7 min read

Between petrol and diesel power, manual or automatic transmission, 4x4 and RWD there are many variants of the Mahindra Thar ROXX. How do you decide which one to buy?

*All prices mentioned are ex-showroom

June 1, 2026 - The Mahindra Thar ROXX is available across India with the range starting at ₹12.52L - ₹23.52L. Between those two numbers the ROXX customer has multiple options to choose from. They could opt for an entry level petrol engine version with a manual transmission that sends power and torque only to the rear wheels. Or they could opt for a mid-order diesel with a manual transmission and four-wheel-drive, and then of course there is the top-of-the-line diesel automatic with four-wheel-drive. Many of these variants have still more options to choose from. Some are offered with a choice between a petrol or diesel engine but only with rear wheel drive and a manual transmission. Others will give you the flexibility of diesel or petrol and a choice between manual and auto transmission too, but only with rear wheel drive. Point is, the choices are many and while there is something for every ROXX aspirant, it can all get a little overwhelming. Here, we will try and help unravel how you can decide between these multiple variants and which one should you pick.

Settling the petrol versus diesel debate

The Mahindra Thar ROXX comes equipped with two powerful and responsive engines. The 2- litre mStallion TGDI petrol engine features turbocharging with direct injection and has a peak output of 160hp (119kW) at 5000rpm and a healthy 330Nm of torque from 1500rpm to 3000rpm. This is for the engines that are mated to the 6-speed manual transmission. People opting for the automatic transmission with the 6-speed torque converted, the same mStallion is tuned to produce a much higher output of 175hp (130kW) at 5000rpm while peak torque goes up to 380Nm at 1750rpm to 3000rpm.

The diesel engine that does duty under the muscular bonnet of the ROXX is the 2.2-litre mHawk, which is also available in two states of tune. The ones offered at the entry level, either with the 6-speed manual or the 6-speed automatic, offers 150hp at 3750rpm and 330Nm of torque between 1500rpm and 3000rpm. In the higher state of tune, which is only available with the 6-speed torque converter, you have access to 172hp (128.6kW) and 400Nm of maximum torque from 1750rpm to 2750rpm.

On paper then the petrol and diesel options are evenly matched in terms of output and capability-wise you won’t feel any difference. So, choosing between petrol and diesel variants boils down to a question of usage, basically how much do you drive and basic mathematics. At the entry level scheme of things there is a price difference of approximately ₹1.46 lakh between the two with the petrol variant being more affordable. However, the diesel variant is more fuel efficient with an ARAI certified figure of 15.2kmpl to the petrol’s 12.4kmpl. Over and above that, diesel is economical to buy in India at the fuel pump by approximately ₹10 per litre. Nonetheless, if you do the arithmetic, you’ll realise that you’ll have to drive more kilometres annually for the diesel variant to make sense. How many kilometres extra depends on the price differential between equivalent trim levels of the petrol and diesel variants. As a general rule, if you drive less than 10,000km annually, opting for a diesel may not be the thing to do.

Choosing convenience, automatically

This is an easier question to answer. The Mahindra Thar ROXX is available with manual as well as automatic transmissions for both petrol as well as diesel variants. Both gearboxes are 6- speed transmissions with well-placed ratios that allow the driver to make full use of the power and torque of the engines. The question of choice between the automatic and the manual eventually comes down to driver preferences. There are some drivers who prefer a direct engagement with their vehicles. They value the feel of being in complete control over convenience. They will automatically be attracted to the manual transmission and the human control it offers. The others who value convenience of two-pedal technology, which in the modern age comes without the penalties of significant transfer losses and fuel economy, should choose the vehicle with an automatic transmission.

City user vs Family Buyer vs Adventure Seeker vs Off-Road Enthusiast

The Thar ROXX is a very versatile SUV and can cater to multiple kinds of consumer sets, ranging from the urban lifestyle enthusiast to the hardcore get-muddy off-road adventurer. Even families consider the Mahindra Thar ROXX and each of these consumer sets have their own rationale for choosing the Thar ROXX. Some love its rugged and bold design while others like the practicality of high ground clearance, robust build and go anywhere abilities while others like the command seating position that allows the driver to dominate the driving environment. The off-road enthusiast has always been drawn by the vehicle’s superb capabilities once the tarmac and even the trails have run out completely.

For the city user and the family buyer, there’s the Thar ROXX with the mStallion petrol engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox and rear wheel drive. Given the choice of driving environment, the smooth petrol engine will be more than happy to keep pace with any driving requirements while the automatic transmission will ensure a hasslefree experience through city traffic. This variant of the Mahindra Thar ROXX will be more than capable of handling the occasional weekend trip as well, including a trail or two.

The adventure seeker who feels the need to head out on regular road trips would do well to choose the diesel variant with the automatic transmission. The punchy diesel with its higher fuel economy will mean fewer stops at the petrol pumps and better average speeds on the highways. Meanwhile, the automatic transmission ensures complete convenience on the open road and a simple jab of the throttle is all that is needed to overtake slower vehicles. Drivers who want a more constant engagement with the vehicle should opt for the manual transmission. Whether the adventure seeker should opt for a rear wheel drive or a 4x4 depends on usage again. If the plan is to by and large explore India’s growing highway network then the rear wheel driven Thar ROXX is more than capable of handling all adventure related requirements. If however, you plan to venture off the beaten path then the availability of 4x4 on the vehicle greatly enhances peace of mind. You can still opt for the automatic transmission with the 4x4 since the two have been paired to near perfection and will deliver all the thrills you’d expect.

Finally, there is the off-road enthusiast, for whom the choices are narrowed down to between a Mahindra Thar ROXX with the diesel engine and a manual transmission or a diesel with the automatic transmission. Given that having 4x4 capability is not really an option for the off-road enthusiast and the Thar ROXX is available with 4x4 only with the mHawk diesel engine.

The Thar ROXX trims

There are seven trim levels available to the potential buyer of the Mahindra Thar ROXX. But before getting into the details of the multiple trim levels, no matter which variant and trim level of the Mahindra Thar ROXX the buyer eventually decides to pick, uncompromised safety is standard across the range. Even in the entry level MX1 trim the consumer still has the security of 4 airbags, including driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags. There are impact sensing auto door unlock, ISOFIX compatibility, ABS with corner braking control, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, engine drag torque control, roll over mitigation, traction control system, hill hold control, hill descent control, hydraulic brake assist, brake locking differential, brake disc wiping and vehicle dynamics control as standard equipment.

MX1

The entry level MX1 is for the city user or the family buyer who has aspired for a stylish and bold vehicle like the Mahindra Thar ROXX but whose comfort and tech requirements from the vehicle is limited. They aren’t particularly in need of the connected car services that come with Adrenox and are quite comfortable adjusting ORVMs manually. People for whom features like a 26.03cm touchscreen infotainment system with 4 speakers is gadget enough. This is available with both petrol and diesel engine options but only with a manual transmission and rear wheel drive

MX3

Stepping up from there is the MX3 which offers you, among other things, the choice of an automatic transmission but you’re still in rear wheel drive territory. Over and above what the MX1 has, this one doesn’t make you reach for ORVM adjustment because they’re electrically operated. You also get a rear defogger, rear windshield wiper and a USB port in the front. Significantly, the 26.03cm touchscreen infotainment system is now touchscreen and gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Perfect for the city user or family buyer who appreciates the basic comforts of life. The MX3 also offers cruise control and XPLOR selectable terrain modes and drive modes, which immediately puts it in the consideration set of budding adventure enthusiasts and road trippers.

AX3L

The AX3L, which builds on all the features seen on the MX3, is for the tech savvy lifestyle enthusiast who also enjoys the punchiness of a diesel engine and the sense of involvement that comes with a manual transmission. The AX3L is the entry point into the connected world of Adrenox with its 83 connected features, 3-year subscription to a built-in Alexa app and a whole bunch of tech features. This also features engine auto start-stop function for the eco footprint conscious buyer, in-built navigation by MapMyIndia, smart wearable support and more. This will also appeal to those who prefer the safety net of Level 2 ADAS.

MX5

This is again available with both petrol and diesel engines and is the highest spec one can get for a non-Adrenox variant. That means you have all the features of the MX1 and MX3 but none of the technologies available with the AX3L. What you do get instead is the option of 4x4, for the first time and therefore 4XPLOR selectable terrain modes. The sound quality from the 26.03 touchscreen infotainment system is also dialled up with the addition of 2 tweeters. With the MX5 you also get 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, which enhance the vehicle’s road presence, and a single pane sunroof. The MX5 is great for those who want that premium lifestyle, whether rear-wheel-driven or 4x4, but with the highest level of human involvement and just that right amount of tech intervention. The MX5 also marks the entry point for the serious off-road enthusiast.

AX5L

The AX5L builds on everything that is on offer in the MX5 but then punches all of that with the Adrenox connected services and Level 2 ADAS. It also ups the game with its offer of wireless charging. Available only with the diesel engine and the automatic transmission, this variant is perfect for those who love the punchiness of a torquey diesel motor but want the convenience of two-pedal technology, whether on-road or off-road. And of course, really values tech features.

Star Edn

The Star Edn will appeal to the buyer who wants uncompromised comfort, convenience and technology but is an urban explorer or a highway enthusiast who also wants to stand out within the tribe. The Star Edn offers a different exterior colour palette, Star Edn badging, different interior trim and piano black alloys. It builds on everything that the AX5L offers, including the Adrenox connected services but with a 1-year subscription to the built-in Alexa app and without Level 2 ADAS.

AX7L

At the top of the range, the AX7L dominates the environment on its 19-inch diamond cut alloys. It offers the pinnacle of comfort with its 6-way adjustable driver seat and front ventilated seats. You get an unrestricted view of the skies, thanks to a panoramic sunroof. The entire gamut of the Adrenox connected services and an excellent aural experience from its 6-speaker system paired with twin tweeters and a subwoofer. Finally, there’s the safety net of Level 2 ADAS with its entire plethora of active electronic interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the different variants of the Mahindra Thar ROXX?

   The Mahindra Thar ROXX comes in seven different variants – MX1, MX3, MX5, AX3L, AX5L, Star EDN and AX7L.

2. Which Thar ROXX variant is best for city use?

   If you’re primarily planning to use your Thar ROXX in the city, we recommend you to look at the Thar ROXX with the petrol engine and the automatic transmission.

3. Does the Thar ROXX get with ADAS?

   Yes, the Mahindra Thar ROXX does come with Level 2 ADAS.

4. Which variant of the Thar ROXX gets 4x4?

   The 4x4 powertrain can only be had with the Thar ROXX powered by the diesel engine. It is available on the MX5, AX5L and AX7L variants with the diesel engine.

5. How long is the waiting period for the Mahindra Thar ROXX?

   Please get in touch with your nearest Mahindra dealership for further information.

What do families look for in an SUV like the Thar ROXX?

If you’re an enthusiast, your priorities may be clear while buying your dream car, but when it’s the case of getting a family SUV, you aren’t just looking for a vehicle that’s powerful or one with an adventurous streak. A family SUV needs to be a well-rounded package that appeals to each and every member of the clan. Safety is of the utmost importance, and it also needs to be comfortable over broken roads while driving confidently on the highways. It also helps if it is easy to drive on the occasion when your partner or a family member chooses to get behind the wheel on a road trip. And of course, it wouldn’t hurt if the SUV is equipped with features like a responsive infotainment system, automatic climate control and has the space to accommodate your family (and their luggage) with ease – which is exactly what the Mahindra Thar ROXX does.