Which Thar Steals the Spotlight? The 5-Door Mahindra Thar Roxx vs. 3-Door Mahindra Thar
Which Thar Steals the Spotlight? The 5-Door Mahindra Thar Roxx vs. 3-Door Mahindra Thar
Mahindra recently shook up the SUV scene with the debut of the 5-door Mahindra Thar Roxx, an extended version of the popular 3-door Mahindra Thar. This new model has quickly grabbed attention with its added features, longer wheelbase, and the promise of a more spacious ride. But when it comes down to it, which of these rugged off-roaders do people prefer?
To find out, we took the debate to social media, asking our Instagram followers to choose their favorite. The response was overwhelming, and the results shed light on what people are looking for in their next Thar.
We posted a straightforward question on our Instagram: "Which SUV would you choose?" The options were simple—either the new 5-door Mahindra Thar Roxx or the tried-and-true 3-door Mahindra Thar.
With a total of 6,242 respondents, the results were clear. A whopping 74% of voters favored the new Thar Roxx, leaving only 26% siding with the original 3-door Thar. This significant margin suggests that the added space and features of the Thar Roxx are resonating with potential buyers.
So, what makes the Thar Roxx so popular? First off, its size. The Roxx is larger in nearly every dimension compared to its smaller sibling. The 5-door version is over 4 meters long and boasts a wheelbase that's 400 mm longer than the 3-door Thar. This extra length translates into a much roomier interior, particularly in the rear seats and the 644-litre boot space.
For families or those who need more cargo room, the Thar Roxx offers a clear advantage. But this increase in size doesn't come at the cost of capability. Despite its extended dimensions, the Thar Roxx maintains impressive off-road specs, including a 650 mm water-wading capacity. It’s built to handle the rough stuff, just like the original.
However, the 3-door Mahindra Thar isn't out of the race just yet. Despite its smaller size, this model has a few tricks up its sleeve. The compact dimensions of the 3-door Thar give it a better break-over angle, making it slightly more nimble on challenging off-road terrain. This can be a deciding factor for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who prioritize agility and maneuverability.
The 3-door Thar also offers a wider range of engine options. It’s available with both rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) setups for its 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. In contrast, the Thar Roxx’s 4WD setup is only available with its diesel engine, limiting choices for those who prefer petrol power with all-wheel capability.
When it comes to performance, both models are no slouches. Both the Thar Roxx and the 3-door Thar share the same 2-litre petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. However, the Thar Roxx’s engines have been tuned to deliver more power, giving it a bit of an edge in performance.
But power isn’t the only factor buyers consider. The 3-door Thar's availability of a smaller, 1.5-litre diesel engine for its RWD version offers a more economical choice for city drivers who still want the Thar’s rugged charm.
The Thar Roxx doesn’t just offer more space and power—it’s also packed with premium features. It comes with all-LED lighting, including stylish C-shaped LED DRLs, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, and a tech-forward cabin with 10.25-inch dual displays, ventilated front seats, automatic climate control with rear vents, and even a panoramic sunroof.
In contrast, the 3-door Thar sticks to a simpler, more utilitarian approach. It offers a 7-inch touchscreen, an analog instrument cluster with a multi-information display (MID), manual AC, and a basic 2-seater second row For some, this no-frills approach is part of the Thar’s charm, keeping it true to its roots as a rugged off-roader.
Safety is another area where the Thar Roxx stands out. It comes standard with 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, all-around disc brakes, and Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). These features make it one of the safest options in its class. The 3-door Thar, while not as advanced, still offers essential safety features like two airbags, hill-hold and hill-descent control, and rear parking sensors.
Finally, there’s the matter of price. The Thar Roxx starts at Rs 12.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 20.49 lakh, making it Rs 1.64 lakh more expensive than the starting price of the 3-door Thar. While this higher price might be justified by the additional features and space, it could be a deal-breaker for buyers on a budget.
So, which Thar should you choose? If you’re looking for space, power, and all the latest tech, the 5-door Mahindra Thar Roxx is the clear winner. It’s the ideal choice for families or anyone who wants a bit more luxury in their off-road adventures. But if you prefer a more compact, nimble vehicle that’s true to the Thar’s rugged roots, the 3-door Thar still has plenty to offer. Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you value most in an SUV. With both options on the table, Mahindra has made sure there’s a Thar for everyone.
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