Mahindra Thar ROXX: In the rapidly evolving landscape of India’s SUV market, few vehicles have generated as much excitement as the Mahindra Thar ROXX.
This five-door iteration of Mahindra’s iconic off-roader has captured the imagination of adventure enthusiasts and family-oriented buyers alike.
Combining rugged capability with modern amenities, the Thar ROXX represents Mahindra’s commitment to delivering versatile, feature-rich vehicles that don’t compromise on the brand’s adventurous spirit.
Mahindra Thar ROXX Market Position and Current Pricing
The Mahindra Thar ROXX starts at ₹12.99 Lakh for the base variant and goes up to ₹23.09 Lakh for the top-end model (ex-showroom). This positioning places it strategically within the mid-size SUV segment, offering a compelling alternative to conventional options like the Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos, while providing more practicality than the three-door Thar.
As of May 2025, the pricing structure remains competitive, though prospective buyers should note that there are currently no special discount offers available in Delhi for the Thar ROXX.
This stands in contrast to the original three-door Thar, which has been offered with significant discounts of up to ₹1.75 lakh on specific variants to boost sales, as the newer ROXX has cannibalized some of its market share.
The absence of discounts on the Thar ROXX isn’t surprising, as Mahindra has maintained full pricing on its popular models including the Scorpio-N, Thar ROXX, and XUV 3XO even during festive seasons when other vehicles in their lineup received price cuts. This reflects the strong demand and market position these models currently enjoy.
Design and Exterior Features
The Thar ROXX maintains the iconic silhouette of the original Thar but significantly enhances its presence with a longer wheelbase and more substantial dimensions.
It features a distinctive six-slot grille that differentiates it from the three-door version, complemented by attractive C-shaped DRLs and LED projector headlamps. The design successfully balances the rugged appeal of the original with more sophisticated elements to appeal to a broader audience.
The vehicle’s boxy shape is accentuated by a metal black roof with an angled C-pillar that cleverly houses the rear door handle. The side profile is enhanced by up to 19-inch diamond-cut dual-tone alloy wheels, giving it a premium stance.
At the rear, the Thar ROXX retains the sideways-opening bootlid with the iconic spare wheel attachment, a design element that enthusiasts have come to associate with the Thar’s adventurous spirit.
Recent updates introduced in March 2025 include aero wipers, a sliding passenger-side front armrest, and keyless entry, demonstrating Mahindra’s commitment to continuously refining the vehicle with practical enhancements.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the Thar ROXX represents a significant step up from its three-door sibling. The cabin feels more upmarket with a lower utility vibe, featuring soft-touch materials, a steering wheel borrowed from the XUV700, and premium trim finishes. The fit and finish show marked improvement, addressing one of the few criticisms of the original Thar.
A notable change announced in March 2025 was the introduction of a new Mocha Brown interior theme, replacing the Ivory (white) theme previously offered with all 4×2 variants.
This new color scheme extends beyond just the upholstery to include various plastic components, creating a more cohesive and premium cabin ambiance.
The technology package is comprehensive, featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a premium 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio setup, and a panoramic sunroof that extends over the rear seats. Practical amenities include ventilated front seats, rear AC vents, USB Type-C charging ports, and ample storage solutions.
Performance and Capabilities
Under the hood, the Thar ROXX offers two potent powertrains. The petrol option is a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit delivering up to 174.33 bhp at 5000 rpm when paired with the automatic transmission.
The diesel alternative is a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine that produces up to 172.45 bhp at 3500 rpm and 370 Nm of torque when configured with 4×4 and automatic transmission.
Both engines can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. While all versions come with rear-wheel drive as standard, the 4×4 drivetrain is exclusively offered with the diesel engine, a point worth noting for serious off-road enthusiasts.
The 4×4 system is complemented by multiple drive and terrain modes, offering customization for varying driving conditions. Advanced off-road features include Crawl Smart for automatic throttle responses over obstacles and IntelliTurn to perform tight U-turns or navigate tricky off-road trails.
Fuel efficiency is modest, with the petrol variant offering 12.4 kmpl and the diesel delivering a more economical 15.2 kmpl, according to ARAI claims. While these figures may not impress economy-minded buyers, they’re reasonable considering the vehicle’s capability and size.
Safety Features
Safety has been a priority for Mahindra with the Thar ROXX, which received a full 5-star crash safety rating from Bharat NCAP for both adult and child occupant protection.
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), hill hold and descent control, and rear parking sensors across all variants.
Higher trims feature a 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor that provides indicator-linked side camera views. The feed is crisp and lag-free, enhancing everyday usability. Front parking sensors are also included in these variants.
Perhaps most impressively, the Thar ROXX incorporates Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), featuring lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and autonomous emergency braking.
While these systems enhance safety, users should note that features like adaptive cruise control can sometimes be overreactive in heavy traffic conditions.
Practicality and Family Friendliness
One of the main selling points of the Thar ROXX over the three-door Thar is its enhanced practicality for family use. The cabin provides adequate space for passengers up to 6 feet tall, with good knee room, headroom, and seat support. The rear seats feature a deeply reclining backrest for enhanced comfort on long journeys.
Boot space is substantial at up to 644 liters, providing ample room for luggage and adventure gear. The rear seats can be folded to expand cargo capacity further, adding versatility for various lifestyle needs.
However, potential buyers should note that access requires using the side step due to the high floor, which might pose challenges for elderly passengers. This is a typical trade-off with vehicles that offer serious off-road capability.
Current Market Situation and Waiting Periods
The Thar ROXX has been a remarkable success for Mahindra, with over 1.76 lakh bookings in the pipeline. This strong demand explains the absence of discounts and has led to extended waiting periods.
As of March 2025, the waiting period stretched up to 2 months in major Indian cities, though this may have changed by May 2025.
Deliveries have been steady, with Mahindra having sold and dispatched over 8,500 units of the Thar lineup (including the 3-door Thar) in March 2025. This indicates production ramping up to meet the substantial demand.
Financing Options
For buyers considering financing options, the Thar ROXX is available with competitive EMI plans. EMIs start at approximately ₹23,986 with an interest rate of 8.5%. The down payment for the base MX1 RWD variant is around ₹1.59 Lakh, with an EMI of approximately ₹30,328.
These financing options make the Thar ROXX accessible to a wider range of buyers, despite its substantial price tag. Potential customers should check with local dealerships for the latest financing offers, as these can vary by location and change over time.
Variant Recommendations
Among the 18 variants available, the AX3L represents particularly good value for money. Priced at ₹16.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it comes equipped with ADAS features, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and wireless charging, offering an excellent balance of features and affordability.
For those seeking a petrol option with strong feature content, the MX5 variant starts at ₹16.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and includes most key features while omitting some luxury touches like leather seats, seat ventilation, and powered seat adjustment.
Mahindra Thar ROXX Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar ROXX has successfully evolved the Thar formula into a more practical, family-friendly package without compromising on the adventurous spirit that made the original so popular.
Its combination of rugged capability, modern features, and enhanced practicality has clearly resonated with the Indian market, as evidenced by its strong demand and lack of discounting.
While there are no significant discounts available as of May 2025, the Thar ROXX still represents compelling value given its unique positioning in the market.
For those seeking a blend of off-road capability and daily usability in a distinctively styled package, it offers an experience few competitors can match.
The absence of current discounts should be balanced against the vehicle’s substantial features list and the premium users are willing to pay for its unique blend of attributes.
As Mahindra continues to refine and update the Thar ROXX with new features and interior options, its market position is likely to remain strong, with the vehicle continuing to command full price despite the competitive nature of India’s SUV segment.