Mahindra Five door Thar

Positives

• The 2.2-litre 4x4 mHawk diesel engine is offered in two states of tune – 150bhp/330Nm with the six-speed manual and a more powerful 172bhp/370Nm with the six-speed torque converter automatic, ensuring strong performance across variants.

• Off-road capability is enhanced with features like Crawl Smart, which automatically manages throttle inputs over obstacles, and IntelliTurn, making tight U-turns and tricky trail manoeuvres much easier.

  

• With an impressive 650mm water-wading capacity, along with 36.1° departure and 41.7° approach angles, plus 4XPLOR terrain modes (Snow, Mud, Sand), it is built to tackle challenging terrains confidently.

• The engine feels refined yet punchy, delivering quick acceleration both from a standstill and during overtakes — just press the accelerator and it surges ahead effortlessly.

• The automatic gearbox stands out for being smooth, quick, and responsive, which is commendable for a torque converter unit.

• It cruises comfortably at triple-digit speeds, making it a capable highway SUV, with optimal efficiency achieved around 95–100 kmph.

• The light and responsive steering makes city driving, parking, and tight U-turns hassle-free despite its size.

• Good visibility, improved high-speed ride stability, and strong straight-line composure add to driver confidence.

• The braking performance is reassuring, offering strong bite and a progressive feel that inspires confidence.

Negatives

• At highway speeds, the steering feels vague around the centre and slightly heavy, requiring constant minor corrections to maintain a straight line.

• The ride quality can feel stiff and unsettled over potholes and rough surfaces, especially at lower speeds.

• At higher speeds, the SUV tends to bounce over undulating roads, affecting overall comfort.

• The brake pedal has noticeable travel before the braking response kicks in, which may take some getting used to.

• The automatic variant misses out on paddle shifters, which could have enhanced driver engagement.

• Wind noise becomes prominent inside the cabin beyond 100 kmph, impacting refinement.

• Fuel efficiency drops significantly when driven consistently at high speeds above 100 kmph.

Positives

• The Mahindra Thar Roxx comes equipped with an electric panoramic sunroof, which enhances the sense of space and makes the cabin feel more open and airy.

• Comfort is elevated with a powered driver’s seat and ventilated front seats, while a wireless charging pad adds everyday convenience.

  

• The dashboard design stands out with twin 10.25-inch infotainment screens featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, complemented by round AC vents and a modern three-spoke steering wheel.

  

• For entertainment and connectivity, it offers a nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, along with voice commands, AdrenoX connected tech, and Amazon Alexa integration.

  

• The five-door layout significantly improves practicality, offering more boot space than the three-door version, while the metal roof enhances cabin insulation.

  

• Additional features like an auto-dimming IRVM, 360-degree camera with blind-view monitor, and rear AC vents further boost convenience and safety.

  

• The cabin is noticeably more spacious, providing better shoulder and knee room for rear passengers compared to the three-door Thar.

• The 60:40 split-folding rear bench is comfortable for two adults, offering good support, adequate thigh cushioning, and a recline function for added comfort on longer journeys.

Negatives

• Headroom can feel limited, especially for taller occupants (around six feet or above), particularly due to the sunroof.

• The rear middle seat is less comfortable, as the cushioning is compromised by the integrated armrest.

• The front seats lack sufficient under-thigh support, which can lead to fatigue during long drives.

Positives

• The Mahindra Thar Roxx comes well-equipped with comprehensive safety features, including six airbags, ESP, ABS with EBD, traction control system (TCS), hill hold, and hill descent control, along with rear parking sensors and three-point seatbelts for all occupants.

• It further enhances safety and convenience with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), front parking sensors, a rear-view camera, an auto-dimming IRVM, and rear disc brakes.

• The SUV also offers advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, adding an extra layer of active safety.

Negatives

• The Thar Roxx has not yet been tested or rated by any NCAP crash safety programs, leaving its official crash safety performance unverified.

Positives:

• The Mahindra Thar Roxx's cabin looks and feels more upmarket, with a lower utility vibe about it.

• It is larger, longer, and significantly more practical than the three-door Thar, as it is built on the Mahindra Scorpio N’s chassis and suspension setup, resulting in improved space, stability, and overall usability.

  

• A new six-slot grille gives the Thar Roxx a unique identity along with the attractive C-shaped DRLs and LED projector headlamps.

  

• It features a sideways-opening boot lid with the spare wheel mounted on it, along with a rear windscreen that opens vertically, similar to the design seen on the three-door Thar.

  

• The Roxx's dashboard is identical to the three-door Thar's but the soft-touch materials, steering from the XUV700 and trim finishes lend it an upmarket feel.

  

• The interior fit and finish in the Mahindra Thar Roxx is a significant step up over the three-door Thar, offering a more refined and premium feel.

  

Negatives:

• The middle headrest on the bench seat is oddly offset and should have been better aligned.

• Although the beige seats and interior bits look premium in the Thar 5 door, they can get easily soiled after serious off-roading.