Mahindra Thar ROXX : The Thar’s journey began as a spiritual successor to the original Mahindra CJ series vehicles that were essentially licensed versions of the Willys Jeep.
Over decades, these utilitarian vehicles evolved while maintaining their fundamental character, eventually culminating in the first-generation Thar launched in 2010.
That model became a cult favorite among off-road enthusiasts despite its spartan accommodations and compromised on-road manners.
The second-generation Thar, introduced in 2020, represented a quantum leap in refinement and capability, significantly broadening the vehicle’s appeal while preserving its essential DNA.
The overwhelming market response exceeded even Mahindra’s optimistic projections, with waiting periods stretching to months and even years for certain variants.
This success validated Mahindra’s belief in the market potential for authentic, lifestyle-oriented vehicles that offer genuine capability rather than merely rugged aesthetics.
The Thar ROXX represents the next logical evolution—a five-door variant that maintains the model’s iconic design and off-road credentials while addressing the practical limitations that prevented many potential buyers from considering the three-door Thar as their primary vehicle.
Mahindra Thar ROXX : Iconic Elements, Expanded Proportions
The Thar ROXX maintains the unmistakable design language of its shorter sibling, featuring the same vertical seven-slot grille, round headlamps, and boxy silhouette that instantly communicate its heritage and purpose.
The front fascia receives subtle refinements including redesigned LED daytime running lights and a more substantial bumper with integrated fog lamps and skid plate.
In profile, the most obvious change is the addition of rear doors and the corresponding 300mm increase in wheelbase.
Mahindra’s designers have skillfully integrated these elements while maintaining proportional harmony—no small feat given the Thar’s distinctive boxy shape.
The extended wheelbase blends naturally with the vehicle’s lines, while the rear quarter panels maintain the characteristic flared wheel arches that give the Thar its planted stance.
The rear design remains largely consistent with the three-door model, featuring vertical taillamps, a side-hinged tailgate with externally mounted spare wheel, and a substantial bumper with integrated recovery points.
New 18-inch alloy wheel designs are offered on higher trims, featuring a more sophisticated appearance while maintaining the robust construction necessary for off-road use.
Available in both fixed hardtop and convertible soft top configurations (the latter a rarity in the five-door SUV segment), the Thar ROXX offers eight exterior color options including three new shades exclusive to this model: Everest White, Stealth Black, and Rimba Bronze.
Contrasting roof options allow for further personalization, particularly appealing to urban buyers who appreciate the vehicle’s distinctive aesthetic.
Interior: Refined Ruggedness
Inside, the Thar ROXX benefits from both increased dimensions and a higher level of refinement compared to the standard Thar.
The dashboard design maintains the purposeful, horizontal theme of the three-door model but incorporates more sophisticated materials and finishes appropriate for a vehicle at this price point.
The centerpiece of the interior is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system running Mahindra’s AdrenoX interface, complemented by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to display various information including off-road data such as incline angle, compass heading, and wheel articulation.
Physical controls for climate and essential vehicle functions remain, acknowledging that touch interfaces are not always ideal during off-road driving or when wearing gloves.
Seating accommodations represent a significant upgrade, with front seats offering better lateral support and a wider range of adjustments than the standard Thar.
The rear bench benefits from the extended wheelbase with legroom comparable to many midsize SUVs, while the seat back angle has been optimized for long-distance comfort.
Entry and exit are substantially improved by the addition of rear doors, addressing one of the most significant practical limitations of the three-door model.
Materials throughout the cabin feature a balance between durability and tactile quality, with water-resistant upholstery options in fabric or leatherette depending on trim level.
Multiple USB-C charging ports and 12V power outlets are distributed throughout the cabin, while a 230V AC inverter in the cargo area provides power for camping equipment or other accessories during outdoor adventures.
Cargo capacity represents another practical improvement, with the five-door configuration offering approximately 425 liters behind the rear seats—a substantial increase over the three-door model.
The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split to accommodate larger items, while the flat load floor and squared-off dimensions maximize usable space.
Powertrain Options: Capability with Efficiency
The Thar ROXX offers the same powertrain options as its shorter sibling, though with specific calibrations to account for the vehicle’s increased weight and dimensions.
The 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine produces 150 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, while the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel generates 130 bhp and 300 Nm (manual transmission) or 150 bhp and 330 Nm (automatic transmission).
Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed torque converter automatic, with the latter gaining popularity among urban buyers who appreciate its convenience in traffic.
Four-wheel drive with a low-range transfer case comes standard across all variants, maintaining the Thar’s core identity as a genuine off-road vehicle rather than merely a rugged-looking crossover.
The four-wheel-drive system features an electronic shift-on-the-fly mechanism allowing transitions between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes at appropriate speeds without stopping the vehicle.
A mechanical locking rear differential is standard on higher trims and optional on mid-range variants, providing additional traction in challenging off-road conditions.
Fuel efficiency has been improved through various refinements including revised engine calibration, optimized aerodynamics, and the inclusion of an automatic start-stop system on all variants.
The diesel engine returns approximately 14-15 km/l in mixed driving conditions, while the petrol manages around 10-11 km/l—respectable figures given the vehicle’s weight, aerodynamic profile, and off-road capability.
Chassis and Off-Road Capability: True to Its Heritage
The Thar ROXX is built on an extended version of the standard Thar’s body-on-frame chassis, featuring additional reinforcement to maintain structural rigidity despite the longer wheelbase.
The ladder frame construction provides exceptional durability and simplifies repairs in remote areas—important considerations for a vehicle designed for adventure.
Suspension components have been retuned to balance off-road articulation with on-road comfort, featuring independent double wishbones at the front and a multilink arrangement at the rear with coil springs at all four corners.
While fundamentally similar to the three-door Thar’s suspension design, the dampers and spring rates have been specifically calibrated for the ROXX’s different weight distribution and intended use cases.
Off-road credentials remain impressive despite the longer wheelbase, with a ground clearance of 219mm (slightly less than the three-door’s 226mm due to the longer wheelbase), an approach angle of 41.2 degrees, departure angle of 36.0 degrees, and breakover angle of 23.8 degrees.
Wading depth capability stands at 650mm without modifications, allowing the vehicle to navigate water crossings that would strand most conventional SUVs.
These specifications place the Thar ROXX among the most capable factory-built off-road vehicles available in the Indian market, regardless of price point.
While the longer wheelbase marginally reduces maneuverability in extremely tight off-road situations compared to the three-door model, it provides enhanced stability on slopes and at highway speeds—a worthwhile trade-off for most users.
Technology and Convenience Features: Modern Amenities
Recognizing that many Thar ROXX buyers will use the vehicle as their primary family transport, Mahindra has substantially upgraded the technology and convenience features compared to the standard Thar.
The AdrenoX infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while also offering built-in navigation with off-road trail mapping capabilities.
The system pairs with a premium sound system featuring six speakers and a subwoofer, calibrated to provide clear audio even with the ambient noise inherent to a vehicle of this type.
Connected car technology enables remote monitoring and control of various vehicle functions through a smartphone application, including door locking, climate pre-conditioning, vehicle location, and driving behavior analytics.
Convenience features include keyless entry and start, automatic climate control with rear vents, cruise control, auto-dimming interior mirror, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Driver assistance systems include hill descent control, hill hold assist, electronic stability control, and roll-over mitigation—features that enhance both safety and capability in challenging driving conditions.
A standout technology feature is the Adventure Statistics Recorder that logs and displays various metrics during off-road driving, including distance traveled, terrain type, incline angles, and water wading depth.
This data can be shared directly to social media platforms—a nod to the vehicle’s appeal among adventure enthusiasts who enjoy documenting their experiences.
Safety: Comprehensive Protection
Safety receives significant attention in the Thar ROXX, addressing both on-road protection and the specific risks associated with off-road driving.
Six airbags come standard across all variants, as do three-point seatbelts for all passengers with reminders and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution.
The vehicle structure incorporates high-strength steel in critical areas, providing enhanced protection during collisions while maintaining the rigidity necessary for severe off-road use.
Advanced driver assistance systems include electronic stability control, traction control, roll-over mitigation, and brake assist functions.
Off-road specific safety features include hill descent control that automatically modulates brake pressure to maintain a controlled speed on steep declines, and hill hold assist that prevents rollback during uphill starts.
A tire pressure monitoring system alerts drivers to potential punctures—particularly valuable during remote area driving where a slow leak could otherwise go unnoticed until causing a serious problem.
Market Positioning and Target Audience
The Thar ROXX occupies a unique position in the Indian market, competing indirectly with both premium compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos as well as more off-road oriented vehicles like the Force Gurkha.
Priced between approximately ₹16 lakh and ₹24 lakh (ex-showroom) depending on variant, it represents a premium offering justified by its capability, distinctive character, and relative exclusivity.
Mahindra has positioned the vehicle to appeal to multiple buyer demographics:
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Adventure enthusiasts who need more space and practicality than the three-door Thar offers
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Urban professionals seeking a distinctive, lifestyle-oriented vehicle with genuine capability
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Family buyers who appreciate rugged design and adventurous image but require four doors
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Existing Mahindra customers looking to upgrade from the Scorpio or XUV models to something more distinctive
Mahindra Thar ROXX : Broadening the Appeal of an Iconic Nameplate
The Mahindra Thar ROXX represents a thoughtful expansion of one of India’s most distinctive automotive nameplates.
By addressing the practical limitations of the three-door model while maintaining its fundamental character and capability, Mahindra has created a vehicle that can appeal to a significantly broader audience without diluting the attributes that made the original Thar so appealing to enthusiasts.
In a market increasingly dominated by crossovers that merely look rugged while offering limited capability, the Thar ROXX stands apart as an authentic adventure vehicle with the comfort, space, and features necessary for everyday use.
This combination positions it uniquely in the Indian automotive landscape, offering a genuine alternative to conventional SUVs for buyers seeking something with more character and capability.
With the Thar ROXX, Mahindra has successfully evolved an icon without compromising its essence—a delicate balance that few automotive manufacturers have managed to achieve.