For more than a decade, the Mahindra Thar symbolised freedom, raw strength, and adventure. It was never meant to be subtle—and it never tried to be practical either. The original Thar was loved by purists but avoided by families.
That changed dramatically with the arrival of the Thar ROXX (5-Door).
By February 2026, the Thar ROXX has evolved into something far bigger than an off-roader. It is now a full-blown lifestyle SUV, one that blends road presence, technology, comfort, and genuine 4×4 capability into a single, aspirational package. This transformation is exactly why the Thar ROXX dominates search trends, social media feeds, and Indian highways in 2026.
From Hardcore Off-Roader to Everyday Lifestyle Icon
Earlier, buying a Thar meant making compromises. Rear-seat comfort was limited, daily usability was questionable, and long drives required patience. The ROXX changes that narrative completely.
Built on Mahindra’s advanced M_Glyde platform, the Thar ROXX features a longer wheelbase, wider track, and improved suspension tuning. The result is an SUV that feels planted on highways, comfortable in the city, and unstoppable off-road.
Today, the Thar ROXX fits effortlessly into modern Indian life:
Office commutes during the week
Family outings and school runs
Long-distance highway drives
Weekend adventures to mountains and trails
This dual-purpose nature is the foundation of its massive success.
The “ROXX” Factor: Why This SUV Is a True Disruptor
5-Door Layout That Finally Makes It Family-Ready
The biggest upgrade is obvious—the 5-door configuration. With a 2850 mm wheelbase, rear-seat passengers now enjoy real legroom and improved comfort. Entry and exit are easier, and the Thar finally works as a primary family vehicle.
A Premium Cabin That Matches Its Price Tag
The interior of the Thar ROXX feels like a generational leap. Mahindra has moved far beyond rugged basics and delivered a cabin that feels modern and premium.
Key highlights include:
Bright and airy dashboard layout
Ventilated front seats
A massive panoramic sunroof
9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
These features place the ROXX firmly in lifestyle-SUV territory rather than niche off-road territory.
Commanding Road Presence
The Thar ROXX is taller, wider, and visually more imposing than the 3-door Thar. On Indian roads, it carries a bold, confident stance that turns heads instantly—something lifestyle buyers value deeply.
Performance Without Compromise: Engines & Capability
Despite all the comfort upgrades, Mahindra has preserved the core Thar DNA.
Diesel Engine: Torque-Focused and Trail-Ready
2.2L mHawk Diesel
Power: up to 172 bhp
Torque: 370 Nm
This engine excels at highway cruising, steep climbs, and demanding off-road conditions.
Petrol Engine: Smooth, Refined, and Quick
2.0L mStallion Petrol
Power output: 174 bhp
Perfect for buyers who want refinement and strong acceleration for urban use.
Advanced Drive Technologies
The Thar ROXX comes equipped with 4Xplor terrain modes for mud, sand, and snow. For daily driving, Zip-Zoom modes improve throttle response and efficiency, making the SUV far more city-friendly than earlier Thars.
A Sales Phenomenon in 2026
Here’s a number that defines the ROXX story:
The Thar ROXX crossed the 1,00,000 sales milestone in early 2026.
This makes it one of Mahindra’s fastest-growing nameplates, proving that Indian buyers were ready for a Thar that delivers both emotion and practicality.
Tech-Forward Safety for Modern Buyers
In 2026, technology and safety are no longer optional—especially in the lifestyle SUV segment.
Level 2 ADAS
The Thar ROXX offers advanced driver assistance features such as:
Automatic Emergency Braking
Lane Keep Assist
Adaptive Cruise Control
These features dramatically improve highway safety and reduce fatigue on long journeys.
Fully Digital Cockpit
Dual 10.25-inch displays
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Crisp graphics and intuitive interface
360-Degree Camera
Given its size, the 360-degree camera is a blessing in urban environments, making parking and tight maneuvers stress-free.
Why the Thar ROXX Is Exploding in Popularity in 2026
The Lifestyle Vehicle Shift
Indian car buyers are no longer buying just transportation—they are buying personality, presence, and identity. The Thar ROXX fits perfectly into this new mindset.
The Game-Changing Thar ROXX Star Edition
Launched in late January 2026, the Thar ROXX Star Edition has become an instant hit.
Key highlights include:
Exclusive “Citrine Yellow” exterior color, currently trending across social media
A more sinister stance with a Piano Black grille
19-inch Piano Black alloy wheels
All-black leatherette interiors with suede accents, finally addressing customer concerns about maintaining white seats
This edition single-handedly elevated the ROXX’s aspirational appeal among younger buyers.
Strong Price-to-Value Proposition
The Thar ROXX lineup now starts at ₹12.39 lakh and goes up to ₹22.25 lakh.
Following a 1.13% price hike in January 2026, the pricing remains highly competitive when you consider its size, features, and 4×4 capability. Few SUVs offer this combination at this price point.
Waiting Period Reality Check
RWD variants generally have shorter waiting periods
High-demand 4×4 AX7L variants can still see waits of 5–6 months in certain cities
Despite this, demand shows no signs of slowing.
Thar ROXX vs New-Age Rivals in 2026
The competitive landscape has evolved significantly. New rivals like the Tata Sierra EV and the New Renault Duster (2026) bring modern technology and fresh design language.
However, the Thar ROXX continues to stand apart.
While these rivals focus on urban sophistication and efficiency, the Thar ROXX remains the only SUV in its class with a true body-on-frame chassis and legendary 4×4 capability—a combination that no monocoque SUV can replicate.
Who Should Buy the Thar ROXX?
The Thar ROXX is ideal for:
Families who want comfort without giving up style
Professionals who value road presence
Adventure lovers who need real off-road hardware
Buyers bored of “safe-looking” SUVs
It is not designed to blend in—it is designed to stand out.
Final Verdict: India’s Ultimate Lifestyle SUV in 2026
The Thar ROXX represents Mahindra at its boldest and smartest. It has transformed a cult off-roader into a mainstream icon without diluting its soul.
In 2026, the Thar ROXX is:
A luxury cruiser
A family-friendly SUV
A serious off-roader
A lifestyle statement
If you want an SUV that reflects confidence, adventure, and modern living—all in one package—the Thar ROXX is not just a purchase, it’s a declaration of lifestyle.