Mahindra Thar ROXX

The Thar ROXX gets a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine. Both can be paired with 6-speed manual or automatic transmissions, while 4WD is available only with the diesel.

2.0-litre mStallion Petrol (1,997 cc): 119-130 kW @ 5000 rpm, 330-380 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm

The turbo-petrol feels responsive for a large, boxy SUV. It has enough performance for quick acceleration and highway overtaking, while the automatic makes urban driving easier.

The petrol's main compromise is fuel consumption in traffic. It makes more sense for buyers whose usage is predominantly urban and who prefer the smoother and quieter character of a petrol engine.

2.2-litre mHawk Diesel (2,184 cc): 111.9-128.6 kW @ 3500-3750 rpm, 330-400 Nm @ 1500-3000 rpm

The diesel's stronger low-rev torque suits the ROXX's size and weight. It feels more relaxed when carrying several passengers or climbing inclines and is better suited to frequent highway use.

The diesel is also the only route to a 4WD Thar ROXX, making it the powertrain to consider if off-road driving is an important part of the ownership requirement.

Driving Character Notes

The ROXX is more settled on the road than the three-door Thar, helped by its longer wheelbase and revised suspension. The tall driving position gives good visibility, while the light steering makes the SUV relatively easy to place in city traffic despite its width.

At the same time, the body-on-frame construction remains noticeable. Smooth roads suit the ROXX well, but sharp expansion joints and broken surfaces can send more movement into the cabin than in a conventional monocoque SUV.

The Mahindra Thar ROXX variant range is split into the MX and AX series, with equipment increasing as you move up.

MX1

The MX1 is the entry point and focuses on the essentials. It gets six airbags, ESC, hill-hold assist, traction control, rear parking sensors, power windows, push-button start and a touchscreen infotainment system.

MX3

The MX3 adds convenience features such as cruise control, automatic headlamps and wipers, electrically adjustable ORVMs, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a rear-view camera. It is also where automatic gearbox options become available.

MX5

The MX5 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, LED projector fog lamps and a single-pane sunroof. It also gets leatherette upholstery, rear AC vents, a sliding front armrest, front parking sensors and TPMS.

AX3L

The AX3L adds a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, automatic climate control, auto headlamps and wipers, and Level 2 ADAS. This variant is offered with the diesel-manual powertrain.

AX5L

The AX5L combines the equipment from the MX5 with additional technology, including a panoramic sunroof, connected-car functions, Alexa integration, digital driver's display and ADAS. Diesel automatic versions are available with both RWD and 4WD.

AX7L

The AX7L is the top regular variant. It adds ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat, premium interior finishes, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with Dolby Atmos, a panoramic sunroof, a 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring.

The claimed Thar ROXX mileage is 12.4 kmpl for petrol versions and 15.2 kmpl for diesel versions. These are test-cycle figures and should not be treated as guaranteed real-world fuel economy.

Actual mileage will vary with traffic, driving style, load, terrain and gearbox choice. The petrol is likely to consume considerably more fuel in heavy city traffic, while the diesel is better suited to frequent highway use. The 4WD diesel versions also carry additional drivetrain hardware, so their actual efficiency can vary with terrain and usage.

The Thar ROXX retains the upright, boxy proportions associated with the Thar but stretches them into a five-door body. The longer wheelbase and wider stance give it a more substantial road presence, while the metal roof retains the traditional Thar character. The design combines rugged details with newer equipment such as LED lighting, alloy wheels and a panoramic sunroof on higher variants.

Front Profile

The front gets the familiar upright bonnet and a six-slot grille, along with C-shaped LED DRLs and projector LED headlamps. Higher variants also get LED fog lamps.

Side Profile

The long wheelbase is the most obvious change compared with the three-door Thar. Rear doors improve access to the cabin, while exposed door hinges, large wheel arches and side steps retain the traditional Thar appearance.

Higher variants get 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, giving the ROXX a more substantial stance.

Rear Profile

The squared-off rear retains the side-opening tailgate and externally mounted spare wheel. LED tail lamps and the upright rear section continue the SUV's rugged design while leaving room for a larger boot than the three-door Thar.

The Thar ROXX interior is a major step towards family-SUV usability. Higher variants get leatherette trim, a digital driver's display, a large touchscreen and more convenience equipment than the three-door model. The rear bench has a 60:40 split and reclining function. There is good legroom and headroom for two adults, although three adults across the rear seat will be less comfortable on longer journeys.

The cabin also has practical storage, including door pockets, a cooled glovebox, under-armrest storage and a large wireless charging tray.

Features & Technology

Higher variants get dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, connected-car technology and a panoramic sunroof. The top AX7L adds ventilated front seats, a powered driver's seat and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon system with Dolby Atmos.

The ROXX also gets USB Type-C charging and wireless charging, with rear passengers receiving their own Type-C charging provision.

Boot Space

The Thar ROXX has a 447-litre boot, making it considerably more practical than the three-door Thar for family trips and luggage.

The Thar ROXX gets a comprehensive safety package, with six airbags, ESC, traction control, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control and rear parking sensors available from the lower variants.

Higher variants add front parking sensors, TPMS, a 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.

Active Safety & ADAS

The Level 2 ADAS package includes functions such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and high-beam assist, depending on the variant.

Crash Safety

The Mahindra Thar ROXX has received a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for adult and child occupant protection. The rating should be understood specifically in the context of the tested Thar ROXX and Bharat NCAP's test protocol.

The Thar ROXX sits between conventional family SUVs and more specialised lifestyle off-roaders. Its five-seat layout, 447-litre boot and feature-rich cabin make it more family-oriented than the three-door Thar, while the diesel 4WD versions retain hardware for serious off-road use.

Force Gurkha 5-door

The Force Gurkha 5-door is a more traditional off-roader, with a strong focus on mechanical four-wheel-drive hardware and trail ability. The Thar ROXX brings a more feature-rich cabin and greater emphasis on everyday family use.

Mahindra Scorpio-N

The Scorpio-N is another body-on-frame Mahindra SUV, but it is available with six- or seven-seat configurations and has a more conventional family-SUV layout. The ROXX remains a five-seater and puts greater emphasis on the Thar's lifestyle and off-road identity.

Tata Safari

The Safari is more road-oriented and focuses on family comfort and three-row practicality. The Thar ROXX gives up the third row but offers diesel 4WD on selected variants and a more dedicated off-road setup.

Even though the Mahindra Thar Roxx has been a stellar success, it comers with its share of strengths and shortcomings. Hence, as an informed buyer, one should decide on this vehicle’s purchase based on a careful evaluation of its pros and cons. 

The Mahindra Thar ROXX addresses the biggest practicality limitations of the three-door Thar. The additional doors, five-seat layout, 447-litre boot and more sophisticated cabin make it much easier to use as a family SUV without abandoning the Thar's off-road character.

The choice of engine depends heavily on usage. The petrol suits buyers who prioritise smoother performance and mainly drive on paved roads, while the diesel makes more sense for frequent highway travel, carrying heavier loads or accessing the available 4WD system.

The diesel 4WD variants are the ones to consider for regular off-road use, as they get low-range gearing, an electronically locking rear differential and dedicated off-road functions. For predominantly urban use, the RWD versions are simpler and avoid carrying the additional 4WD hardware.

The main compromise is ride quality over broken roads. The ROXX is comfortable on smoother surfaces but can become unsettled over sharp undulations, particularly for rear passengers. Its width and upright body also require some care in tight urban spaces.

Overall, the Thar ROXX is best understood as a five-door lifestyle SUV that combines family practicality with genuine off-road hardware on selected variants, rather than as a conventional urban crossover.