Mahindra Thar Roxx: Expanding Horizons with 5-Door Freedom
Mahindra’s iconic Thar, renowned for its formidable off-road prowess, has arrived in a new, larger, and more refined avatar: the Mahindra Thar Roxx. This 5-door SUV promises a fresh fusion of adventure and convenience in the Indian market. Priced approximately between ₹14.5 lakh and ₹29 lakh (on-road), depending on your city, we’ve had the chance to get up close with this new offering, and here’s what truly sets it apart.
Design: Familiar Identity, Modern Upgrades
The Thar Roxx carefully preserves the iconic character of its 3-door predecessor while introducing a host of upgrades that give it a more modern and premium look. Up front, the familiar headlamp design now features LED headlamps, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), and LED fog lamps, providing excellent illumination even at night. The grille has been subtly tweaked to distinguish it from the 3-door Thar.
It houses a front camera for the 360-degree camera system, and the radar for the Level 2 ADAS (camera and radar) is discreetly tucked away under the bumper, with the camera positioned on the windshield.
From the side, the Thar Roxx bears a strong resemblance to the standard Thar, but noticeable differences quickly set it apart. Firstly, the rear C-pillar area is cut at an angle instead of a straight line, a clever design choice that visually separates it from the regular 3-door Thar. Secondly, its roof is entirely metal, and it features a magnificent panoramic sunroof. Gone are the fibre or soft top options for this model. For easier entry and exit, a convenient side step is provided, and the side mirrors are equipped with cameras. The 19-inch tires offer excellent road grip, which is crucial for an SUV, especially during off-roading. However, the absence of passive entry might be a minor point of contention for some at this price point.
The New 4G Platform: Lighter and More Agile
Mahindra has taken a bold step forward with the Thar Roxx by building it on the all-new 4G platform, marking a significant evolution in its design and engineering. This isn’t just technical jargon; it translates to a lighter vehicle with improved driving dynamics. This move is particularly noteworthy as the world gravitates towards electric vehicles, yet Mahindra continues to invest in its robust ladder-on-frame technology.
The ground clearance of the Thar Roxx remains similar to the 3-door model, ensuring its off-road capabilities are uncompromised. However, its wheelbase has increased significantly, surpassing even that of the Scorpio N, which directly implies substantially more cabin space.
Interior: A Fusion of Luxury and Practicality
Stepping inside Thar Roxx’s cabin, you’re greeted by a dual-tone interior. The upper black section features soft-touch elements, complemented by lighter-colored lower panels – a theme that extends to the top-end 4×4 model. The Thar Roxx features ventilated leatherette front seats, adding a touch of luxury and enhancing the cabin’s overall premium ambience.
While lighter interiors might show dirt easily during off-roading, the airy and open ambience is superb.
The cabin also incorporates familiar Thar design elements, such as the circular AC vents and carbon fibre finish around them. The dashboard layout closely mirrors that of the 3-door model, maintaining a familiar, functional design while subtly refining the overall cabin experience. However, the Roxx introduces several welcome and significant upgrades:
- Push the start/stop button to the right of the steering column.
- Dedicated buttons to toggle traction control, hill descent control, ambient lighting, and parking sensors.
- The Thar Roxx boasts an exceptionally soft, premium leather-wrapped steering wheel — a standout upgrade that surpasses what’s typically seen in other Mahindra vehicles.
- Wireless Android Auto (though Apple CarPlay is yet to be integrated).
- A 10.25-inch touchscreen system featuring a high-quality 360-degree camera.
- A Harman Kardon music system with 9 speakers delivering excellent audio quality.
- Improved front seats – wider, more supportive, and ventilated on the top variant.
- Power window controls have been relocated to the doors, addressing a major practicality concern from the 3-door model.
- It also features an electronic parking brake and a wireless charging pad.
- An auto day/night frameless Internal Rear View Mirror (IRVM), a welcome addition that was missing in the XUV700.
- 65W Type-C and USB charging ports are also available for front passengers.
- There’s also a large panoramic sunroof, though its insulation could be slightly improved.
In terms of storage, the glove box offers decent space, but the door pockets aren’t large enough to accommodate big bottles.
Space and Comfort: Ample Room to Roam
Due to the increased wheelbase, space is no longer a concern in the Thar Roxx. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable (though without a memory function). Even for a 6-foot-tall individual, there’s ample headroom and knee room in the second row. We will soon test the comfort for three occupants. Rear passengers also benefit from AC vents and a Type-C charging port. Cup holders are integrated into the armrest. The rear seats can also recline, further enhancing comfort on longer journeys.
You get small tail lamps and a side-opening boot gate. The boot space measures an impressive approximately 644 litres. An interesting detail often missed is that the rear camera is mounted on the spare tire, visible only upon closer inspection.
Safety: Built on a Strong Foundation
The 3-door Thar has already achieved a 4-star safety rating, and given that the Roxx leverages learnings from the Scorpio-N’s platform for safety, we anticipate an easy 4 or 5-star rating for the 5-door variant. While official results are pending, the Roxx is equipped with numerous safety features, including multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, traction control, ESP, and many more, particularly in the 4×4 model.
Also Read: –Top 10 Upcoming SUVs in India: Your 2025-2026 Guide to Next-Gen SUVs!
Performance and Driving Dynamics: Effortless and Refined
The Thar Roxx comes with two engine options, similar to those found in the XUV700 and Scorpio, though tuned for different power outputs.
Both engine options in the Thar Roxx are offered with a choice of 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions.
The petrol variant comes equipped with a 4×2 drivetrain, while the diesel version is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, offering versatility to suit varying driving needs and terrains.
Our initial drive in the 4×4 diesel variant was thoroughly impressive. The Roxx is remarkably easy to drive, featuring a light electronic steering wheel that allows for two-finger steering even at low speeds. The ride quality is a major highlight; the increased wheelbase, lighter platform, and new suspension settings have significantly reduced the bounciness often associated with the 3-door Thar. The Roxx handles exceptionally well at high speeds and around corners, feeling incredibly luxurious and premium on the road.
We will soon embark on an extensive 1000-1200 km drive from Cochin to Mumbai, where we will provide an in-depth analysis of its long-distance performance, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability.