The Mahindra Thar 5-Door has long been an icon in the world of off-road vehicles in India, blending rugged capability with a distinctive retro design. Launched in its second-generation avatar in 2020, the 3-door Thar quickly became a massive hit among enthusiasts and casual buyers alike.
Building on this success, Mahindra has expanded the Thar lineup with the much-awaited Mahindra Thar 5-Door, officially named the Thar Roxx. Unveiled on August 15, 2024, this 5-door version promises to combine the Thar’s legendary off-road DNA with enhanced practicality, premium features, and broader appeal. Here’s everything you need to know about the Mahindra Thar 5-Door.
Design and Dimensions: Evolution of an Icon
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door retains the unmistakable boxy silhouette and rugged charm of its 3-door sibling but introduces subtle yet significant updates to distinguish itself. At the front, it sports a redesigned six-slot double-stacked grille, replacing the 7-slot design of the 3-door model. The circular headlamps remain, but they now feature an LED projector setup with stylish C-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs), giving the Thar Roxx a modern and aggressive look. The fog lamps are also LED units, housed in a sculpted bumper with a silver accent.
The most noticeable change, of course, is the addition of two extra doors, made possible by an extended wheelbase of 2,850 mm, 400 mm longer than the 3-door Thar’s 2,450 mm. This extension not only accommodates the rear doors but also enhances cabin space and practicality. The rear door handles are cleverly integrated into the C-pillar, maintaining a clean and uncluttered side profile. The vehicle retains flared wheel arches, a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, and chunky alloy wheels up to 19 inches in top variants, further emphasizing its muscular stance. Measuring approximately 4,428 mm in length, 1,870 mm in width, and 1,923 mm in height, the Thar Roxx is noticeably larger than its 3-door counterpart, offering a stronger road presence.
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Interior: Premium Comfort Meets Practicality
Step inside the Mahindra Thar 5-Door, and you’ll find a cabin that blends familiarity with a leap in refinement. The dashboard layout echoes the 3-door Thar but introduces soft-touch materials, a new steering wheel borrowed from the XUV700, and a premium Mocha Brown interior theme (replacing the earlier Ivory option in 4×2 variants). The fit and finish are markedly improved, lending an upmarket feel that aligns with its positioning as a lifestyle SUV.
The Thar Roxx is a 5-seater, with the extended wheelbase translating into generous legroom and headroom for rear passengers. The rear seats are comfortable and accessible, thanks to the additional doors, making it a viable option for families or those who frequently travel with passengers. The boot space is equally impressive at 447 liters, a significant upgrade over the 3-door model, ensuring ample room for luggage on long trips or off-road adventures.
Features: Loaded with Tech and Convenience
Mahindra has packed the Thar 5-Door with a host of modern features to appeal to a broader audience. At the heart of the cabin is a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and connected car technology. This is paired with a matching 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, offering a futuristic and customizable interface. A standout feature is the panoramic sunroof, which spans both seat rows, enhancing the sense of space and luxury.
Other highlights include a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry with push-button start, a wireless phone charger, and rear AC vents. For safety, the Thar Roxx comes equipped with 6 airbags as standard, a 360-degree camera, all-four disc brakes, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and a Level 2 ADAS suite featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. The SUV has also earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating for both adult and child occupant safety, underscoring Mahindra’s focus on crash protection.
Engine and Performance: Power Meets Versatility
Under the hood, the Mahindra Thar 5-Door offers a choice of two potent engines, borrowed from its siblings like the Scorpio N and the 3-door Thar but tuned for enhanced performance:
- 2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol: Available in two states of tune—162 hp and 330 Nm with a 6-speed manual transmission (MT), and 177 hp and 380 Nm with a 6-speed torque converter automatic (AT). This engine is exclusive to rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variants.
- 2.2L mHawk Diesel: Delivers 152 hp and 330 Nm in RWD variants, while the 4×4 versions bump it up to 175 hp and 370 Nm. It’s offered with both 6-speed MT and AT options.
The 4×4 drivetrain, available only with the diesel engine, includes a low-range gearbox and mechanical locking differential, ensuring the Thar Roxx retains its off-road prowess. The ladder-frame chassis, shared with the Scorpio N, is paired with a sophisticated suspension setup featuring frequency-dependent dampers, improving ride quality over the 3-door model while maintaining capability on rough terrain. With a ground clearance of 226 mm, the Thar 5-Door is ready to tackle challenging landscapes with ease.
Pricing and Variants: Value for Money
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door starts at an ex-showroom price of ₹12.99 lakh for the base MX1 petrol variant (RWD), with the top-end AX7L diesel 4×4 variant priced at ₹23.09 lakh. This pricing positions it competitively in the mid-size SUV segment. The Thar Roxx is available in 22 variants, offering a mix of petrol and diesel engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and RWD or 4×4 drivetrains. Color options include Everest White, Stealth Black, Nebula Blue, Battleship Gray, Deep Forest, Tango Red, and Burnt Sienna, giving buyers plenty of customization choices.
Competition: Standing Tall in the Market
The Thar 5-Door enters a competitive space, taking on the Force Gurkha 5-Door and Maruti Suzuki Jimny as direct rivals in the off-road lifestyle segment. While the Jimny is smaller and less powerful, and the Gurkha appeals to hardcore off-roaders, the Thar Roxx strikes a balance between rugged capability and everyday usability. It also indirectly competes with mainstream SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Mahindra Scorpio N, thanks to its premium features and versatile appeal.
Verdict: A Game-Changer for Mahindra
The Mahindra Thar 5-Door, or Thar Roxx, is more than just an extension of the Thar lineup—it’s a bold step toward making the iconic off-roader more accessible and practical without compromising its core identity. With its striking design, feature-rich cabin, robust performance, and competitive pricing, it caters to a wide audience, from adventure enthusiasts to families seeking a standout SUV. Whether you’re navigating city streets or conquering uncharted trails, the Thar 5-Door promises to deliver an unmatched driving experience. As of April 2025, with deliveries well underway, the Thar Roxx is poised to solidify Mahindra’s dominance in India’s SUV market.
This article provides a detailed yet concise overview of the Mahindra Thar 5-Door, making it engaging for readers while covering all essential aspects. Let me know if you’d like any adjustments!
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