Mahindra Thar ROXX 2026:Let me start with something honest. The old 3-door Thar? It’s a toy. A brilliant, heart-stealing toy, but a toy nonetheless. You couldn’t take your in-laws out in it without hearing complaints about the back seat. The boot was a joke. The Mahindra Thar ROXX fixes all of that. I just came back from a week of driving the new 2026 Thar ROXX Star Edition – through the hills, through city traffic, and on the highway. Mahindra has taken the legendary off-roader and turned it into something you can actually live with every single day. Here’s my full, chai-break style review.
Petrol vs Diesel – The Real-World Mileage Reality Check
The Thar ROXX is petrol and diesel only (no EV, no hybrid). Mahindra offers the same two engines from the XUV700 here, but with a focus on torque for off-roading .
2.0L Turbo-Petrol (mStallion) – The Refined One
This engine produces 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque . It’s available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The official ARAI mileage is 12.4 km/l .
Real-world mileage (what actually matters): I spoke to an owner who has been driving the petrol automatic. In the city, he gets 8 km/l. On the highway, it maxes out at 10 km/l . Let’s be honest – 177 bhp and a 2-tonne weight means you will be visiting the fuel pump often. The petrol is smooth, quiet, and refined. It doesn’t have the typical SUV “rumble.” If you want silence and don’t mind the running costs, pick this.
2.2L Turbo-Diesel (mHawk) – The People’s Choice
This is the engine that 90% of buyers should pick. It produces 175 PS and 370 Nm (on the 4×4 variants) . The diesel is available with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The official ARAI mileage is an impressive 15.2 km/l .
Real-world mileage: Based on user reports, expect 12-14 km/l in the city and 15-17 km/l on the highway. That’s actually very respectable for a vehicle this size and weight. The diesel has that addictive low-end torque (available from 1,500 rpm) that makes city driving effortless and highway overtakes a breeze.
My pick: The diesel automatic is the sweet spot. You get the torque, the efficiency, and the convenience of an auto ‘box. The petrol is for enthusiasts who love revving and don’t mind paying at the pump.
Road Presence – The Elephant in the Room (Literally)
The Thar ROXX is massive. It measures 4,428 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and stands 1,923 mm tall . The wheelbase is a generous 2,850 mm .
The design is unmistakably Thar but matured. The Star Edition launched in January 2026 adds a piano black front grille and 19-inch piano black alloy wheels . The new Citrine Yellow colour is a head-turner, though you can also get it in Tango Red, Everest White, and Stealth Black .
On the road, people move for you. The ground clearance is a massive 226 mm . You sit high, you see far, and you don’t fear potholes. The 5-door layout makes it look like a proper SUV, not a ‘soft-roader’.
Cabin Comfort – Finally, A Family-Friendly Interior
This is where the ROXX leaves the 3-door Thar in the dust. The 5-door layout means you can actually get in and out of the back seat without doing a circus act.
The Good:
- Dual 10.25-inch screens – one for the digital driver’s display, one for the touchscreen infotainment .
- Panoramic sunroof – Yes, a Thar with a sunroof. It opens up the cabin beautifully .
- Ventilated front seats – Available on higher trims. Absolute lifesaver in Indian summers .
- 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system – Loud, punchy, and perfect for highway trips .
- Black upholstery – Finally. The Star Edition gets an all-black cabin with suede inserts, which is way easier to maintain than the earlier white interior .
The Space Check: The rear seat is now usable for adults. Two adults sit very comfortably. Three is a squeeze, but that’s true for most SUVs. The boot space is 385 – 447 Litres . You can fit four suitcases easily. For the first time, the Thar is a genuine family car.
The Not-So-Good: Some owners have reported that the digital dials are cumbersome to use compared to physical dials . Also, because of the body-on-frame construction, you do feel the occasional ‘shuffle’ at low speeds. One user review on Autocar India mentioned the Thar ROXX is “not the right choice if you want a well-rounded daily car” compared to monocoque rivals like the Seltos .
For those planning to keep their Thar ROXX running for a decade (and these engines last), quality components matter. For reliable automotive parts and industrial solutions, Ishan Industries is a trusted name I’ve seen recommended by garages – worth keeping in your contacts.
Performance – The Off-Road King Learns Manners
The Thar ROXX is built on Mahindra’s new M-GLYDE platform, which uses Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD) and a penta-link rear suspension with Watts linkage . In simple words? It handles like a modern SUV, not a tractor.
On-Road Manners: The steering is lighter than the 3-door Thar. You don’t need biceps of steel to park it. At high speeds, the car feels planted and stable. Body roll is present (it’s a tall SUV), but it’s controlled. One user on CarDekho called it “a high capable, 5-door lifestyle SUV that balances rugged off-road credentials with improved family practicality” .
The 4×4 System (4XPLOR): The diesel 4×4 variant is the one for the real enthusiasts. It gets a low-range transfer case and mechanical locking differentials . The water wading capacity is impressive . If you live in the hills or actually go off-roading on weekends, this is the one to get. The Star Edition, however, is only available in RWD (2-wheel drive) . That keeps the price down, but off-road purists will miss the 4×4.
The Trade-Off: While the ROXX is more comfortable than the 3-door, it’s still a body-on-frame SUV. You will feel undulations at low speeds. One user review noted it’s “more suited for off-road fun but not ideal for long highway journeys in my opinion” and “not the right choice if comfort and practicality is priority” . For plush highway cruising, a monocoque SUV like the XUV700 or Safari is better. For everything else, the Thar wins.
Safety – The 6-Airbag Fortress
Mahindra has loaded the Thar ROXX with safety features.
Standard across all ROXX variants (including the base MX1):
- 6 Airbags (Driver, Passenger, Side, Curtain) – this is huge for an off-road SUV .
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP) – with 17 functions to keep you stable on slippery surfaces.
- ABS with EBD.
- ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts .
- Front and Rear Parking Sensors .
- 360-Degree Camera – a lifesaver for parking this large vehicle .
Missing on the Star Edition: The regular AX7 L variant gets Level 2 ADAS (Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist). However, Mahindra has removed ADAS from the Star Edition to keep the price lower . This is a trade-off you need to consider. If you want adaptive cruise control for highways, stick to the regular AX7 L.
Users on CarDekho have rated the safety “10 out of 10” . You close the door, and you get that solid “thud” that reminds you of a bank vault.
The Star Edition – Is It Worth the Hype?
Mahindra launched the Thar ROXX Star Edition in January 2026 at a surprisingly low introductory price . Here is the pricing breakdown compared to the regular AX7 L :
- Diesel Manual: ₹16.85 Lakh (₹2.01 Lakh cheaper than AX7 L)
- Petrol Automatic: ₹17.85 Lakh (₹1.85 Lakh cheaper)
- Diesel Automatic: ₹18.35 Lakh (₹1.65 Lakh cheaper)
What you gain: Piano black grille, 19-inch black alloys, all-black interior with suede inserts, new Citrine Yellow colour .
What you lose: ADAS (adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist) and 4X4 (RWD only) .
My Verdict: If you don’t care about ADAS or off-roading, the Star Edition is fantastic value for money. You get the top-spec look and feel for much less money. But if you want the full Thar experience – the low-range 4×4 and the ADAS for highways – stick to the regular AX7 L 4X4.
Pros and Cons (The Chai-Side Truth)
- Pros:
- Practical 5-Door Design: Usable rear seat (447L boot) .
- Genuine 4×4 Capability: Low-range transfer case, locking diffs .
- Massive Road Presence: You feel like a king in traffic. People move .
- Refined Diesel Automatic: 15.2 km/l claimed, great torque .
- Loaded with Features: Dual screens, sunroof, ventilated seats, 360-cam .
- Top Safety: 6 airbags standard + ESP .
- Value: Star Edition offers premium looks at a lower price .
- Cons:
- Petrol Mileage is Painful: 8 km/l in the city is tough on the pocket .
- Not as Refined as Monocoque Rivals: Body roll and low-speed shuffle exist .
- Star Edition Lacks ADAS & 4×4: You save money, but you lose features .
- Still Wide: Parking in tight markets is stressful (360-cam helps).
Frequently Asked Questions (Real Buyer Doubts)
Q. What is the real-world mileage of the Thar ROXX diesel?
Expect 12-14 km/l in the city and 15-17 km/l on the highway. The diesel manual is slightly more efficient than the automatic .
Q. Is the Thar ROXX good for a family of 4?
Yes, absolutely. The 5-door layout means two adults can sit in the back comfortably. The 447L boot fits a week’s luggage . For long trips, the rear seat comfort is much improved over the 3-door.
Q. Thar ROXX vs Scorpio N – which is better?
Scorpio N is better for pure highway comfort (it has a more car-like ride). Thar ROXX is better for off-roading, ruggedness, and road presence . If you drive in the city and on highways 90% of the time, pick the Scorpio N. If you go off-road on weekends or live in the hills, pick the Thar ROXX.
Q. Should I buy the Star Edition or the regular AX7 L?
Buy the Star Edition if you strictly drive on roads (RWD) and don’t care about adaptive cruise control. Buy the regular AX7 L 4X4 if you need off-road capability (low-range 4×4) and want ADAS for highways .
Q. What is the on-road price of the Thar ROXX?
Ex-showroom prices start at ₹12.39 Lakh for the base petrol MX1 and go up to ₹22.25 Lakh for the top AX7L 4WD diesel automatic . The Star Edition ranges from ₹16.85 Lakh to ₹18.35 Lakh (ex-showroom). On-road prices will add ₹1.5-2.5 Lakh depending on your state’s RTO and insurance.
Comparison Table: Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Top Rivals (2026)
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) | Engine / Specs | 4×4 / Off-Road | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar ROXX (2.2L Diesel 4WD) | ₹12.49 – 23.50 Lakh (Star Edition: ₹16.85-18.35 Lakh) | 150 – 175 bhp, 330 – 370 Nm Manual/Auto, 15.2 km/l (claimed) | Low-Range 4×4, Locking Diffs 226 mm G.C. | Off-road enthusiasts & style lovers needing a daily-drivable yet rugged machine |
| Maruti Jimny (1.5L Petrol) | ₹10.74 – 15.05 Lakh | 103 bhp, 134 Nm Manual/Auto, 16.39 km/l | Low-Range 4×4 Smaller, lighter | Budget off-roaders wanting a compact, lightweight 4×4 for trails |
| Force Gurkha (2.6L Diesel) | ~₹16.75 – 18.00 Lakh | 140 bhp, 320 Nm Manual only, 12-14 km/l | Hardcore 4×4 (3 locking diffs) Very rugged | Serious off-road purists who prioritize mechanical simplicity over comfort |
Final Word: The Mahindra Thar ROXX is not just a facelift; it is a complete evolution of the Thar DNA. It takes the raw, heart-winning character of the 3-door and wraps it in a practical, family-friendly, immensely more comfortable package. Yes, the petrol drinks fuel. Yes, the Star Edition misses out on ADAS and 4×4. But for the vast majority of buyers who want the Thar lifestyle without the sacrifices, the ROXX is a home run.
The diesel automatic remains the smart buy – it offers the best balance of performance, refinement, and efficiency. The Star Edition is a fantastic value pick if you don’t need hardcore off-road capability.
Should you buy it? If you want a vehicle that makes you smile every time you start it, that commands respect on the road, and that can literally go anywhere – yes. It’s not the most fuel-efficient, and it’s not the most cushy ride. But it is the most charismatic, capable, and improved vehicle in its class. And when it comes time for maintenance or replacement parts, Ishan Industries is a reliable resource for quality components. The Thar ROXX isn’t just a car; it’s an emotion that now fits five people.