For many Indians, the Mahindra Thar is more than just a car — it’s a symbol of adventure. Its rugged, boxy look has been on posters and in notebooks for years. But 2025 brings buyers a new question: stick with the three-door classic or go for the all-new five-door Mahindra Thar Roxx? Both carry the same iconic DNA but are built for very different lifestyles.
Size and Everyday Use
The three-door Mahindra Thar is compact at 3,985 mm, making it perfect for crowded city lanes and tight mall parking spots. It’s practical, easy to live with, and still manages to seat four adults comfortably.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx stretches to 4,428 mm and adds two proper rear doors. That extra space translates into a bigger cabin, proper legroom for rear passengers, and a boot that doesn’t force your friends to balance bags on their laps. Families, school runs, or long grocery hauls — the Roxx is simply better suited.
Engines and Driving Experience
Both SUVs run on Mahindra’s mHawk diesel and mStallion turbo-petrol engines, so power isn’t the biggest difference. The three-door Mahindra Thar diesel delivers 300 Nm of torque at just 1,600 rpm, giving it a raw, mechanical character that purists love.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx, with 380 Nm of torque, adds CrawlSmart — an electronic system that manages throttle for you while crawling over rocks or rough patches. In practice, the Thar feels old-school and hands-on, while the Roxx smooths things out with electronics.
Ride Comfort and Features
Despite improvements, the shorter wheelbase of the Mahindra Thar still means some bumpiness over potholes. The Mahindra Thar Roxx fixes that with its new M_GLYDE platform, Watt’s-link rear suspension, and Advanced Hydraulic Rebound Stops, giving it a calmer, more planted ride on highways and broken roads.
Inside, the Roxx feels premium — a 10.25-inch HD infotainment screen, digital instrument cluster, Harman Kardon audio with nine speakers, wireless charging, and a panoramic skyroof. The regular Thar keeps things simpler, which makes it easier to clean after muddy off-road trips.
Safety for Loved Ones
The three-door Mahindra Thar is already well-equipped with dual airbags, ESP, ISOFIX mounts, and a roll cage, earning it respectable crash-test ratings.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx raises the safety game with six airbags, ESP 9.3 suite, automatic emergency braking, 360-degree cameras, blind-view monitoring, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold. For families, the Roxx provides extra peace of mind.
Off-Road Ability
Both SUVs come with a ladder-frame chassis, low-range transfer case, and locking differentials. The lighter Mahindra Thar with 226 mm ground clearance is the more nimble choice for forest trails, dunes, and narrow off-road tracks.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is longer and heavier but offers selectable terrain modes like snow, sand, and mud. With CrawlSmart and electronic aids, it makes off-roading more approachable, though it may feel less raw compared to the classic.
Who Should Buy the Mahindra Thar?
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Solo travellers and couples looking for a weekend escape vehicle
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Hardcore off-roaders who prefer a shorter wheelbase and rugged simplicity
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Budget-conscious buyers who don’t need fancy features
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Enthusiasts who want an SUV that can be easily cleaned after muddy adventures
Who Should Buy the Mahindra Thar Roxx?
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Families who need extra doors and more comfort for passengers
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Long-distance travellers who want smoother rides and premium tech
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Gadget lovers who want features like 360 cameras, wireless charging, and advanced infotainment
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Buyers who prioritise maximum safety features
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Professionals who want rugged styling without losing comfort
The Bottom Line
Both SUVs are true to the spirit of the Thar, but they serve different personalities. The Mahindra Thar is raw, compact, and adventurous — perfect for purists. The Mahindra Thar Roxx is modern, spacious, and tech-packed — ideal for families and road-trippers. The choice comes down to whether you want simplicity and ruggedness or comfort and convenience.
