The Off-Road Icon Goes Family: 2026 Mahindra Thar ROXX Pros & Cons – Is This the Ultimate Do-It-All SUV?

For ages, the Mahindra Thar tugged at the heart, but it never really made sense for a family. Sure, it was a legend off-road, but on city streets? Not so much—cramped, rough, and just not practical. Then along came the Thar ROXX. Two extra doors, a stretched wheelbase, and a long list of fancy features—suddenly, Mahindra tried to build something that could handle muddy trails and Monday morning school runs.

Now, in 2026, the ROXX pops up everywhere—mall parking lots, city streets, even outside schools. But before you ditch your family sedan for this chunky beast, let’s get into what actually works—and what’s still a bit too rugged.



What’s Great About the ROXX?

1. Looks Tough, Feels Comfortable

This thing turns heads. It’s massive—taller than most SUVs you’ll see in its price range, so you sit high and command the road. Unlike the old three-door, the ROXX finally gives rear passengers actual legroom, and there’s a huge 644-litre boot (when you pack it to the roof) for family trips or airport runs.

2. Off-Road with a Touch of Luxury

Inside, the ROXX feels nothing like the stripped-out Thars of old. There’s a huge sunroof, ventilated seats up front, a slick 360-degree camera, and even a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. For once, it actually feels modern—almost fancy.

3. Ready for Anything

Don’t worry, it’s still a monster off the road. Thanks to a 650mm water-wading depth and Electronic Locking Differential, the ROXX goes places where a Creta or Seltos wouldn’t even try. On highways, it’s a big step up from the old Thar—way more stable, totally at home cruising at high speeds.

4. Safety Sorted

The Thar ROXX nailed a 5-star Bharat NCAP score. Six airbags and a solid Level 2 ADAS suite come standard. That’s a real confidence-booster, especially for families.

Were It Still Falls Short

1. Still a Bumpy Ride

No hiding it—the ROXX is built on a body-on-frame platform. The suspension’s better than before, but you’ll feel the bumps. On rough roads, there’s a side-to-side rocking (that classic “head toss”), and it’s bouncier than something like the XUV700.

2. Getting In and Out Isn’t Easy

Even with four doors, the ROXX sits high off the ground. Older folks or anyone with knee problems might find getting in a struggle, even with the side steps. It’s definitely not as friendly as a regular crossover.

3. White Interiors—A Cleaning Nightmare

Top models come with white or light-colored interiors. Sure, it looks airy, but good luck keeping it clean—especially in India. Mud, kids, pets… white just doesn’t make sense for an SUV that’s meant to get dirty.

4. Likes Its Fuel

The engines pack a punch, especially the 2.0L petrol, but they’re thirsty. In heavy city traffic, the petrol automatic can dip to 7–9 kmpl. If you drive a lot, diesel makes more sense—but it costs more upfront.

The Bottom Line: Should You Go for It?

The Mahindra Thar ROXX is perfect for families who want that tough, “mafia” vibe but also need five seats and real practicality. It’s a huge leap forward in comfort and tech, even if it’s not as plush as a luxury crossover. If you’re OK with a bouncy ride, nothing else at this price brings this much personality to the table.


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