New Mahindra Thar Roxx: The Indian automotive industry witnessed a seismic shift when Mahindra launched the Thar Roxx, a five-door SUV that has successfully transformed the beloved three-door Thar into a family-friendly adventure machine. Since its launch in August 2024, this rugged yet refined SUV has captured the imagination of Indian buyers, proving that practicality and adventure can coexist beautifully.
A Phenomenon That Broke All Records
The response to the Thar Roxx has been nothing short of extraordinary. Within just one hour of bookings opening on October 3, 2024, Mahindra received over 1.76 lakh bookings, demonstrating unprecedented demand for this five-door adventure SUV. This overwhelming response forced the company to extend delivery timelines, with waiting periods stretching several months.
The Thar nameplate, including both the Roxx and three-door variants, reported a remarkable 77 percent year-on-year growth in sales, cementing its position as one of India’s most successful SUV stories. The first production unit was auctioned for an astronomical ₹31 crores, highlighting the aspirational value this vehicle commands.
Engineering Excellence Meets Adventure DNA
Built on Mahindra’s new M_GLYDE platform, the Thar Roxx represents a significant evolution from its three-door sibling. The SUV has been rigorously tested in extreme conditions across diverse terrains, including the scorching sand dunes of the Thar desert at +50°C, ensuring it maintains the go-anywhere capability that defines the Thar brand.
The engineering team at Mahindra Research Valley has equipped the Roxx with advanced features like WATT’s Link suspension, Frequency Dependent Damping technology, and a first-in-category Hydraulic Rebound Stopper. These innovations deliver a refined ride quality that was previously unimaginable in a body-on-frame SUV, making it suitable for both urban commuting and weekend adventures.
Powertrains That Deliver Performance and Efficiency
The Thar Roxx offers two compelling engine options that cater to different driving preferences. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers impressive performance with two states of tune: 160hp/330Nm and 174hp/380Nm. For those seeking better fuel efficiency, the 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine produces 150hp/330Nm in manual form and 172hp/370Nm with the automatic transmission.
The ARAI-certified mileage figures are impressive, with the diesel variant achieving 15.2 kmpl and the petrol variant delivering 12.4 kmpl. Real-world performance has been equally satisfying, with owners reporting fuel efficiency figures that closely match these official claims, making the Roxx a practical choice for daily driving.
Safety That Sets New Standards
Safety has been a cornerstone of the Thar Roxx’s development, and the results speak for themselves. The SUV achieved a perfect 5-star rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests for both adult and child occupant safety, establishing it as one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
The comprehensive safety package includes six airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with ten advanced features, and a robust Electronic Stability Program. The ADAS suite includes forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, bringing international safety standards to the Indian market.
Technology That Enhances Every Journey
The Thar Roxx’s interior represents a quantum leap in sophistication compared to its three-door sibling. The feature list includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats, creating a premium cabin experience that rivals more expensive SUVs.
Mahindra has recently introduced Dolby Atmos technology in the AX7L variant, making the Thar Roxx the first SUV in the world to feature 4-channel immersive audio powered by Dolby Atmos. This addition further enhances the premium quotient of an already feature-rich vehicle.
Recent Updates That Add Value
Mahindra hasn’t rested on its laurels since the initial launch. The 2025 model year brings three new convenience features: aerodynamic wipers, keyless entry, and a sliding co-driver armrest. These additions, while seemingly minor, demonstrate the company’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
The interior has also been refreshed with new color options. The Mocha Grey interior theme now comes as standard, replacing the previous Ivory white theme on 4×2 variants, providing customers with more sophisticated interior choices.
Market Position and Competitive Advantage
Priced between ₹12.99 lakh and ₹23.39 lakh (ex-showroom), the Thar Roxx occupies a unique position in the Indian SUV market. It faces limited direct competition, with the Force Gurkha 5-door being its closest rival, though the Gurkha lacks the Roxx’s comprehensive feature set and refinement levels.
The Thar Roxx’s success has prompted Mahindra to set ambitious goals. The company aims to make the Thar brand the number one SUV in the above ₹12.5 lakh segment by volume within the next three to five years, a target that seems increasingly achievable given the overwhelming market response.
Off-Road Capabilities That Remain Uncompromised
Despite its focus on on-road refinement, the Thar Roxx retains serious off-road credentials. It offers 650mm water-wading depth, 36.1-degree departure angles, and 41.7-degree approach angles, along with advanced 4XPLOR terrain modes for different surfaces including Snow, Sand, and Mud.
The inclusion of India’s first Crawl Smart Assist and IntelliTurn features further enhances its off-road capability, allowing the vehicle to navigate challenging terrain with minimal driver input while maintaining the engaging driving experience that enthusiasts expect.
New Mahindra Thar Roxx The Verdict: A New Benchmark
The Mahindra Thar Roxx has successfully achieved what many thought impossible: creating a family-friendly SUV that doesn’t compromise on the adventure DNA that made the Thar legendary. With its combination of refined ride quality, comprehensive safety features, modern technology, and uncompromised off-road ability, it has set a new benchmark for what an Indian SUV can achieve.
As waiting lists continue to grow and customer satisfaction remains high, the Thar Roxx stands as proof that Indian automotive engineering can compete with the best in the world while staying true to its roots.