autoX Awards 2024: Mahindra Thar Roxx Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: The Mahindra Thar has always been a rugged, go-anywhere off-road SUV. Known for its utilitarian appeal, it’s been the quintessential choice for adventurous driving. However, with the launch of the Thar Roxx – a five-door version of the SUV – Mahindra has elevated the model beyond its rugged roots, making it a more versatile, well-rounded offering. The Thar Roxx not only adds the practicality of an extra pair of doors but also sports a refreshed look with C-shaped LED DRLs, a redesigned grille, and stylish 19-inch alloys.

For starters, the Thar Roxx is significantly larger than the three-door version. The wheelbase has increased by 400mm while the overall length has gone up by 443mm, which allows for improved second-row space and a useable 644-litre boot. Now, you can easily take family or friends along without compromising comfort. The expanded dimensions also enhance its road presence. Mahindra has also upgraded the cabin with features and materials comparable in quality to those in the XUV700. Its highlights include twin 10.25-inch screens with smooth touch performance, wireless smartphone connectivity, ADAS, leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and more. In short, it gets all the features that are typically found in well-equipped family SUVs.

Mahindra offers the Thar Roxx with a range of powertrains across the trim levels. You can choose between 2.0-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, both available in two different states of tune, paired with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or automatic transmission. The diesel-powered Thar Roxx is impressively refined – so much so that you’ll take some time to realise that you’re driving a diesel vehicle. Despite the modernised interior, the rugged 4x4 capabilities are intact, allowing the SUV to tackle challenging terrains. For those who don’t like to venture off-road, a more affordable 4x2 version is also available, which will, of course, save you some money. The only real problem with this SUV is the bouncy suspension. While great for absorbing bumps on rough trails, it detracts from on-road comfort. This also has an effect on high-speed handling, which is quite evident in its track times. On the track, it struggled to follow the intended line around corners, given the bouncy suspension and somewhat vague steering. The Thar Roxx feels much more at home on relaxed highway cruises.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx Diesel MT Review: The 5-door SUV to Buy?

Despite its handling limitations, the Thar Roxx is a compelling package from Mahindra. With improved quality, refinement, and spaciousness, it transcends its previous image as a lifestyle vehicle and has now become a proper family SUV. Starting at ₹12.99 lakh and going up to ₹22.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Thar Roxx offers a wide range of variants to suit different needs and budgets, each packed with a generous set of features and robust powertrains.

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