2024 Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Mahindra Thar - Which One Is Better?

Does size matter? For cars, it does. To put things in perspective, the Mahindra Thar ROXX is 443mm longer, 50mm wider and 68mm taller than the 3-Door Mahindra Thar. Younger siblings do outgrow the elder ones. But, they have the same DNA embedded, mastering versatility and robustness. That said, how does the newly launched Mahindra Thar ROXX compare to its counterpart in other aspects? Let’s delve into a detailed Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Mahindra Thar 3-Door specs comparison for a better understanding.

2024 Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Mahindra Thar 3-Door – Engine options

The Thar one-ups the ROXX in the number of engine options. You can opt for a 2.0-litre TGDi engine, a 1.5-litre CRDe diesel engine and a bigger 2.2-litre CRDe diesel engine. The ROXX gets an option between a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with direct injection and a 2.2-litre diesel engine with direct injection. The ROXX has borrowed these engines from its elder sibling, but Mahindra has tuned them to produce more power and torque. All these engines can be opted with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque convertor, except the 1.5-litre diesel unit on the Mahindra Thar, which is only offered with the manual.

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No petrol four-wheel drive for ROXX buyers

Sadly, the 2024 Thar ROXX doesn’t get the option of a four-wheel drive configuration with the petrol drivetrains, which is not the case on the old Mahindra Thar. You get to choose between RWD and 4WD with the petrol engine on the Mahindra Thar 3-Door. The 1.5-litre diesel variants are offered only in RWD configuration, whereas the 2.0-litre diesel variants get 4WD as standard. The Thar ROXX diesel variants can be opted either with an RWD or a 4WD configuration, while the petrol variants are only offered with a rear-wheel drive configuration, as mentioned before. The Thar ROXX gets a crawl feature, which isn’t seen on the regular Thar. 

Better suspension on the Thar ROXX

2024 Mahindra Thar ROXX promises a more stable and pleasant ride than the Mahindra Thar. This is expected to hold true due to the fact that the Mahindra Thar ROXX gets frequency selective dampers and bump stoppers, in order to provide a more comfortable cabin experience. There’s also a Watt’s linkage system at the rear axle. The suspension of the Thar ROXX is closer to its cousin, the Scorpio N, rather than its own sibling. The Thar ROXX is built on an all-new fourth-generation Glyde platform, focused towards stability and comfort.

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Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Mahindra Thar 3-Door – Features and interior

Inside the cabin is where you would find a stark difference among these two siblings. The dark-coloured cabin of the Mahindra Thar gives a more rugged vibe, one which asks you to not shy away from taking it off the road and abusing it. The Mahindra Thar ROXX, being the younger sibling, is the one who receives more care and affection from their parents. The interior of the ROXX is more comfortable and comes loaded with the latest technology, as opposed to the 3-Door Thar. 

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It boasts a dual-tone interior with leatherette upholstery, a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup for infotainment and instrumentation, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic sunroof, 6-way electronically adjustable driver seat, front ventilated seats, recline function for rear seats, Level-2 ADAS, 6 airbags, and a host of more features. The Thar gets to do with only 2 airbags, a manual air conditioner, 6 speakers and a smaller 7-inch infotainment screen. 

Variants and colour options

The Mahindra Thar 3-Door gets two broad trims — LX and AX(O), while the pampered Mahindra Thar 5-Door gets six — MX1, MX3, AX3L, MX5, AX5L and AX7L. There are a total of 19 Mahindra Thar variants on offer including all possible combinations, while there are 18 for the Mahindra Thar ROXX. Spoilt with choice, the Mahindra Thar ROXX gets seven colour choices, while the Mahindra Thar gets only five. 

Mahindra Thar vs Mahindra Thar ROXX price

The Mahindra Thar is priced in the range of Rs 11.35 lakh and Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The latest Mahindra Thar ROXX naturally demands a premium, demanding you to lighten your pockets by Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the base variant. The Mahindra ROXX top model, which is the AX7L diesel AT 4WD configuration, is priced at Rs 22.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

Which one should you buy?

To simply put it, the Thar is more of a lifestyle brand today, while retaining its off-roading prowess. The Thar 3-Door is more of a no-nonsense off-roader, and the Thar ROXX adds sophistication to the Thar. It naturally demands a premium for this, which is a hefty one. If your key motive is to get an SUV that has the capability to go off the tarmac and is comfortable for your family at the same time, the Thar ROXX should prove to be the best bet for you. If you are willing to compromise on the second part while also save a lot of money in the process, the Thar 3-Door proves to be the better option. If you want to get a petrol-powered Thar with the 4x4 system, then you have to go with the 3-Door as the ROXX does not offer such an option. 

Note: The comparison is based on the specifications of both these cars and we are yet to drive them side-by-side in order to provide a hands-on test report.