Mahindra Thar Roxx Detailed Road Test Review

Finally, after a long wait, our friend has bought the Thar Roxx and we got the perfect excuse to spend some proper time with it. We tested the AX7L diesel automatic variant to see whether this bigger, more practical version truly feels better than its two door sibling.

The idea was simple. Does the added length, extra doors, bigger cabin and improved feature list actually make it a better everyday SUV, or does the original three door Thar still feel more authentic and fun? After driving it in the city, on the highway and over rough patches, here is what we found out.

Big And Bold From Every Angle 

Thar retains that iconic boxy silhouette with a longer wheelbase that gives it a more substantial road presence, making it look like it's ready to conquer both city streets and rugged trails. 

The front end features a aggressive seven-slot grille, sharp LED projector headlights, and a sturdy bumper with integrated fog lamps and tow hooks that aren't just for show, they're functional for off-road recovery. From the side, the flared wheel arches house 19-inch diamond-cut alloys wrapped in 255/60 tires, emphasizing its muscular stance, while the stepped roofline adds a touch of modernity without diluting its heritage. 

The rear sports vertical LED taillights and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, completing the tough-guy vibe. With 219mm of ground clearance and impressive approach/departure angles, it handles uneven terrain confidently, but I've noticed that the larger dimensions can make it feel cumbersome in tight parking spots or narrow lanes. 

The paint finish holds up well against minor scratches from branches during light off-roading, though the overall build feels solid but not premium some panel gaps could be tighter. In my view, it's a design that turns heads and appeals to adventure seekers, yet it might come across as too flashy for those preferring understated elegance.

Quite Premium Interior Despite Its Rugged Chops

Stepping inside the Thar Roxx AX7L, I'm impressed by how Mahindra has blended ruggedness with everyday usability. The cabin uses a mix of soft-touch leatherette on the dashboard and door pads, giving it a premium feel, especially in black grey option, but lower sections revert to harder plastics that can scratch easily from keys or bags. 

The front seats are ventilated and electrically adjustable for the driver, offering good support during long drives, though I've found the under-thigh cushioning lacking for taller folks like myself over extended periods.

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Rear space is a game-changer with the extended wheelbase legroom and knee room are generous, fitting three adults comfortably with reclinable backrests and decent headroom even under the panoramic sunroof. That sunroof lets in plenty of light but can make the cabin toasty in summer without the blinds drawn. 

Boot capacity stands at about 447 liters, expandable to over 1,000 with seats folded, which is practical for family outings or gear-hauling, but the high loading lip requires some effort for heavy items.

Features abound automatic AC with rear vents, a cooled glovebox, wireless charging, keyless entry, and ample USB ports keep things convenient. Storage is adequate with door pockets and cup holders, but the center armrest is on the smaller side. 

Material quality is durable for daily use, yet the white interior variant picks up dirt quickly in dusty conditions. Overall, it's a space that prioritizes comfort for families while maintaining that off-road ethos, though it doesn't match the plushness of cars like 7XO and Creta

Glitch Infotainment Is A Hall mark Of Mahindra Range

In my hands-on time with the Thar Roxx's infotainment setup, the 10.25-inch touchscreen stands out for its crisp display and responsive interface but is still a mixed bag just like very other Mahindra car

.It supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, making navigation and music streaming seamless I often use it for real-time traffic updates on highways. The nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system delivers punchy sound with solid bass, enhancing road trips, but it can distort at max volume during bumpy rides. 

Also Read- Mahindra Scorpio N Review

Paired with a matching 10.25-inch digital driver's display, it shows customizable info like fuel stats, tire pressure, and ADAS alerts clearly.

Voice commands work for basics like climate control or calls, but accuracy dips in noisy traffic. Connectivity includes Bluetooth, multiple device pairing, and OTA updates that Mahindra promises for ongoing improvements. However, I've encountered occasional lags or freezes, especially when multitasking, requiring a quick reboot. 

The 360-degree camera feeds are sharp, aiding in tight maneuvers, and the system integrates well with the ADAS suite. It's a tech package that keeps up with modern expectations for entertainment and utility, though it lacks the fluidity of some luxury brands' systems.

Same Old Excellent mHawk

Driving the Thar Roxx AX7L's 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, I'm always struck by its refinement NVH levels are low, with minimal vibrations filtering into the cabin even at idle. Producing 172 bhp and 370 Nm of torque, it pairs smoothly with the six-speed torque-converter automatic, delivering strong low-end pull for effortless city acceleration and highway overtakes

In my tests, it surges confidently from standstill, with the gearbox shifting intuitively without hunting for gears in traffic. Power is ample for loaded climbs or quick merges, and the diesel's torque makes light work of towing or off-road scenarios. Fuel efficiency averages 10-12 kmpl in mixed conditions, stretching to 13-15 on open roads, but it plummets to single digits in heavy urban stop-go. 

The automatic is reliable and focuses on driveability over outright sportiness, though it can feel a tad sluggish when pushing hard. Compared to petrol variants I've driven, this diesel feels more suited to the Roxx's character, offering that addictive grunt without being overly thirsty, but maintenance costs could add up for low-mileage users.

The Thar Roxx's ride quality has improved significantly over the three-door model, thanks to frequency-selective dampers and an independent front suspension on its ladder-frame chassis. On highways, it feels stable at 100-120 kmph, absorbing undulations with composure that surprises for a body-on-frame SUV. 

In my experience, it handles long drives well, with minimal fatigue, but body roll becomes evident in corners, requiring measured inputs to avoid unsettling passengers.

The electric power steering is weighted appropriately at speed, providing decent feedback, though it's heavy in parking lots. Off-road, the 4x4 system with low-range and locking differential excels I've taken it through slush and inclines where it crawls confidently without drama. However, on pothole-riddled city roads, the rear rigid axle can make the ride bouncy, tossing occupants around more than monocoque rivals. 

Wind noise creeps in above 100 kmph, and the large turning radius demands planning for U-turns. It's a balanced handler for its type, versatile for adventures yet adaptable to daily duties, but it won't win over those seeking car-like agility.

5 Star Rated Ladder Frame SUV

Safety is a strong suit for the Thar Roxx AX7L, earning a five-star Bharat NCAP rating that gives me confidence in its structural integrity, built with high-strength steel. Standard kit includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill hold/descent assist, which I've found effective on slopes. The Level-2 ADAS suite adaptive cruise, auto emergency braking, lane keep, and forward collision warning operates reliably on highways, reducing driver stress, though it can be overzealous in erratic traffic.

Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines make urban navigation safer, especially given the high bonnet. 

Tire pressure monitoring and ISOFIX points cater to families, while the brakes offer progressive bite with good stopping power in dry conditions, though they need firmer pedal effort when wet. In my drives, the overall package instills reassurance, but some early reports of minor electronic glitches remind me that real-world reliability is key.

Rivals

In the competitive SUV arena, the Thar Roxx AX7L Diesel Automatic squares off against several contenders. Both Mahindra Scorpio N and newly launched 7XO ar great alternatives to who think Thar is a bit too much of a showstopper

The now discontinued Maruti Jimny matches off-road chops in a smaller package, ideal for purists, but lacks power and space.

Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos provide superior urban refinement, tech, and efficiency, though they can't match the Roxx's ruggedness or presence. 

The Force Gurkha is a direct off-road rival with comparable capability but falls short on features and daily drivability. Larger options like the Toyota Fortuner command higher prices with better resale value, yet they don't deliver the fun, lifestyle vibe of the Thar. Priced around Rs 20-22 lakh ex-showroom, the Roxx carves a niche as a versatile all-rounder, blending adventure with practicality in a way few others do.

Why To Buy The Thar Roxx
 

• Strong diesel performance with smooth refinement on long drives.
• Commanding road presence that stands out everywhere.
• Generous rear seat space for family comfort.
• Genuine off road capability for serious adventures.
• Ample low end torque for effortless overtakes and climbs.
   

Why Not To Buy The Thar Roxx
 

• City fuel efficiency can drop below 10 kmpl.
• Noticeable body roll in corners.
• Interior plastics prone to scratches over time.
• Small fuel tank limits long distance range.
• Occasional touchscreen glitches may disrupt usage.