At first glance, this car looks perfect—but is it really? Buying a car today is more confusing than ever, especially when the vehicle in question has transcended from being a mere off-roader to a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The Mahindra Thar isn’t just a machine; it is a statement of intent. But as you stand in the showroom, torn between the classic 3-door grit and the shiny new promise of the 5-door Roxx, the “details” are exactly where you might get lost.
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the Thar has officially split into two distinct personalities for 2026. You have the refreshed 3-door facelift that keeps the purists happy, and then there is the Thar Roxx—a 5-door juggernaut designed to be the primary car for your family. One is a weekend rebel; the other is a daily driver that can still climb mountains.
But here’s the catch… adding doors and fancy screens often comes at a cost to that raw, unadulterated soul we love. In this Mahindra Thar review: All about the details, we are going deep into the nuts and bolts of both versions. From the real-world thirst of those mStallion engines to the surprising tech upgrades that finally make this a “connected” adventurer, we’ve tested it all.
H2: Quick overview: The 2026 Thar Lineup
The Thar lineup has never been more diverse. Whether you want a budget-friendly rear-wheel-drive (RWD) cruiser or a kitted-out 4×4 for serious mud-plugging, Mahindra has a variant for you.
- 3-Door Facelift: Recently updated with a body-colored grille, new Battleship Grey and Tango Red colors, and a much-needed 10-inch HD touchscreen.
- Thar Roxx (5-Door): A longer, wider, and more premium version featuring a panoramic sunroof and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
- Engine Options: Both models share the dependable 2.0L mStallion petrol and 2.2L mHawk diesel engines, while the 3-door also offers a smaller 1.5L diesel for tax-saving RWD trims.
- Transmission: 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatics are available across major variants.
H2: Exterior design analysis: Rugged meets Refined
Mahindra has mastered the art of keeping the “Jeep-inspired” silhouette while adding enough modern flair to avoid looking dated.
H3: The 3-Door’s Classic Grit
The 2026 facelift for the 3-door model introduces a new grille design and dual-tone bumpers that freshen up the front end without losing its squat, purposeful stance. It still rides on those chunky 18-inch alloys that look just as good in city traffic as they do in a riverbed.
H3: The Roxx: A New Scale of Presence
The Thar Roxx is significantly larger—it is longer (4428 mm), wider, and taller than the standard Thar.
- The Grill: It features a more elaborate, modern grille compared to the classic vertical slats of the 3-door.
- Lighting: Auto-LED headlights with C-shaped DRLs give it a premium, high-tech gaze.
- Wheel Size: Top-end Roxx variants now sport massive 19-inch dual-tone alloys, filling out those flared wheel arches perfectly.
H2: Interior design & comfort: Finally, a family-friendly cabin?
Historically, the Thar’s interior was a place you “endured” rather than “enjoyed.” That changes with the 2026 updates, particularly in the Roxx.
H3: Tech and Layout
Both cars now feature a revised dashboard layout. The 3-door gets a new 10-inch HD touchscreen with wireless connectivity, while the Roxx steps it up with a twin 10.25-inch setup—one for infotainment and a fully digital one for the driver’s display.
H3: The Comfort Factor
The Roxx is where the real luxury resides.
- Seating: Ventilated front seats are now a reality—a godsend for Jodhpur’s relentless summers.
- Rear Space: For the first time, you can comfortably seat three adults in the back of a Thar with dedicated AC vents and a center armrest.
- Sunroof: While the 3-door sticks to the classic hardtop/convertible options, the Roxx offers a massive panoramic sunroof that makes the cabin feel incredibly airy.
H2: Engine specifications & performance: The heart of the beast
Performance has never been the Thar’s problem; it’s always had plenty of muscle. The 2026 models refine that power delivery.
Technical Specifications Table
| Feature | 3-Door mHawk Diesel | Roxx mStallion Petrol |
| Displacement | 2184 cc | 1997 cc |
| Max Power | 132 hp @ 3750 rpm | Up to 172 hp |
| Max Torque | 300 Nm | Up to 380 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-MT / 6-AT | 6-MT / 6-AT |
| Drive Type | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
H3: Real-World Driving Dynamics
On the road, the Roxx feels much more “planted” thanks to its longer 2850 mm wheelbase. The standard 3-door, while improved in its facelift, still has that characteristic short-wheelbase “bounciness” over uneven patches. However, in the tight, dusty bylanes of the old city, the 3-door’s compact size is a massive advantage.
H2: Mileage / fuel efficiency: Real-world results tested
Let’s be honest: you don’t buy a Thar for record-breaking fuel economy. But with petrol prices where they are, it matters.
- Diesel Manual (Roxx/3-Door): You can expect a reasonable 11-13 kmpl in the city and up to 15-16 kmpl on the highway if you keep a light foot.
- Petrol Automatic: This is the thirsty one. In heavy traffic, expect 8-10 kmpl, stretching to 12 kmpl on the highway.
- RWD Advantage: The 1.5L diesel RWD 3-door remains the efficiency champion, consistently hitting 15+ kmpl in mixed conditions.
But here’s the catch… real-world numbers dip significantly the moment you engage 4WD or start climbing dunes.
H2: Features & technology: Modernizing the legend
If you’re planning to buy this car, here’s what you must know: the Thar has finally entered the digital age. While the 3-door retains its adventure-focused simplicity, the Thar Roxx is a tech-heavy powerhouse that rivals premium SUVs.
- Twin 10.25-inch Screens: The Roxx features a dual-screen layout—one for the HD infotainment and a fully digital cluster for the driver.
- Harman Kardon Audio: You get a custom-tuned 9-speaker Harman Kardon system in the Roxx, a far cry from the basic setups of old.
- Ventilated Seats: A segment-first for lifestyle SUVs, these are now available to keep you cool during peak Indian summers.
- Panoramic Skyroof: The Roxx features a massive panoramic sunroof that dramatically changes the cabin’s ambiance.
- Wireless Connectivity: Both models support wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for a clutter-free experience.
H2: Safety features: The 5-star evolution
In our Mahindra Thar review: All about the details, safety is a major highlight. Mahindra has gone from offering basic protection to setting segment benchmarks.
- Bharat NCAP 5-Star: The Thar Roxx has secured a full 5-star rating, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.
- Standard 6 Airbags: The Roxx comes with six airbags as standard across variants to protect all occupants.
- Level 2 ADAS: High-end variants of the Roxx include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems like Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Keep Assist.
- 360-Degree Camera: Essential for a vehicle with such high hood lines, providing a clear view for parking and off-roading.
- GNCAP 4-Star: Even the classic 3-door model maintains a solid 4-star Global NCAP rating for peace of mind.
H2: Ride quality & real-world driving experience: Taming the bounce
This is where the difference between the two models becomes most apparent.
- The Roxx Glide: Thanks to its longer 2850 mm wheelbase and Watt’s-link rear suspension, the Roxx is significantly more stable on highways and absorbs potholes with much more grace than the shorter model.
- 3-Door Agility: The 3-door remains the champion for tight trails; its short wheelbase allows it to navigate technical off-road obstacles that might snag a longer vehicle.
- Steering Evolution: The Roxx uses a modern electric power steering that is light in the city, while the 3-door’s hydraulic unit provides that old-school mechanical feedback purists love.
H2: Price & variants: A broad spectrum of adventure
Mahindra has priced the Thar range to cater to everyone from the budget-conscious enthusiast to the luxury seeker.
Mahindra Thar Estimated Price List (May 2026)
| Model | Variant Range | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
| Thar 3-Door | AX (Base) to LX (Top) | ₹ 9.99 Lakh – ₹ 17.63 Lakh |
| Thar Roxx (5-Door) | MX1 to AX7L | ₹ 12.39 Lakh – ₹ 22.82 Lakh |
H2: Competitor comparison: The lifestyle battle
| Feature | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Force Gurkha 5-Door | Maruti Suzuki Jimny |
| Base Price | ₹ 12.39 Lakh | ₹ 16.31 Lakh | ₹ 12.32 Lakh |
| Seating | 5 Seats | 4/7 Seats | 4 Seats |
| Boot Space | 447 Liters | 500 Liters | 208 Liters |
| Engine | 2.2L Diesel / 2.0L Petrol | 2.6L Diesel | 1.5L Petrol |
H2: Pros and Cons: The unfiltered truth
Pros:
- Iconic Road Presence: Nothing commands attention on the road quite like a Thar.
- Unbeatable Off-Roading: Even the base variants are incredibly capable on rough terrain.
- Family Ready: The Roxx finally makes the Thar a viable primary car for Indian families.
- Powerful Engines: Both petrol and diesel options offer punchy, effortless performance.
Cons:
- Ride Quality: While improved, it still feels stiffer than traditional monocoque SUVs over sharp bumps.
- Fuel Efficiency: The petrol models can be quite thirsty in heavy traffic.
- Ingress/Egress: Getting into the back seats still requires a bit of a climb, especially for the elderly.
H2: Who should buy this vehicle?
If you want a car that can handle the Monday morning commute and a Sunday mountain trail without breaking a sweat, the Thar Roxx is your best bet. It is for the person who wants the “Thar lifestyle” but refuses to compromise on safety, features, or family comfort.
H2: Who should avoid it?
If you primarily drive on smooth city roads and prioritize a soft, car-like ride and high fuel economy, you should stick to a crossover. The Thar’s body-on-frame structure and boxy aerodynamics aren’t designed for clinical efficiency or plush highway manners.
H2: Expert verdict: The ultimate all-rounder
The Mahindra Thar review: All about the details proves that Mahindra has successfully done the impossible: they’ve made the Thar practical without killing its soul. The 3-door remains a weekend weapon, but the Roxx is a masterpiece of engineering that finally brings “adventure for everyone” to the Indian market.
H2: FAQs: Your questions answered
Q1: What is the waiting period for the Thar Roxx?
Depending on the variant and city, waiting periods currently range from 3 to 9 months due to high demand.
Q2: Is the 3-door Thar being discontinued?
No, it remains a core part of the lineup for purists who want a compact, more focused off-roader.
Q3: Can the 3-door Thar seat five people?
It is officially a 4-seater. The Roxx is the only variant that is a proper 5-seater.
Q4: Is it safe for children?
Yes, both models feature ISOFIX child seat mounts and high safety ratings, though the Roxx offers more safety tech like ADAS.
Q5: Which engine is better for long-distance cruising?
The mHawk Diesel is generally preferred for highway trips due to its superior torque and better fuel economy compared to the petrol.