The Mahindra Thar ROXX arrived in late 2024 as the answer to a growing demand in India: a rugged, adventure-ready SUV that also works as a family vehicle. Mahindra didn’t just stretch the classic 3-door Thar—it reinvented it into a 5-door, 5-seater mid-size SUV, keeping its iconic off-road DNA intact. With longer wheelbase, stronger stability, more space, and upgraded tech, the Thar ROXX is now a serious contender for anyone who wants both city practicality and weekend wilderness domination.
- Launch Context: Why the ROXX Matters Today
- Design & Road Presence: Bigger, Meaner, More Dominant
- Engine & Performance: Diesel Dominates, Petrol Excels on Fun
- Ride Comfort & Handling: A Highway Cruiser With Off-Road Blood
- Interior & Features: XUV700-Level Luxury in a Rugged SUV
- Safety Features: Strong and Reliable
- Mileage, Range & Running Cost
- Price & Variants (Ex-Showroom)
- Who Should Buy the Thar ROXX?
- Who Should Avoid the Thar ROXX?
- Pros & Cons
- Ownership Cost Snapshot (20,000 km/year)
- Best Alternative
- Things Dealers Won’t Tell You
- Future Relevance (2025–2030)
- Final Verdict
- Quick Buyer Tip
- Reader Question
In today’s India, where highways are expanding and weekend road trips have become a lifestyle, the Thar ROXX is perfectly timed. Families now want the Thar vibe with rear doors for kids, groceries, and daily commuting—without sacrificing off-road capability. The ROXX delivers exactly that.
Launch Context: Why the ROXX Matters Today
The Thar ROXX launched at a time when Indian buyers are leaning towards body-on-frame SUVs that can handle everything—from Mumbai potholes to Goa beaches. The ROXX is not merely a stretched Thar; it’s a more stable, more refined, and more practical SUV.
It borrows technology from the XUV700, and crucially, it comes with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, which is a big deal in this segment. Real-world tests show the ROXX effortlessly handling slushy Rajasthan trails while carrying five people—proving it’s not just a city SUV with looks, but a genuine off-roader.
Design & Road Presence: Bigger, Meaner, More Dominant
From the dusty streets of Rajkot to Delhi’s chaotic traffic, the Thar ROXX commands respect. Its boxy shape, C-shaped LED DRLs, and 19-inch alloys give it a tough, muscular stance. The wider body—200mm wider than the regular Thar—makes it look more imposing than even the Scorpio-N.
Those exposed hinges and rugged door design aren’t just styling—they’re a statement. On the road, the ROXX towers over hatchbacks and mid-size sedans, making it impossible to ignore.
Engine & Performance: Diesel Dominates, Petrol Excels on Fun
The Thar ROXX offers two main engine choices:
2.2L Diesel
- Power: 150–174 hp
- Torque: 330–370 Nm
- Best For: Low-end torque and highway overtakes
- Performance: Strong pull from 1,800 rpm, making it effortless to overtake trucks on NH48
2.0L Turbo Petrol
- Power: 160–175 hp
- Feel: Rev-happy and fun, but more fuel-thirsty
- Best For: City driving and weekend fun
Both engines come with 6-speed manual or automatic, but the real sweet spot is the diesel automatic with 4WD, which makes long highway drives easy and comfortable.
Expect 0–100 kmph in around 10 seconds even when fully loaded. There’s no noticeable lag in city crawling, and the gearbox shifts smoothly in traffic.
Ride Comfort & Handling: A Highway Cruiser With Off-Road Blood
Indian roads are brutal—potholes, speed breakers, monsoon floods, and rough patches are standard. The Thar ROXX handles this with surprising ease.
Its frequency selective damping makes highway cruising at 120 kmph feel stable and controlled. However, on broken city roads, rear passengers might feel a bit of bounce—especially at low speeds over bumps.
Steering is light and easy, and ESP keeps the vehicle planted in corners. Off-road, the ROXX shines with low-range 4WD and locking differentials, making it a serious competitor to the Force Gurkha on loose gravel.
Interior & Features: XUV700-Level Luxury in a Rugged SUV
The cabin feels premium, almost like an XUV700. The Thar ROXX offers:
- Soft-touch dashboard
- Ventilated front seats (a blessing in Gujarat summers)
- Dual 10.25-inch screens with AdrenoX software
- Panoramic sunroof
- Harman 9-speaker sound system
- Wireless charging
- Rear AC vents
- Cooled glovebox
The only complaint is the front footwell space, which might feel tight for drivers taller than 6 feet. But overall, the interior is modern, practical, and family-friendly.
Safety Features: Strong and Reliable
Safety is one area where the ROXX truly shines. It includes:
- 6 airbags
- ABS & ESP
- Hill Descent Control
- Level-2 ADAS
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Auto Emergency Braking
- 360-degree camera with blind spot view
- Rear disc brakes
Braking performance is impressive—stopping from 100 kmph in about 40 meters. There’s no drama in moose tests or sudden lane changes.
Mileage, Range & Running Cost
Fuel efficiency is a major concern in India, and here’s what you can expect:
Diesel
- City: 11–12 kmpl
- Highway: 16 kmpl
- Real-world average: 13–15 kmpl
Petrol
- City: 8–10 kmpl
At ₹90 per litre diesel, 100 km costs roughly ₹700–₹800.
Maintenance is reasonable, with annual service costs around ₹8,000–₹10,000. Resale value remains strong due to the Thar’s cult status, often retaining 70–80% value after 3 years.
Price & Variants (Ex-Showroom)
| Variant | Price (Ex-showroom) | Key Powertrain |
| MX1 RWD Petrol MT | ₹12.25L | 2.0L Petrol, RWD |
| MX5 4WD Diesel MT | ₹16.49L–18.49L | 2.2L Diesel, 4WD |
| AX7L 4WD Diesel AT (Top) | ₹22.06L | 2.2L Diesel, 4WD |
Who Should Buy the Thar ROXX?
- Adventure families in Tier-2 cities like Rajkot who frequently visit beaches or trails.
- Young professionals who want SUV swagger + 4×4 capability under ₹20L.
- Diesel auto fans who want a hassle-free drive on highways.
Who Should Avoid the Thar ROXX?
- Daily city commuters on rough roads (rear ride can be bouncy).
- Buyers seeking 20 kmpl+ fuel efficiency.
- Tall drivers who need limo-like legroom.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Massive road presence
- Loaded tech features
- Excellent off-road capability
- Strong resale value
Cons
- Bouncy on broken city roads
- Petrol variant is fuel-hungry
- No petrol 4WD option
Ownership Cost Snapshot (20,000 km/year)
- Buy: ₹12L
- Annual fuel & maintenance: ₹90k
- Resale after 5 years: ₹9–10L
Best Alternative
Tata Harrier – smoother ride, more comfort, less drama.
But if you want off-road capability, nothing in this price range matches the ROXX.
Things Dealers Won’t Tell You
- 4×4 variants often have 2+ months waiting time
- Test drive on rough roads before buying
Future Relevance (2025–2030)
By 2030, hybrids and EVs will dominate city roads. But the Thar ROXX’s diesel 4WD will remain king in remote areas where charging infrastructure is weak. Expect future updates to include mild-hybrid tech for BS7 compliance.
Final Verdict
If you want a true adventure SUV that can carry your family, the Thar ROXX is worth buying—especially the diesel 4WD AX5L/7L. But if you mainly drive in the city and your roads are bad, you might want to wait or choose a softer ride alternative.
Quick Buyer Tip
Test the Thar ROXX on both off-road trails and broken city roads. If you want the best real-world experience, prioritize the diesel automatic.
Reader Question
Have you off-roaded a Thar ROXX? Share your gnarliest trail tale in the comments!
