Mahindra Thar Roxx : In the rugged terrain of India’s automotive landscape, a new contender has emerged that promises to elevate the off-roading experience to unprecedented heights.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has finally arrived, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the iconic Thar lineage.
Priced starting at Rs. 14 lakhs, this premium iteration of Mahindra’s beloved off-roader aims to blend luxury with capability in a package that’s designed to captivate both adventure enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
A Legacy Reimagined
The Thar name carries with it a storied history spanning decades, from its humble beginnings as a utilitarian vehicle to its current status as a symbol of adventure and freedom.
With the Roxx variant, Mahindra has taken a bold step forward, reimagining what an off-roader can be in today’s luxury-conscious market.
The “Roxx” suffix isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it represents a rock-solid foundation combined with a premium experience that rocks the established norms of off-road vehicles.
This new variant stands as testament to Mahindra’s commitment to innovation while honoring the rugged DNA that has made the Thar a household name across India.
Striking Exterior Design
At first glance, the Thar Roxx commands attention with its imposing stance and refined aesthetic that sets it apart from its predecessor.
The front fascia features a redesigned grille with the signature seven-slot pattern, now adorned with premium chrome accents that catch the light with subtle sophistication.
LED headlamps with distinctive DRL signatures flank the grille, providing both enhanced visibility and a modern touch to the otherwise rugged appearance.
The muscular bonnet with its power dome creates a sense of strength and purpose, hinting at the capable powerplant that lies beneath.
Flared wheel arches house larger 18-inch alloy wheels with an intricate diamond-cut finish, striking the perfect balance between off-road functionality and urban flair.
The side profile retains the iconic boxy silhouette that Thar enthusiasts have come to love, but with more refined proportions and cleaner lines.
A subtle character line runs across the length of the vehicle, breaking the visual mass and lending a sense of motion even when stationary.
The rear design maintains the distinctive Thar DNA with vertical taillights, now upgraded to full LED units for improved visibility and a premium appearance.
The spare wheel mounted on the tailgate features a color-matched cover with the “Roxx” emblem, serving as a badge of honor for this premium variant.
Luxurious Interior Experience
Step inside the Thar Roxx, and you’re immediately greeted by an interior that defies expectations for an off-road focused vehicle.
Soft-touch materials adorn the dashboard and door panels, replacing the utilitarian plastics of the standard Thar with surfaces that invite touch and exude quality.
The seats are wrapped in premium leatherette upholstery with contrast stitching, offering both comfort during long journeys and the durability needed for adventure-filled escapades.
A new 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes center stage on the dashboard, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity along with Mahindra’s AdrenoX connected car technology.
The driver is treated to a fully digital instrument cluster that displays all vital information in high resolution, with multiple display modes including a dedicated off-road information screen.
Ambient lighting with customizable colors creates a welcoming atmosphere during night drives, transforming the cabin into a cocoon of comfort after a day of challenging terrain.
Climate control has been upgraded to a dual-zone automatic system, ensuring that both driver and passengers can set their preferred temperature regardless of the conditions outside.
Sound insulation has received significant attention, with acoustic glass and additional damping materials creating a remarkably quiet cabin even when traversing rough surfaces.
The rear seats offer improved comfort with better cushioning and a slightly reclined backrest, addressing one of the few criticisms of the standard Thar’s seating arrangement.
Storage solutions abound throughout the cabin, from the cooled center console to numerous strategically placed bins and holders for bottles, devices, and adventure gear.
Powertrains That Deliver
Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers a choice of two refined powertrains that balance performance with efficiency.
The 2.0-liter mStallion turbocharged petrol engine produces an impressive 170 PS of power and 320 Nm of torque, offering quick acceleration and responsive throttle inputs.
For those who prefer diesel power, the 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged unit delivers 150 PS and a substantial 350 Nm of torque, perfect for low-end grunt during off-road excursions.
Both engines come paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a sophisticated 6-speed torque converter automatic that offers smooth shifts in both urban environments and challenging terrain.
The automatic transmission features a manual mode with paddle shifters, giving drivers control when they want it while maintaining convenience during daily commutes.
Fuel efficiency has been improved through the implementation of advanced engine management systems and a start-stop feature that conserves fuel during idle situations.
All variants come standard with Mahindra’s 4XPLOR four-wheel-drive system, featuring a shift-on-the-fly mechanism that allows drivers to transition between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes with ease.
The transfer case has been reinforced to handle increased torque demands, ensuring reliability even during the most challenging off-road situations.
Off-Road Capabilities Redefined
Despite its premium positioning, the Thar Roxx hasn’t compromised on the off-road capabilities that define the Thar legacy.
Ground clearance stands at an impressive 226mm, allowing the vehicle to traverse obstacles that would stymie lesser SUVs.
The approach angle of 41.8 degrees, departure angle of 36.8 degrees, and breakover angle of 27 degrees ensure that the Thar Roxx can tackle steep inclines and declines with confidence.
Water wading capability has been increased to 650mm, making stream crossings less daunting and opening up new possibilities for adventure seekers.
The suspension system features independent front suspension with double wishbones and a multi-link rear setup, providing excellent articulation while maintaining on-road comfort.
Electronically locking front and rear differentials distribute power to the wheels with traction, ensuring forward progress even when wheels are lifted off the ground.
An advanced terrain management system offers preset modes for different surfaces including Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock, optimizing throttle response, traction control, and differential locking for each condition.
Hill descent control maintains a preset speed during steep descents, allowing drivers to focus on steering rather than braking.
The off-road information display provides real-time data on wheel articulation, compass heading, inclinometer readings, and transfer case status, keeping drivers informed during technical sections.
Underbody protection has been reinforced with high-strength skid plates that shield vital components from rocks and obstacles without adding excessive weight.
Technology and Connectivity
The Thar Roxx represents Mahindra’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into their vehicles, even those designed for off-road adventures.
The AdrenoX connected car platform enables remote vehicle monitoring, geo-fencing, and over-the-air updates that continuously improve vehicle functionality.
A 360-degree camera system with off-road view assists during technical maneuvers, displaying terrain that would otherwise be invisible from the driver’s seat.
Wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin ensure that devices remain powered during extended journeys away from civilization.
The premium sound system features eight speakers and a subwoofer, delivering immersive audio quality regardless of the driving conditions.
Voice commands powered by artificial intelligence recognize natural language inputs, allowing hands-free control of various vehicle functions.
The Mahindra app provides detailed trip statistics, vehicle health information, and the ability to schedule service appointments directly from a smartphone.
Adventure logging features allow owners to record their journeys with GPS tracks, photos, and notes that can be shared across social media platforms.
Safety Features That Inspire Confidence
Safety hasn’t taken a backseat in the Thar Roxx, with a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect occupants in all driving conditions.
Six airbags come standard across all variants, providing protection for front and side impacts.
The reinforced chassis features high-strength steel in key areas, creating a protective cage around occupants while maintaining the flexibility needed for off-road articulation.
Electronic stability control with roll mitigation technology helps prevent dangerous situations by applying brakes to individual wheels when instability is detected.
Advanced driver assistance systems include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control on higher variants.
Tire pressure monitoring alerts drivers to potential issues before they become problematic, especially important during remote adventures.
ISOFIX child seat anchors ensure that even the youngest adventurers can travel safely and securely.
Off-road specific safety features include downhill brake support and a roll-over protection system that deploys instantly in the unlikely event of a vehicle inversion.
Customization Options
Understanding that personalization is key for premium vehicle owners, Mahindra offers extensive customization options for the Thar Roxx.
Seven exterior color options include five standard shades and two premium metallic finishes exclusive to the Roxx variant.
Interior themes can be selected from three distinct options, ranging from a classic black with tan accents to a more contemporary grey and blue combination.
The accessory catalog features over 150 items, from practical additions like winches and roof racks to styling enhancements such as hood scoops and fender flares.
Adventure packs bundle popular accessories for different activities, including camping, overlanding, and water sports.
The Thar Roxx Studios program allows buyers to work directly with Mahindra designers to create truly bespoke vehicles with unique color combinations and materials.
Ownership Experience
Mahindra has elevated the ownership experience to match the premium positioning of the Thar Roxx.
A dedicated relationship manager is assigned to each Thar Roxx customer, providing personalized assistance throughout the ownership journey.
The Purple Club Royale membership offers exclusive benefits including priority service, complimentary roadside assistance, and invitations to Mahindra-sponsored adventure events.
The warranty package has been extended to 5 years/unlimited kilometers, reflecting Mahindra’s confidence in the vehicle’s durability and reliability.
Service intervals have been increased to 10,000 kilometers, reducing maintenance frequency without compromising vehicle health.
A transparent service cost calculator allows owners to anticipate maintenance expenses accurately, eliminating unwelcome surprises during service visits.
Market Positioning and Competition
At Rs. 14 lakhs, the Thar Roxx positions itself in an interesting segment that bridges the gap between mainstream SUVs and premium offerings.
Its primary competitors include the Force Gurkha on the dedicated off-roader front, though the Gurkha lacks the premium features and refinement of the Roxx.
In the broader SUV space, it challenges vehicles like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, offering superior off-road capability while matching their comfort and feature sets.
The lower variants of the Jeep Compass also fall within the Thar Roxx’s price bracket, creating an interesting American vs. Indian off-roader rivalry.
Within Mahindra’s own lineup, the Thar Roxx sits between the standard Thar and the XUV700, offering a unique blend of attributes from both models.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Verdict: Worth the Premium?
The Mahindra Thar Roxx represents a bold vision for the future of Indian off-roaders, one where capability doesn’t come at the expense of comfort and refinement.
At Rs. 14 lakhs, it commands a significant premium over the standard Thar, but the comprehensive upgrades justify the price difference for those seeking both adventure and luxury.
The vehicle successfully bridges the gap between weekend warrior and daily driver, eliminating the compromises that typically come with dedicated off-road vehicles.
For urban dwellers with an adventurous spirit, the Thar Roxx offers the perfect combination of weekday practicality and weekend escape potential.
Pure off-road enthusiasts might find some of the luxury additions unnecessary, but even they will appreciate the enhanced capability that comes with the Roxx’s upgraded mechanicals.
In creating the Thar Roxx, Mahindra hasn’t just built a more premium version of their iconic off-roader—they’ve redefined what an Indian SUV can be.
With its blend of heritage, capability, luxury, and technology, the Thar Roxx stands as a proud declaration that Indian automotive engineering can compete with the best in the world.
For those with the means and the desire for adventure without compromise, the Mahindra Thar Roxx represents not just a vehicle purchase, but an investment in a lifestyle where boundaries are meant to be crossed and horizons are meant to be chased.