Not a Wrangler: Mahindra Thar Roxx revealed as five-door go-anywhere 4x4

Mahindra Thar gets a pair of extra doors and a longer body in new Roxx version

Remember when Mahindra launched what appeared to be a Jeep Wrangler look-alike called the Thar in 2021? Well, Mahindra has decided to launch a new variant of their go-anywhere 4x4 with two extra doors and a longer body.

Say hello to the Mahindra Thar Roxx, and yes this SUV is not afraid to borrow some styling cues from a certain 4x4 SUV. While some might say the brand is bordering on copyright infringement, Mahindra used to make the Willys Jeep under license in India back in the 1940s. That means they could have also borrowed some styling cues from the WWII-era vehicle.

Back to the Thar Roxx itself, the boxy SUV gets a six-slat grille that's divided into two tiers. It also gets new LED daytime running lights that surround the round LED headlights – resulting in a stylish look for the Thar Roxx. Also worth mentioning are the two extra doors which come with window-mounted door handles which give the SUV a two-door look despite having more doors. Other exterior features available include an optional two-tone paint and a choice of 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/60 tires.

In terms of size, the Thar Roxx measures 4428mm long, 1870mm wide, and 1923mm tall, along with a 2850mm wheelbase. This makes the five-door SUV longer by 443mm than the standard Thar as well as having an additional 440mm between the axles. It also benefits from 650mm of water-wading capability.

Hop aboard and the interior largely remains the same as the three-door version of the Mahindra Thar. However, the automaker did claim the vehicle benefits from more high-quality materials – including better Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH).

Also worth mentioning are a pair of 10.25-inch displays; one serves as a digital instrument panel while the other is the touchscreen infotainment system. Other available amenities inside the Thar Roxx include a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a 9-speaker sound system from Harman & Kardon, a wireless charging pad, and a cooled glovebox.

As for its chassis, Mahindra said the Thar Roxx rides on a new ladder frame that they claim delivers better road manners while still retaining its rugged ability to cover uneven terrain. The front suspension has double wishbones with coil springs while the rear suspension gets a live axle with a Watts link for improved handling.

Under the hood, the Thar Roxx is available with either a turbo-gasoline or a turbo-diesel engine. The former is the 2.0L mStallion TGDi four-cylinder engine that makes 177 PS and 380 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the latter is the 2.2L mHawk inline-four that generates 175 PS with 370 Nm of pull. Power can then be sent either to just the rear wheels or all four via a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox by Aisin.

The 4WD system of the Thar Roxx (called 4XPlor System) comes with electronic locking differentials, multiple terrain modes, and a crawl smart assist system which most likely serves as the vehicle's off-road cruise control.

With the Mahindra Thar Roxx showcasing itself as a more affordable alternative to the likes of the Jeep Wrangler, would it make sense outside of India? Let us know in the comments.