Thar Roxx: Mahindra's Game Changer?

Mahindra has finally launched the much anticipated 5-door version of Thar, designed to be bigger, bolder, and more practical while still promising the untamed spirit that has made the Thar an off-road icon in India. But the question on every enthusiast's mind is simple: does it deliver? I put it to test to find out.

Likes

• Exterior & Interior Design
• Refined Engine & Silent Cabin
• Tech & Feature Additions
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear Seat Comfort

Dislikes

• No Petrol 4WD Variant
• Ivory Ambience in Interior
• Bouncy Suspension on Smooth Tarmac

First Impression - Exterior

The Thar Roxx grabs your attention right from the moment you set eyes on it. The design, while unmistakably Thar, has evolved. The additional rear doors elongate its profile, giving it a more substantial road presence.

The front gets a new six-slot double stack grille with front camera, now flanked by Bi-LED projector headlamps and c-shaped DRLs that demand attention. The wider fender flares with Thar Roxx badging and larger 19-inch alloy wheels (available in top variant only) wrapped in chunky all-terrain tyres adds to its imposing stance. At the rear, you get the signature side-hinged split tailgate with an externally mounted spare wheel with rear camera and a lot of storage space but will get to that a bit later.

The designers at Mahindra have done a commendable job of maintaining the rugged charm of the Thar while scaling it up. The extra doors might have made it look more practical, but they haven’t stripped away the essence of what a Thar should be—bold, aggressive, and unapologetically utilitarian.

The Thar Roxx is available in a palette of seven body colour options - Deep Forest, Everest White, Tango Red, Battleship Grey, Nebula Blue, Burnt Sienna, and Stealth Black.

Interior

Step inside, and the first thing you notice is the space. The 5-door Thar Roxx offers a roomy cabin, especially for those familiar with the cramped quarters of the 3-door variant. The rear seats, accessible via proper 90-degree opening doors now, provide ample legroom and headroom, making the Thar more family-friendly without compromising its off-road DNA.

The dashboard is a mix of ruggedness and modernity, with ambient lighting, a large 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The best thing is that you still get the physical button controls on the dashboard.  You also get a push start button but there are no request sensors on the door handles, so, it won’t give you a true keyless experience. However, it’s still very much an off-roader at heart—there are exposed screws, big grab handles on the front and rear, and there’s a utilitarian vibe that hardcore Thar fans will appreciate.

The materials used are more refined than what we’ve seen in 3-door Thar. The soft-touch materials and ivory leatherette trims gives a more premium feel to the overall cabin. The ergonomically designed seats, with ventilation for the front passengers and 6-way powered driver seat, provide excellent comfort on both long drives and rugged trails. 

The cabin’s layout is practical. With ample storage space and a roomy 644-litre of boot (up to the roof) and 447-litre (up to the back rest), can easily accommodate all your gear for a weekend getaway or an extended adventure.

Features & Technology

In the Thar Roxx, luxury and technology go hand in hand. The SUV gets the biggest sunroof in the segment of 1450x900 mm that provides open-air experience. It is equipped with Level 2 ADAS, offering over 35 standard safety features, including a 360-degree surround view system with blind view monitoring, and an advanced ESP package. Convenience is enhanced with power fold ORVMs, electric park brake with auto hold, automatic climate control, and a cooled glove box. 

The Harman Kardon 9-speaker system, complete with QuantumLogic surround, bass enhancer, and a 6-mode amplifier, delivers exceptional audio quality. Adrenox connectivity includes over 80 features, wireless charging, and a 65W USB-C charging point, while the front USB ports offer a 65W C-type and an A-type data port for versatile connectivity.

Engine

Built on Mahindra’s All-New M_Glyde platform, the Thar Roxx offers two engine options - a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel, delivering 380 Nm and 370 Nm of torque, respectively. Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) and Four Wheel Drive (4WD) option. However, the 4x4 feature is only available with the diesel engine. 

On-road Performance

I drove the 2.2-litre Diesel engine variant mated to 6-speed manual transmission, and it is the more sensible choice for those planning to use the Thar as a daily driver. It offers a healthy dose of torque, making city driving and highway cruising relatively effortless. However, the suspension, designed to tackle off-road trails, can feel bouncy and unsettled on smooth tarmac. Road and wind noise seep into the cabin at higher speeds, reminding you that this vehicle is built for adventure, not comfort. The electric steering though feels very light and easy to navigate at tight corners or at highway speeds.

The real magic, however, lies in the new M_Glyde platform, which delivers an exceptionally smooth ride with crisp handling. The WATT’s Link suspension, advanced shock absorbers with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) technology, and a first-in-category Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS) work together to provide a refined driving experience across all terrains. 

Off-road Performance

Take the Thar Roxx off the beaten path, and it quickly redeems itself. This is where the SUV truly comes alive. The increased wheelbase of the 5-door variant does make it slightly less agile in tight off-road situations compared to the 3-door, but it also adds stability on uneven surfaces. The approach and departure angles are excellent, and the Thar's high ground clearance ensures that rocks and obstacles are easily overcome. The brake-locking differentials and traction control work seamlessly, giving you confidence even in the most challenging conditions.

While the Thar Roxx has been refined for urban sophistication, it hasn’t forgotten its roots. The 4Xplor system, featuring electronic locking differentials and first in segment Crawl Smart Assist, ensures superior traction and control in the toughest conditions. The Thar Roxx’s best-in-class approach, departure, and ramp-over angles, combined with a 650 mm water-wading depth, make it a formidable off-road machine.

But it’s not just about brute strength—the Thar Roxx is equipped with IntelliTurn, which enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, making it just as capable in urban environments as it is in the wild. Whether it’s snow, sand, or mud, the Thar Roxx is designed to take on any challenge you throw at it.

Ride Comfort & Practicality

One of the most significant advantages of the 5-door Thar Roxx is its practicality. The added space makes it a more viable option for those who need an SUV for both adventure and family duties. However, while the Thar Roxx has made strides in everyday usability, it’s still not the perfect daily driver. The ride quality, while acceptable for an off-roader, is far from plush. The fuel economy, especially in the petrol variant, is on the lower side. And the sheer size of the vehicle can make it a handful in tight city traffic or when parking in crowded areas though it gets a 360-degree camera now.

Variant-wise Pricing in Lakh (Ex-Showroom)

Mahindra is building anticipation for their 4WD variants by holding off on announcing the prices until closer to the booking date. With bookings starting on October 3rd and deliveries expected around Dussehra, they're likely aiming to capitalise on the festive season, which is a significant period for car sales in India.

Verdict

The Mahindra Thar Roxx retains the ruggedness and off-road capability that have made the Thar a legend while adding a dose of practicality that makes it more family vehicle. The 5-door layout, improved interior, and additional features make it a more versatile vehicle, one that can be used for both adventure and daily driving. However, it’s not without its flaws. The on-road performance is a mixed bag, with the Thar still feeling rough around the edges compared to more refined SUVs. But then again, the Thar has never been about perfection. It’s about character, about spirit, about the thrill of exploring the unknown. And in that sense, the Thar Roxx is very much a Thar. So, if you’re looking for an off-roader that can also double as a family SUV, the Thar Roxx is worth a serious look.

Utkarsh Agarwal

BW Reporters The author is the Editorial Lead of BW Auto World