Mahindra Thar ROXX: A Comprehensive Look at the New Family centric Off-Road Icon

Key Highlights

• Bold six-slot grille, LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs.
• 19-inch alloy wheels, redesigned bumper, and tail lamps.
• Lyde architecture for improved safety and comfort.
• Independent front suspension, penta-link rear axle, 650 mm water-wading.
• Premium dashboard, leatherette seats, dual 10.25-inch screens.
• Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, ventilated seats.
• 2.0L petrol (162 hp), 2.2L diesel (152 hp); four-by-four with 175 hp diesel.
• Smart Crawl, Intelliturn, selectable terrain modes.

The Mahindra Thar has long been a staple in the world of off-road vehicles. Now, with the introduction of the Thar ROXX, Mahindra has taken a significant leap forward, blending off-road prowess with modern comfort and technical enhancements. Designed with the adventure seeker in mind, the chauffeur driven ROXX offers a potent combination of performance, design, and practicality. This article delves into the various aspects of the Thar ROXX, from its design to its engine and suspension setup, interiors, pricing, and a personal CarBike360 Says on its capabilities.

Design

The Mahindra Thar ROXX takes its rugged design language from its predecessor, but with notable upgrades. It features a bold new grille design, now split into body coloured six double-stacked slots, deviating from the classic seven-slot pattern seen in the 3-door Thar. This new face is paired with circular LED projector headlights, integrated with C-shaped Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) lending the ROXX a modern edge.

The silhouette proportion remains boxy, now with the hardtop receiving a panoramic sunroof & hence being completely metalized for better management of NVH and structural rigidity of the overall architecture, alongside a stable body frame. The bumper has also been redesigned, featuring faux brushed aluminium accents and housing for LED fog lamps.

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has two tire sizes at discretion:

255/65 R18 is used for the MX1, MX3, AX3L, MX5, and AX5 variants.

The tyres are fitted over 18-inch steel wheels for the MX1, MX3, and AX3 variants, and over 18-inch alloy wheels for the MX5 and AX5 variants.

255/60 R19 is used for the top-spec AX7L variant.

The tyres are fitted over 19-inch alloy wheels.

The bodyshell of this mid-size SUV weighs 1710 Kg, with a wheelbase of 2450mm which is 10mm more than the class benchmark compared to the Scorpio N.

The Thar Roxx comes with MRF Wanderer A/T tires, which are designed for all-terrain use. These tires have a computer-generated tread block sequence, a multi-layered carcass and sidewall, and a cut-resistant tread compound.

Chunky wheel arches, a hallmark of the Thar, accommodate the 19-inch dual toned diamond-cut alloy wheels available on higher variants, adding both style and substance to its off-road capability. The rear maintains its iconic design, but with reprofiled tail lamps featuring squared up LEDs, which are accompanied by dynamic swipe LED side blinkers.

The vertical C-pillar integrated traditional rear handle and triangular quarter glass hint at the futuristic styling elements borrowed from the Thar EV concept, giving the ROXX a unique profile. The front grill and the triangular quarter glass panel has been caught up in controversies by the netizens regarding the design preferences, the reason being the Jeep Vs Mahindra international conflict, which forced Mahindra to go with a distinguished design language from its very familiar premium replica, the wrangler Rubicon, especially with the triangular shape of quarter panel.

Underpinning and Suspension

Built on Mahindra’s advanced Glyde architecture, garnered by modern Alph engineering. This ladder-on frame, tall-boy SUV benefits from superior torsional and bending stiffness, contributing to both improved safety and ride comfort. The front employs an independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear features a penta-link rigid axle setup with an addition of watts linkage to prevent irregular rear axle movements.

This combination ensures superior off-road handling while absorbing bumps and jolts for a more comfortable on-road experience. The torsional stiffness of the platform is 148% better and bending stiffness is 150% better than Scorpio N & torsional frequency has improved by 50% and bending frequency has improved by 41%.

One of the standout features is its water-fording capability of 650 mm, along with approach, ramp-over, and departure angles of 41.7, 23.9, and 36.1 degrees, respectively. These stats position the ROXX as a serious contender in the trailing segment, ready to tackle rivers, steep inclines, and rocky terrains with ease. The frequency adaptive MTV-CL dampers get hydraulic rebound stoppers

Interiors

Step inside, and the Thar ROXX greets you with a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The dashboard design echoes the 3-door Thar but introduces premium elements like soft-touch materials, and contrast accents. Top variants come equipped with perforated leatherette interiors in ivory and mocha theme, elevating the cabin’s aesthetics. The inclusion of mocha theme is being considered as a boon for those who love bathing their Roxx through mud and sand, as this dark cabin theme would complement without dust and grime.

For an all-round musical experience, the ROXX has implemented a 9-speaker surround sound system by Harmon Kardon.

The technology suite is another highlight. The ROXX boasts dual 10.25-inch screens for infotainment, navigation and instrumentation, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. For convenience, the higher variants boast features like a wireless charging pad, automatic climate control, cooled glove box, 4-way electronically adjusted and even ventilated front seats. Talking about the driver’s cockpit, the steering wheel has gone electric and multi-functional with tilt adjustability. Rear passengers benefit from a reclinable 60:40 split-folding bench seat with three headrests, rear AC vents, and USB-C charging ports.

Variants

The Mahindra Thar Roxx lineup is offered in six distinct variants, each designed to provide a range of features and drivetrain configurations suitable for various preferences, from basic rugged setups to high-end, luxury-adjacent models.

• MX1: The entry-level model is available with either a 2.0-liter petrol or 2.2-liter diesel engine and a choice between 2WD and 4WD, both in manual transmissions. Standard features include fabric seats, manual air conditioning, a basic audio system, and standard safety like ABS and dual airbags.
  
•  MX3: Building on MX1, this variant adds an automatic option (petrol) and rear disc brakes. A 10.35-inch infotainment display, wireless charging, and terrain modes (Zip, Zoom, XPLOR) for 2WD enhance off-road capability and interior comfort. It also offers keyless entry, a rear wiper/washer, and electrically adjustable ORVMs.
  
•  AX3L: A higher trim with more technology, including the Adrenox-connected car suite, a digital instrument cluster, level 2 ADAS features, and automatic climate control. This variant also has wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and electric parking brakes with auto-hold.
  
•  MX5: Adding premium details like leatherette upholstery, automatic wipers, a sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels, MX5 comes with 4WD as an option and advanced terrain modes on 4WD diesel models. Key additions include a locking differential, drive disconnect for the front axle, and LED projector fog lamps.
• AX5L: Like AX3L but adds enhanced comfort with electric driveline disconnect and additional features like Crawl Smart and Intelliturn for 4WD diesel. It retains advanced ADAS capabilities, making it a tech-forward off-road variant.
•  AX7L: The top variant, which includes premium finishes like ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera system, a Harman Kardon sound system, and a 6-way adjustable driver seat. This version maximises luxury with leatherette trim on the dashboard and door panels, a panoramic sunroof, and advanced ADAS features such as the adaptive cruise control.

​Safety

The Thar ROXX comprises of 35+ safety features which follow a list of several ADAS level 2 suites, where the highlights remain:

• Lane-Keep Assist (LKA): Helps keep the car in its lane by steering the wheel
• Forward Collision Warning: Warns the driver of a potential collision
• Auto Emergency Braking (AEB): Automatically applies the brakes in an emergency
• High-Beam Assist: Automatically adjusts the high beams
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts the speed of the car
• Blind Spot Detection: Detects vehicles in the driver's blind spot
• Traffic Sign Recognition: Recognizes traffic signs
• Forward Collision Avoidance: Helps avoid a potential collision

And a 360-degree bird view camera ensures total parking convenience alongside an electronic parking brake with auto hold assist. For regular emergency breaking and auto release of the same on all 4 discs as per the requirements.
Now, moving to the passive safety front, then the ROXX bags features like 6 airbags, seat belt reminders, passenger airbag ON/OFF for child safety, ISOFIX mounts, electronic stability control (ESC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), traction control and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Bharat NCAP safety rating

The Mahindra Thar Roxx earned a 5-star rating in the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) crash test, scoring 31.09/32 for adult occupant protection (AOP) and 45/49 for child occupant protection, the highest child score yet.

Tested were the base MX3 and mid AX5 L trims, featuring six airbags, ESC, ISOFIX anchors, a passenger airbag cut-off, and three-point seatbelts with reminders.
In the frontal offset test, the Roxx scored 15.09/16, and in the side movable barrier test, it achieved a perfect 16/16. It met all ESC standards and AIS-100 pedestrian protection.
Though it rated lower in the side pole impact test, the Roxx offers robust protection altogether and includes ADAS in top models. Child dummies in rearward-facing seats secured by ISOFIX received full points in dynamic (24/24) and CRS installation (12/12) tests.
However, the results for the vehicle assessment test stayed a bit lower around 9 out of 13, yet surpassing the safety standards of its predecessor, Thar 3-Door overall, which could only manage to obtain an overall safety rating of 4-Stars at Global NCAP.

Engine and Transmission

The Thar ROXX offers a variety of engine options, ensuring there is something for everyone. The entry-level MX1 equips a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 162 hp and 330 Nm of torque, while the 2.2-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine offers 152 hp and 330 Nm. Both engines are paired with a manual gearbox as standard.

For off-road enthusiasts, the 4x4 variants step things up with the availability of electronic differential locking, which automatically detects wheel slip, applying braking to the slipping wheel to redirect torque, enhancing traction and control on challenging terrain without traditional locking mechanisms.
This broad range of options makes the Mahindra Thar Roxx versatile for diverse drivers, from the hardcore off-road adventurer to those seeking luxury on rough terrains, in compliance with a more powerful 175 hp diesel engine, mated to either a manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.

These variants hoist Mahindra’s ‘Smart Crawl’ system, allowing the vehicle to manage tricky terrain at low speeds, and ‘Intelliturn,’ which improves manoeuvrability in tight spaces. With selectable terrain modes (Snow, Sand, and Mud) and drive modes (Zip and Zoom), the ROXX is equipped to handle a variety of driving conditions with ease.

Mileage & Pricing

The ARAI mileage of Mahindra Thar Roxx is 12.4-15.2 kmpl. The Mahindra Thar Roxx petrol mileage starts from 12.4 kmpl and the Mahindra Thar Roxx diesel mileage starts from 15.2 kmpl.

Personal Verdict

The Mahindra Thar ROXX strikes a balance between hardcore off-road capability and daily drivability. Its Glyde architecture significantly enhances both comfort and safety, with improved NVH levels making long drives less tiring. Whether it is the high-performance suspension setup or the luxurious cabin, Mahindra has ensured that the ROXX appeals to a wide audience, from weekend adventurers to city dwellers looking for a stylish SUV.

The feature-rich variants, especially the AX7L, bring a level of sophistication previously unseen in the Thar lineup, making it a strong contender against premium SUVs in the market. Its off-road credentials remain intact, making it one of the most versatile SUVs in its segment.

Conclusion

Mahindra’s Thar ROXX is a game-changer, seamlessly merging off-road ruggedness with modern technology, top notch safety and creature comfort. With its competitive pricing, advanced safety features, and powerful engine options, the ROXX offers tremendous value for both off-road enthusiasts and urban buyers alike. Whether you are tackling a mountain trail or navigating city streets, the Thar ROXX delivers in style, performance, and capability, making it one of the most compelling offerings in the SUV market today.

Also Read:: Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Maruti Suzuki Jimny vs Force Motors Gurkha: Price Comparison