Design: Iconic Form, Elevated Presence

The Thar Roxx is unmistakably a Thar, yet bigger, bolder, and more sophisticated. The new architecture extends its length to 4428mm with a significantly longer wheelbase of 2850mm, granting it a commanding presence. The front features a sleek new grille and mesmerizing C-shaped LED DRLs. Signature rugged elements like external hinges and tailgate-mounted spare wheel are retained, but now complemented by premium touches like R19 diamond-cut alloy wheels housed in massive trapezoidal arches and a solid dual-tone metal roof. It looks less like a simple off-roader and more like a premium adventure vehicle.

The interior is where the most dramatic transformation has occurred. It’s a world away from the spartan cabins of old. The dashboard is dominated by a state-of-the-art twin 26.03cm digital cockpit. Premium materials are evident everywhere, with a choice of a plush Mocha Brown leatherette interior on 4×4 variants that exudes “refined ruggedness.” The addition of a panoramic Skyroof™ and significantly more occupant space elevates the cabin experience to rival that of road-focused SUVs. Compared to the Force Gurkha’s utilitarian approach, the Thar Roxx’s cabin is a haven of luxury and technology.

Performance: Unmatched Capability On and Off Road

The Thar Roxx is a beast, powered by Mahindra’s legendary engines. The options include the 2.0L mStallion TGDi petrol engine producing up to 175 PS and 380 Nm of torque, and the formidable 2.2L mHawk diesel churning out up to 175 PS and a massive 400 Nm of torque. These are paired with a 6-speed manual or a refined 6-speed torque converter automatic. The new M_GLYDE platform, with its high torsional stiffness and advanced Watt’s Link rear suspension, drastically improves on-road handling and comfort, making it a viable daily driver.

Off-road, it’s more capable than ever. The 4×4 variants feature the 4XPLOR terrain management system (Snow, Mud, Sand), an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD), and incredible stats like a 650mm water wading depth and class-leading approach (41.7°) and departure (36.1°) angles. Innovative new features like CrawlSmart for automatic throttle adjustment on hills and IntelliTurn for tight maneuvers cement its status as the ultimate adventure machine. It offers the raw capability that monocoque SUVs can only dream of, now with the on-road manners to challenge them.

Fuel Efficiency: The Price of Power

With great power comes… a healthy appetite for fuel. The brochure does not specify ARAI figures, but given the powerful engines and rugged build, efficiency will be modest. Real-world figures are estimated to be in the range of 8-11 kmpl for the mStallion petrol and 10-14 kmpl for the mHawk diesel, depending heavily on driving conditions and whether you’re in 2WD or 4×4 mode. The large 57-litre fuel tank is a thoughtful addition, ensuring a respectable highway range of 550-750 km, crucial for those long adventure trips where fuel stations are scarce. Buyers of the Thar Roxx will be prioritizing capability over outright running costs, and in that context, the range is more important than the per-kilometer cost.

Technology: Rugged on the Outside, Smart on the Inside

The Thar Roxx is a tech powerhouse disguised as a rugged off-roader. The highlight is the twin 26.03cm HD Digital Cockpit, which includes a central touchscreen and a full digital cluster, both supporting wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™. The experience is made immersive by the 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, which features world-first Dolby Atmos technology for a theatrical sound experience. Adrenox Connected Car technology with built-in Alexa offers over 83 features, including remote functions and vehicle status checks. The top-spec AX7L variant introduces a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite with 10 features like Adaptive Cruise Control and Smart Pilot Assist. The 360° camera gets a unique Obstacle View mode, offering an ‘x-ray vision’ over terrain.

Safety: A 5-Star Fortress on Wheels

Mahindra has made the Thar Roxx a benchmark for safety in any segment. It proudly wears a 5-star safety rating from BNCAP for both adult and child occupants, a testament to its robust M_GLYDE platform chassis. The brochure highlights over 35 standard safety features, including 6 airbags and a comprehensive Electronic Stability Control (ESC) suite as standard across all variants. The active safety suite is equally impressive, with the top-tier AX7L model offering the full Level 2 ADAS package, including crucial features like Autonomous Emergency Braking (for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists) and Forward Collision Warning. This focus on both passive and active safety makes the Thar Roxx one of the most secure vehicles on Indian roads, period.

Comfort: Refinement Meets Ruggedness

The Thar Roxx shatters the old belief that off-roaders must be uncomfortable. The extended wheelbase provides the largest usable occupant space in its segment, with ample head, shoulder, and legroom for all passengers. Comfort is taken to a new level with features like 6-way powered and ventilated front seats and rear AC vents, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the weather. The panoramic Skyroof™ adds to the sense of space and luxury. Furthermore, Mahindra has focused heavily on improving refinement, with best-in-class NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels thanks to strategically placed dampeners, ensuring a quiet cabin even at high speeds. The advanced suspension with Watt’s Linkage and hydraulic rebound stoppers delivers a surprisingly plush ride on tarmac.

Variants and Value: A Thar for Everyone

The Thar Roxx is offered in a comprehensive range of variants, from the utilitarian MX series to the fully-loaded AX series, with RWD and 4×4 options. The MX1 offers the core Thar experience with essential safety. The MX5 adds desirable features like a touchscreen and alloy wheels. The AX5L introduces the premium bits like the Skyroof™ and connected car tech. The top-of-the-line AX7L is the “everything” variant, packing Level 2 ADAS, the Harman Kardon audio system, R19 alloys, and ventilated seats. This strategy allows buyers to choose between a rugged workhorse or a luxury adventure vehicle, all under the same iconic nameplate. The value proposition is strong, as even lower variants offer a unique combination of style and capability that is unmatched at their price points.

Comparisons: Thar Roxx vs Gurkha, Jimny, and Scorpio-N

The Thar Roxx carves a unique niche. Its most direct rival, the Force Gurkha 5-door, is equally capable off-road but cannot compete with the Thar’s powerful engines, automatic transmissions, advanced technology (ADAS, digital cockpit), and overall interior refinement. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is a smaller, more agile, and more affordable off-roader, but it lacks the Thar’s power, space, and premium feel, making it less suitable as a primary family vehicle. Perhaps its biggest rival comes from its own stable: the Mahindra Scorpio-N. The Scorpio-N offers better on-road manners and a 7-seat option, but the Thar Roxx boasts superior off-road hardware and a more iconic, lifestyle-oriented design. The Thar Roxx successfully blends the extreme capability of the Gurkha with the premium features of the Scorpio-N.

Pros and Cons: Our Balanced View

Who Is This Car For? Tailored Recommendations