urban dimensions. Ground clearance remains impressive at 219 mm, ensuring the Roxx retains genuine off-road capability.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the Thar Roxx reveals perhaps the most dramatic evolution from the standard Thar.
The interior architecture has been completely reimagined to deliver a more premium, sophisticated environment that aligns with the vehicle’s expanded mission.
The dashboard features a horizontal layout with a layered design that incorporates soft-touch materials, leatherette padding, and metallic accents that elevate the perceived quality.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that appears to float above the center console, complemented by a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that replaces the analog gauges of the standard Thar.
This dual-screen setup creates a contemporary, technology-forward impression while providing enhanced functionality and customization options.
Seating comfort has received significant attention, with new front seats that offer improved bolstering, wider cushions, and extended thigh support.
The driver’s seat now features 8-way power adjustment, including lumbar support, enabling a perfect driving position for various body types.
The premium leatherette upholstery is available in two color schemes: Oxidized Brown and Midnight Black, both featuring distinctive contrast stitching and embossed Thar logos.
The second row represents the most substantial upgrade, replacing the standard Thar’s cramped, forward-facing bench (or inward-facing jump seats in earlier models) with a properly engineered rear seat that accommodates three adults comfortably.
The seat back offers recline adjustment, and the 60:40 split-folding design adds versatility when balancing passenger and cargo needs.
Dedicated rear AC vents, adjustable headrests, and a fold-down center armrest with cupholders ensure rear passengers enjoy the same level of comfort as those in front.
Cargo capacity stands at 425 liters with all seats up, expanding to 1,495 liters with the rear seats folded—a dramatic improvement over the standard Thar’s limited storage space.
The tailgate opening has been widened and the load lip lowered for easier access, addressing a practical limitation of the original design.
Throughout the cabin, thoughtful storage solutions abound, including a cooled center console, large door pockets, dedicated smartphone slots, and multiple USB charging ports (both Type-A and Type-C) for front and rear passengers.
The overall impression is of a vehicle that has matured from a focused off-roader into a capable, comfortable family SUV without abandoning its adventurous spirit.
Technology and Features
The Thar Roxx comes equipped with Mahindra’s AdrenoX infotainment system, representing a significant technological upgrade from the standard Thar.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and features built-in navigation with off-road trail mapping—a thoughtful inclusion that acknowledges the vehicle’s adventure-ready character.
The AdrenoX suite includes over 60 connected car features accessible through a dedicated smartphone app, including remote engine start/stop, climate control preconditioning, vehicle location tracking, geofencing, and driving behavior analysis.
The system also incorporates Alexa Built-in functionality, allowing voice control of various vehicle functions.
The premium Harman Kardon audio system features 12 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, delivering immersive sound quality that represents a quantum leap from the basic setup in the standard Thar.
The system includes active noise cancellation technology that helps reduce road and wind noise, enhancing the refined character of the Roxx.
Additional technology features include:
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Dual-zone automatic climate control
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360-degree surround-view camera system
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Wireless phone charger with cooling function
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Heads-up display with off-road specific information
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Panoramic sunroof with multi-stage opening
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Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
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Tire pressure monitoring system
- Proximity sensors for all doors
Driver assistance systems have also been significantly enhanced, with the addition of adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and autonomous emergency braking on higher variants—features previously unavailable in any Thar model.
Performance and Powertrain
The Thar Roxx offers two powertrain options, both updated versions of the engines available in the standard Thar but with enhancements to handle the larger vehicle’s requirements:
| Engine Type | 2.0L mStallion Turbo Petrol | 2.2L mHawk Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1997 cc | 2184 cc |
| Power Output | 175 PS @ 5000 rpm | 152 PS @ 3750 rpm |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm | 400 Nm @ 1600-2800 rpm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AT |
| Drive System | 4XPLOR 4WD with low-range | 4XPLOR 4WD with low-range |
| Fuel Efficiency (claimed) | 13.5 km/l (MT) / 12.8 km/l (AT) | 16.8 km/l (MT) / 15.9 km/l (AT) |
| 0-100 km/h | 10.2 seconds (AT) | 11.5 seconds (AT) |
Both engines deliver strong low-end torque that proves valuable in off-road situations while providing sufficient power for confident highway overtaking.
The petrol option offers smoother, more refined performance that aligns well with the Roxx’s more sophisticated character, while the diesel provides superior fuel efficiency and unstoppable torque for serious off-road use.
The transmission options include a 6-speed manual with a revised shift mechanism for more precise engagement and shorter throws, or a 6-speed torque converter automatic that has been recalibrated for smoother shifts and better response.
Both transmissions pair with Mahindra’s 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case with electronic shifting between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.
New for the Thar Roxx is a terrain management system with four selectable modes (Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand), each optimizing throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control intervention for the specific surface.
This system works in conjunction with the mechanical four-wheel drive to enhance capability without requiring expert off-road knowledge from the driver.
Ride and Handling
The Thar Roxx rides on a modified version of Mahindra’s third-generation body-on-frame platform, preserving the robust construction essential for serious off-road use.
However, significant enhancements have been made to improve on-road comfort and refinement—areas where the standard Thar has received criticism.
The suspension architecture combines independent double wishbones at the front with a multi-link setup at the rear, replacing the simpler rigid axle arrangement of the standard Thar.
This sophisticated configuration delivers improved wheel articulation off-road while significantly enhancing on-road ride quality and handling precision.
Frequency-selective dampers automatically adjust their characteristics based on road conditions, providing a supple ride over broken surfaces while firming up during cornering to reduce body roll.
The longer wheelbase contributes to improved stability at highway speeds, addressing a shortcoming of the standard Thar, while the wider track enhances cornering capability.
The electric power steering has been carefully calibrated to provide good feedback and precision without transmitting excessive road vibration.
Braking performance comes from ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, a upgrade from the rear drum brakes on the standard Thar.
The system delivers confident stopping power with good pedal feel, complemented by an advanced ABS system specifically calibrated for varied surfaces including loose gravel and sand.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) levels have received particular attention, with additional sound insulation, acoustic glass, and revised body mounts that dramatically reduce the road and wind noise that penetrates the cabin of the standard Thar.
The result is a significantly more refined driving experience that aligns with the Roxx’s positioning as a vehicle equally at home on highways and byways.
Off-Road Capability
Despite its more refined character, the Thar Roxx maintains impressive off-road credentials that honor the nameplate’s heritage.
The 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system provides a proper low-range transfer case with a crawl ratio of 42:1 (with manual transmission), enabling controlled navigation of technical terrain.
Key off-road specifications include:
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Ground clearance: 219 mm
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Approach angle: 38 degrees
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Departure angle: 35 degrees
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Breakover angle: 24 degrees
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Wading depth: 650 mm
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Wheel articulation: 310 mm
Electronic aids complement the mechanical capability, with hill descent control maintaining a preset speed on steep descents without requiring brake input from the driver.
The electronic locking rear differential activates automatically when wheel slip is detected, ensuring forward momentum in challenging conditions.
The 360-degree camera system includes dedicated off-road views that display obstacle locations and wheel positioning, helping drivers navigate tight trails with greater confidence.
An inclinometer with roll and pitch indicators provides real-time information about the vehicle’s orientation during technical off-road sections.
Safety
Safety has received significant attention in the Thar Roxx, with a comprehensive package that includes:
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Six airbags (standard across all variants)
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Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
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Hill Start Assist
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Roll-over mitigation
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ABS with EBD
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ISOFIX child seat anchors
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Tire pressure monitoring system
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360-degree camera
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Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (on higher variants)
The body structure incorporates high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel in critical areas to enhance crash protection while optimizing weight.
Additional structural reinforcements in the doors and roof improve side-impact and rollover protection—important considerations for an adventure-oriented vehicle.
Key Highlights of Mahindra Thar Roxx
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Five-Door Practicality: Extended wheelbase with proper rear doors for family use
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Premium Interior: Sophisticated cabin with high-quality materials and dual 10.25-inch screens
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Advanced Technology: AdrenoX connected car features and comprehensive driver assistance systems
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Enhanced Comfort: Dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and Harman Kardon audio
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Refined Ride Quality: Sophisticated suspension with frequency-selective dampers
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Genuine Off-Road Capability: 4XPLOR 4WD system with terrain management
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Powerful Powertrains: Updated engines with improved refinement and efficiency
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Comprehensive Safety: Six airbags standard with available ADAS features
Variants and Pricing
The Thar Roxx is available in four primary trim levels:
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MX1: The entry-level variant offers essential features including 4XPLOR 4WD, manual AC, and the basic safety package.
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MX3: This mid-tier option adds the 10.25-inch infotainment system, auto climate control, and LED headlamps.
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MX5: The premium variant includes leatherette upholstery, AdrenoX connected features, and the 360-degree camera.
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MX7: The top-end variant features the panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon audio, and ADAS safety systems.
Each trim is available with either the petrol or diesel engine, and with manual or automatic transmission options. Pricing ranges from approximately ₹16.90 lakh for the base MX1 petrol manual variant to ₹24.90 lakh for the top-spec MX7 diesel automatic (ex-showroom, India).
Ownership Experience
Mahindra has developed a specialized ownership program for Thar Roxx customers, recognizing the vehicle’s unique positioning and the lifestyle orientation of its target audience.
The “Thar Life” program includes exclusive events, off-road training sessions, and adventure tours that allow owners to explore the vehicle’s capabilities in controlled environments with expert guidance.
The standard warranty package covers 3 years/100,000 kilometers, with options to extend to 5 years/150,000 kilometers. Service intervals are recommended at every 10,000 kilometers or six months, whichever comes first.
The estimated maintenance cost averages ₹8,000-12,000 annually for regular services, reflecting the more sophisticated nature of the vehicle compared to the standard Thar.
Mahindra’s expanding service network now includes over 1,000 touchpoints across India, with dedicated service advisors for the Thar family at larger facilities.
A 24/7 roadside assistance program provides peace of mind for adventurous owners who venture off the beaten path.
Competition Analysis
The Thar Roxx enters a competitive landscape that includes several established players:
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Force Gurkha 5-Door: Offers similar off-road credentials but with a more utilitarian approach and fewer comfort features
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Maruti Suzuki Jimny 5-Door: Provides compact dimensions and genuine 4WD but with less space and power
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Jeep Compass: More road-focused with superior on-road dynamics but less authentic off-road capability
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MG Gloster
: Larger dimensions with proper 4WD but at a higher price point
The Thar Roxx carves out a unique position by combining authentic off-road heritage and capability with significantly improved everyday usability and comfort.
This balanced approach distinguishes it from both hardcore off-roaders and road-focused crossovers, potentially appealing to buyers who previously had to choose between capability and comfort.
Mahindra Thar Roxx:
The Mahindra Thar Roxx represents a thoughtful evolution of an iconic nameplate, expanding its appeal without diluting its essential character.
By addressing the practical limitations of the standard Thar while preserving its mechanical integrity and off-road prowess, Mahindra has created a more versatile interpretation of the Thar philosophy that could attract a significantly broader audience.
What makes the Thar Roxx particularly compelling is how it embraces modernity—in technology, comfort, and refinement—without abandoning the authentic roots that give the Thar its distinctive identity.
This balance between heritage and progress, capability and comfort, positions the Roxx as a unique offering in an increasingly homogenized SUV market.
For families seeking a vehicle with genuine adventure credentials and distinctive character, the Thar Roxx provides a compelling alternative to conventional SUVs.
It honors the legacy of its forebears while acknowledging the evolving expectations of contemporary consumers, potentially establishing a new benchmark for lifestyle-oriented off-roaders in the Indian market.