Mahindra Thar ROXX vs Thar 3-door: big gaps in size, engine and price

Mahindra has launched the updated 2026 Thar in the Indian market, putting it in direct competition with the 5-door Thar ROXX. The two SUVs share some similarities, but differ significantly in size, seating, engine, features, off-road capability and price. The new Thar keeps its traditional 3-door compact design, while the Thar ROXX, being larger, is a more practical SUV for families.

The most obvious difference is body style. The new Thar is a 3-door SUV, while the Thar ROXX has a 5-door structure. The Thar retains the compact, upright body associated with the nameplate. The 2026 model gets a new grille, revised bumpers, new tail lamps and updated exterior detailing. The top-spec ZXT variant gets LED headlamps with C-shaped DRLs, cornering LED fog lamps and 19-inch alloy wheels, along with new paint options. The Thar ROXX, on the other hand, has a bigger and bolder road presence. Depending on variant, it gets 18-inch or 19-inch wheels, LED lighting and a C-shaped lighting signature, with a panoramic sunroof available on higher variants. The Thar's M_Glyde 4G platform is based on the same architecture used in the ROXX.

The real difference shows up in size. The Thar ROXX is considerably larger than the new Thar. A longer wheelbase and the two rear doors give the ROXX more space. In length, the Thar measures 3,995 mm against the Thar ROXX's 4,428 mm. Width is the same for both at 1,870 mm. Height is 1,855 mm for the Thar and 1,923 mm for the Thar ROXX. Wheelbase is 2,450 mm for the Thar and 2,850 mm for the Thar ROXX, meaning the Thar's wheelbase is 400 mm shorter and its length 433 mm shorter than the ROXX. Seating capacity is 4 in the Thar and 5 in the Thar ROXX. Ground clearance and wading depth are the same for both, at 232 mm and 650 mm respectively. Approach angle is 40 degrees for the Thar and 41.7 degrees for the ROXX, giving the ROXX a slight edge. Departure angle is 36 degrees for the Thar and 36.1 degrees for the ROXX. The shorter wheelbase benefits the Thar in ramp-over angle, at 26.4 degrees versus the ROXX's 23.9 degrees, which can help the compact Thar on steep climbs and over breakover points.

Both Thar models use the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engine family, though power, torque and transmission vary by variant. The Thar's base AXT trim also gets a 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 119 hp and 300 Nm of torque, paired only with a 6-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. The Thar's 2.2-litre diesel engine makes 152 hp and 330 Nm, while its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine makes 162 hp and 330 Nm, both available with a 6-speed manual or torque-converter automatic depending on variant. The Thar ROXX gets a more powerful version of the same engine family: its turbo-petrol engine with the automatic makes up to 177 hp and 380 Nm, while the diesel makes up to 175 hp and 370 Nm depending on configuration. Select diesel variants also get 4WD.

The new Thar has a revised suspension and steering setup. It gets an independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a multilink solid rear axle with a Watts link at the rear. Mahindra's DaVinci damping technology is standard, and the ZXT trim also gets frequency-dependent damping. The Thar ROXX has a double-wishbone front suspension and a rigid rear axle with a Watts link, also featuring frequency-dependent damping and a hydraulic rebound stopper. Both SUVs have the hardware needed for off-roading, with select variants getting a part-time 4WD system, high-low range gearing and an electronic locking differential. Select 4WD variants of the Thar now also get separate terrain modes for mud, sand and snow.

There is a big difference in features too. The Thar gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen from the LXT trim, along with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, electrically adjustable ORVMs, cruise control, a colour MID and a 6-speaker audio system. The ZXT trim adds a wireless charger, a rear-view camera, front and rear parking sensors and additional off-road readouts. The Thar ROXX's higher variants have a longer features list, including a 10.25-inch touchscreen, connected-car features, wireless smartphone connectivity, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic sunroof, depending on variant. The top variant also gets Level 2 ADAS, and the AX7L variant gets adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-assist functions.

There is a significant price gap as well. The new Thar starts at Rs 10.32 lakh, while the Thar ROXX starts at Rs 12.52 lakh, a difference of Rs 2.20 lakh at the entry level. At the top end, the Thar goes up to Rs 18.99 lakh, while the Thar ROXX reaches Rs 23.52 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

Buyers who value the compact 3-door Thar and its traditional identity may prefer the Thar's features, while those who need more space, a 5-door structure and everyday practicality for families will find the Thar ROXX's features better suited to those needs.