Mahindra Thar Roxx: The rugged terrain of the Indian automotive landscape has a new champion, and it’s wearing the iconic Mahindra badge. The Thar Roxx isn’t just another SUV—it’s a statement, a lifestyle choice, and perhaps the most significant evolution of the Thar lineage we’ve seen so far. Launched on August 15, 2024, this five-door variant has transformed the beloved off-roader into a practical family SUV without compromising its adventurous soul.

Breaking the Mold: Design that Demands Attention

Let’s face it—the original Thar was never about blending in. The Roxx takes this philosophy and amplifies it tenfold. With its distinctive silhouette, powerful long hood, and short overhangs, it retains the unmistakable Thar DNA while adding a dose of sophistication. The majestic road presence is complemented by LED headlights, tail lights, and 18-inch alloy wheels on most variants (19-inch dual-tone alloys on the top-spec AX7L trim).

I recently spotted one in Deep Forest Green at a traffic signal, and trust me, it turned more heads than a celebrity sighting. The 2025 updates have added subtle refinements, including more aerodynamic wipers that enhance the already imposing stance.

Under the Hood: Brawn Meets Refinement

The beating heart of the Thar Roxx offers two compelling choices—a 2.0-liter G20 TGDI mStallion petrol engine and a 2.2-liter D22 mHawk diesel powerplant. These aren’t just numbers on a spec sheet; they translate to real-world thrills with the petrol churning out 159.58 bhp and the diesel delivering robust torque of up to 380 Nm.

What truly sets the Roxx apart, however, is Mahindra’s all-new M_GLYDE platform. It’s not marketing jargon—you can actually feel the difference. The WATT’s Link suspension, advanced shock absorbers, and first-in-segment Hydraulic Rebound Stopper (HRS) work in perfect harmony to deliver a ride quality that’s uncharacteristically smooth for something with such serious off-road credentials.

Living Room on Wheels: Interior Comfort & Technology

Step inside, and you’ll quickly realize this isn’t your grandfather’s utilitarian Jeep. The Roxx offers best-in-class cabin roominess with its 2850 mm wheelbase, making it a genuine five-seater rather than a 2+3 compromise. The panoramic sunroof (or “Skyroof™” as Mahindra calls it) floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy ambiance that belies the vehicle’s rugged exterior.

The tech suite is equally impressive. Twin 10.25-inch HD screens (one for infotainment, one for the instrument cluster) dominate the dashboard, while the Harman Kardon 9-speaker system delivers audio quality that would make audiophiles nod in approval. The 2025 updates have introduced keyless entry and a sliding function for the front passenger-side armrest—small touches that make daily living with the Roxx more convenient.

Weekend Warrior: Off-Road Capabilities

Despite its newfound refinement, the Thar Roxx hasn’t forgotten its roots. India’s first Crawl Smart Assist and IntelliTurn features make conquering challenging terrains almost laughably easy, even for novices. The 4XPLOR Terrain Modes (Snow, Sand & Mud) adapt the vehicle’s systems to match the surface beneath, while the Gen II Adventure statistics display keeps you informed about pitch, roll, and compass direction.

I took one through a muddy trail after last week’s downpour, and it felt like the Roxx was actually enjoying itself, eager to show off its capabilities. The electronic locking differential made short work of situations that would have left lesser SUVs calling for a tow.

Safety First: Protection for All Adventures

With 35+ standard safety features, the Thar Roxx takes protection seriously. Six airbags come standard across the range, while higher variants offer Level 2 ADAS features including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The 360-degree camera with blind spot monitoring eliminates guesswork during tight maneuvers, and disc brakes on all wheels ensure stopping power matches acceleration capabilities.

Value Proposition: Price and Variants

Starting at ₹12.99 Lakh and going up to ₹23.39 Lakh (ex-showroom), the Thar Roxx offers variants to match different budgets and needs. The base MX1 RWD provides essential features, while the top-spec AX7L RWD AT pulls out all stops with 19-inch alloys, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and the premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Fuel efficiency ranges from 12.4 kmpl for petrol variants to 15.2 kmpl for diesel options—respectable figures considering the vehicle’s size and capabilities.

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Mahindra Thar Roxx: The Final Verdict

The Mahindra Thar Roxx isn’t just another entry in India’s crowded SUV market—it’s a paradigm shift. It successfully bridges the gap between hardcore off-roaders and family-friendly urban SUVs, offering a compelling package that few competitors can match. With its blend of iconic design, technological sophistication, and genuine capability, the Roxx sets a new benchmark for what Indian consumers can expect from a sub-25 lakh SUV.