The Ultimate King of the Road: Is the Mahindra Thar Roxx the Best Family SUV in 2026?

Planning to buy a rugged yet family-friendly SUV? Discover the Mahindra Thar Roxx, featuring a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, Level 2 ADAS, and a luxurious panoramic sunroof. Explore why this 5-door beast is dominating Indian roads in 2026.

The Indian SUV market has seen many icons, but few have stirred the soul quite like the Mahindra Thar Roxx. Long gone are the days when a Thar was just a weekend “toy” for off-roading enthusiasts. Today, the Roxx has evolved into a sophisticated, feature-loaded fortress that families are actually choosing over traditional crossovers.

Key Specifications at a Glance

FeatureDetails
Engine Options2.0L mStallion Petrol / 2.2L mHawk Diesel
Transmission6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Torque Converter AT
Safety Rating5-Star Bharat NCAP (Highest for ICE)
Ground Clearance226 mm
Water Wading650 mm
Price Range₹12.25 Lakh – ₹22.06 Lakh (Ex-showroom)

A Design That Commands Respect

The Mahindra Thar Roxx isn’t just a stretched version of the 3-door model; it’s a design revolution. While it retains the legendary boxy silhouette and upright stance, the new six-slot grille and C-shaped LED DRLs give it a more premium, modern face. The integration of the rear door handles into the C-pillar is a clever touch that keeps the side profile looking clean and rugged.

Whether you’re pulling up to a five-star hotel or navigating a muddy trail, the Mahindra Thar Roxx looks perfectly at home. With the recently launched “Star Edition” adding piano-black finishes and a stunning Citrine Yellow paint option, Mahindra has ensured that this SUV remains the ultimate head-turner on Indian streets.

Step Into a Luxury Lounge

Inside the cabin, the Mahindra Thar Roxx has undergone a massive transformation. You’re greeted by a 10.25-inch dual-screen setup—one for your digital cluster and another for the AdrenoX infotainment system. The addition of a panoramic “Skyroof” has changed the game, making the interior feel incredibly airy and spacious compared to its 3-door sibling.

Comfort hasn’t been overlooked either. The front seats are ventilated, which is a blessing in the Indian heat, and the 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system provides an immersive audio experience. With a 447-liter boot and proper 60:40 split rear seats that actually recline, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is finally a practical choice for long family road trips.

Performance: Pure Power on Tap

Under the hood, the Mahindra Thar Roxx offers the best engines in its class. The 2.0L mStallion petrol is a powerhouse, delivering up to 177 PS of power, while the 2.2L mHawk diesel remains the choice for those who love torque and long-range efficiency. The 6-speed torque converter automatic is incredibly smooth, making city “stop-and-go” traffic surprisingly easy to handle.

For the adventurers, the 4WD variants come with the “4XPLOR” system, featuring selectable terrain modes like Snow, Sand, and Mud. Combined with an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD), the Mahindra Thar Roxx can literally go where most other SUVs fear to tread.

Safety: The New Gold Standard

Perhaps the most impressive part of the Mahindra Thar Roxx is its safety credentials. It has made history by becoming the first body-on-frame SUV to earn a full 5-star rating from Bharat NCAP, achieving the highest score for any internal combustion engine vehicle in India.

Standard across all variants are 6 airbags, ESC, and all-wheel disc brakes. Higher trims even feature Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which includes emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keep assist. When you’re driving a Mahindra Thar Roxx, you aren’t just driving a rugged machine; you’re driving one of the safest vehicles on the planet.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has successfully bridged the gap between a hardcore off-roader and a premium family SUV. It offers the butch presence people crave, the tech they expect, and the safety they deserve. If you want a vehicle that can handle the daily office grind during the week and conquer mountain passes on the weekend, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is the undisputed king. It’s no longer just a “Thar”—it’s the new benchmark for what a modern Indian SUV should be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the waiting period for the Mahindra Thar Roxx in 2026?

Due to its massive popularity, the waiting period can vary between 2 to 18 months depending on the variant and city. However, Mahindra has ramped up production to bring these timelines down.

2. Does the Mahindra Thar Roxx come with 4×4?

Yes, but the 4×4 system is currently exclusive to the diesel engine variants. The petrol models and the new Star Edition are offered in a Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) configuration.

3. Is the ride quality of the Mahindra Thar Roxx comfortable?

Yes, it features a new M_GLYDE platform with Frequency Dependent Damping (FDD). This significantly improves ride quality over the 3-door version, making it much more suitable for city roads and highways.

4. How is the mileage of the Mahindra Thar Roxx?

The diesel variant is quite efficient, offering around 15.2 kmpl (ARAI). The turbo-petrol is much more performance-oriented, with real-world city mileage typically ranging between 9-11 kmpl.

5. What is the “Star Edition” of the Mahindra Thar Roxx?

The Star Edition is a premium cosmetic variant launched in early 2026. It features a piano-black grille, blacked-out alloy wheels, and an all-black interior theme with suede-accented leatherette seats.

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