Mahindra Thar Roxx: All About This Trending SUV

Whether you’re cruising through city traffic or pulling off the road into sand and gravel, Mahindra Thar Roxx is great for every terrain, and it comes as no surprise that it’s been a trending search in Qatar for months. But is the Thar Roxx just a cosmetic upgrade to the original Thar or a real game-changer for everyday drivers?

Let’s break it down — no jargon, no gearhead talk, just what you need to know if you’ve got a license and a curious eye.

Mahindra is one of the most popular Indian car manufacturers, established in 1945. Their Thar SUV received major hype when it came out and continues to be one of their most popular models. 

Thar Roxx is a special edition of Mahindra’s popular off-roader, dressed up with rugged bodywork, extra style cues, and subtle enhancements. You still get the original Thar’s guts — strong engine options, off-road gear, and the unmistakable Jeep-like silhouette. But the Roxx adds a more aggressive front bumper, dark grille, side steps, black alloy wheels, and some extra flair on the body.

Let’s be honest — the Thar Roxx isn’t going to glide over potholes like a luxury SUV. But that’s not what it’s for. This vehicle is built to handle rough roads, off-road terrain, and even the occasional dune. Reviewers across the board — from Team-BHP to Evo India — agree: it feels solid, powerful, and sure-footed when the going gets tough.

On city roads, you’ll feel more of the bumps than you would in a smaller car. Steering is heavier, too, especially at low speeds. But many drivers enjoy that commanding feel like you’re in control of the road.

Where it shines, though, is off-road. The four-wheel-drive system, high ground clearance, and wide stance give it a real advantage when things get messy. If you’ve got any off-road adventures in mind — or just want something that can handle the unexpected — this SUV is ready.

A cabin looks much better than you'd expect from something this rugged. There's a large touchscreen, compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, water-resistant upholstery (you can literally hose it down), and durable plastics that won’t get damaged over a little sand or mud.

It’s not luxurious. The seats offer firm support rather than soft comfort, while the materials ensure durability instead of luxury. But it’s comfortable, practical, and surprisingly tech-savvy.

One major upgrade in the five-door Roxx? Rear-seat access. No more crawling over the front seats to get in the back — this version makes space for adult passengers, even for longer drives. Rear air vents and cup holders help the car feel more like a proper family SUV.

You won’t find luxury touches in the Thar Roxx, but Mahindra has put some real thought into making it more comfortable and usable, especially in the 5-door model.

Rear passengers get good headroom and enough leg space. It’s not as spacious as a Fortuner, but it’s much better than older two-door Thar models — you no longer have to be an acrobat to get into the back.

When it comes to luggage, the rear cargo area holds a few medium suitcases or a week's worth of groceries without issue. The 447-liter boot (with rear seats up) is perfectly acceptable for camping trips or beach days, though it’s not massive.

Interestingly, some users have noted that the ride improves with more weight in the car. Add a few passengers or gear, and the suspension settles down a bit, especially on highways or semi-rough roads. It’s not scientific, but it matches what many owners say: “It feels best when it’s doing what it was made to do — carrying people or going places.”

The Thar Roxx offers both petrol and diesel engine options and achieves fuel efficiency between 12 to 15 kilometers per liter. While these figures are normal for a stronger vehicle, they aren’t cost-effective for long distances.

Another downside of this vehicle is its shape. Thar isn’t oversized, but its shape makes parking in confined spaces more demanding than with compact crossovers or sedans.

None Thar Roxx’s competitors combine distinctive style with real four-wheel drive dependability.

Take the Suzuki Jimny, for example. It’s also a compact off-roader with a loyal fan base. But the Jimny is smaller, less powerful, and frankly, less practical for families. It’s great if you’re solo and want something quirky and capable, but not if you need a usable back seat.

The Toyota Fortuner stands out, particularly with its base variants. Drivers will experience a refined ride with smooth highway performance, but face higher costs and limited maneuverability in tight spaces with this vehicle. Plus, it's not quite as “fun” or standout in the looks department.

The Nissan XTerra is a strong urban-off-road hybrid. However, unless you go for the pricier trims, you’re likely to miss out on key features the Thar Roxx already gives you.

In short: The Thar Roxx is for people who care about character as much as capability. It’s not trying to be sleek or subtle. It’s a statement — one that costs less than you might expect.

Let’s paint a few quick pictures:

• You’re 35, have a desk job, but live for the weekend. You’ve already done Sealine, plan to visit the Inland Sea again, and you want a car that can climb dunes but also hold its own on Salwa Road. You don’t need a 7-seater. You need this

• You’re a family of four. The Thar Roxx could work as your second vehicle — the one you use for Friday road trips or beach escapes. Kids love the view from the back seats, and the newer 5-door layout means boarding them isn’t a wrestling match

• You’re in your 20s, single, and want something different. You don’t want a Corolla. You want something fun, something people notice, and don’t mind a slightly firmer ride if it means you can take a different route home — literally

Now, who might want to think twice? If your entire driving life is city traffic + mall parking, the Thar Roxx may feel a bit oversized and stiff. It’s also not ideal if you’re regularly carrying six or seven people. And, if fuel economy is your biggest concern, there are more efficient options.

The base price of vehicles in Qatar begins at QAR 54,564, while the maximum price reaches QAR 86,996 based on different models and additional features selected by buyers. The final cost on the road can change because of dealership pricing differences and currency changes. So, buyers should always verify their total purchase cost before they finalize their purchase.

For what it offers — a mix of rugged utility, solid features, and street presence — it remains one of the more affordable off-road-ready SUVs in its class.

Before you get carried away dreaming about your next desert trip, let’s talk about something less exciting, but just as important: car insurance.

The price of insuring the Thar Roxx can vary depending on who’s behind the wheel. The typical range for annual costs for drivers stands between 4% and 7% of the vehicle's market price. A vehicle valued between QAR 54,500 and QAR 87,000 will have insurance costs of approximately QAR 2,200 to QAR 6,000 annually.

Your exact rate will depend on a few key factors:

• Your age and driving history — Young or first-time drivers typically pay more

• Coverage type — Third-party liability is cheaper but offers less protection; comprehensive offers broader coverage, especially useful for frequent off-road drives

• Add-ons — Some buyers opt for extras like off-road coverage, personal accident cover, or windshield replacement

In short, pricing is not outrageous. But it’s definitely worth getting a few quotes before you buy, especially if you’re under 30 or have no prior insurance history in the country.