The Mahindra Thar Roxx has ignited a frenzy of excitement in the automotive world. Some are raving about its versatility, while the front grille sparks polarizing opinions, and its engineering prowess makes it seem like the ultimate SUV by an Indian manufacturer. But what’s driving this hype? Is it just the allure of a 5-door Thar, or does the Roxx genuinely live up to its promise of versatility? After being treated to the spectacle of a Farhan Akhtar concert (yes, he closed with Rock On), we spent a few hours with the petrol AT 4x2 Thar Roxx. Here are our first impressions.

What’s New? 

The Mahindra Thar Roxx, a 5-door evolution of the iconic Thar, is built on the Glyde platform, which the carmaker claims to be all-new. However, it was also used by the Scorpio N but reworked heavily for this model. This ensures that the Roxx maintains the ruggedness expected from the Thar while offering greater practicality by being 443mm longer, 50mm wider, and 79mm taller than the 3-door Thar. 

Under the hood, the Thar Roxx offers two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque, and a 2.2-litre diesel engine generating 175 PS and 370 Nm of torque. Notably, the petrol engine is only available with a rear-wheel drive (RWD) configuration, while the diesel offers both RWD and four-wheel drive (4WD) options. 

The suspension is tuned for better on-road stability, with reduced body roll, but it retains enough firmness to handle rough patches, reflecting its off-road orientation. However, rear seat passengers may find uneven city roads unsettling. 

What’s Lifestyle? 

The Thar Roxx comes equipped with a host of features that elevate it from a rugged off-roader to a modern SUV. It boasts a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster, a premium nine-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof. The interior features soft-touch materials and beige upholstery, offering a comfortable ride for both city driving and long journeys. 

Another first for the Thar lineup is the inclusion of Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and wireless charging. The rear seats are thoughtfully designed, with a 60:40 split, ample cushioning, and rear AC vents. The boot space is generous, catering to family needs. 

What’s Off-Road? 

The Roxx retains the core off-road capabilities that the Thar is known for, such as a 41.7-degree approach angle, 36.1-degree departure angle, and a water-wading depth of 650mm. It also features a 4WD system with Brake Lock Differentials and Electric Locking Differentials. Despite its larger size, the off-road geometry remains consistent with the 3-door version, keeping it as capable in off-road scenarios. 

What’s Worth the Hype? 

• More Practical Design with 5 Doors: The introduction of the 5-door variant addresses one of the major limitations of the original Thar—limited space. With the extended wheelbase, the Thar Roxx offers significantly more legroom and rear-seat comfort, making it a viable family SUV without compromising its off-road capabilities. 
• Enhanced Features and Technology: The Thar Roxx is packed with features that elevate it to a modern SUV. Highlights include a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, and a premium 9-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. 
• Retains Off-Road Prowess: While we didn’t sample the 4x4 version, on paper, the Thar Roxx retains the off-road capabilities that the Thar is known for, including impressive approach and departure angles, 4WD systems, and a water-wading depth of 650mm. However, what we can affirm is that it displayed exceptional composure on broken roads, although rear passengers might feel slightly unsettled on uneven urban surfaces. 
• Powerful Engine Options: Both engines come with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The petrol automatic offers refined power delivery, making overtaking a breeze even on narrow, winding roads, especially in Zoom mode. 
• Premium Interior and Comfort: With features like ventilated seats, soft-touch materials, a panoramic sunroof, and ample boot space, the Thar Roxx significantly improves the comfort and luxury quotient, making it more appealing to urban buyers. 

What’s Not Worth the Hype? 

• Limited Storage Solutions: Despite the larger size, the Thar Roxx surprisingly lacks practical storage options such as sufficient bottle holders and compartments. This could be inconvenient for those expecting more utility from an SUV of this class. 
• Missing Convenience Features: The Thar Roxx lacks certain expected convenience features, such as auto-up or auto-close for windows and the panoramic sunroof, which are typically standard in this price range. The absence of these features might disappoint buyers looking for a fully loaded experience. 
• Challenging Ingress and Egress: The elevated ride height and compact door openings make getting in and out of the Thar Roxx less convenient, particularly for elderly passengers or those in formal attire. This could be a drawback for daily use. 
• Incomplete Infotainment Experience: Although the Thar Roxx boasts a 10.25-inch infotainment system, the absence of wireless Apple CarPlay in the top-spec 4x2 variant is a letdown. Additionally, pairing devices with the system was inconsistent during our experience.