2025 Mahindra Thar Roxx long term review, 16,000km report

When the Mahindra Thar Roxx joined our long-term fleet, we already knew it would be brilliant off-road. However, I was keen to see if it could handle mundane chores too. So, when shifting my son to his new college in Pune (from Mumbai), I picked the Thar, even though we have more conventional SUVs in our fleet, including two Cretas. Besides, I thought the super-smooth and powerful diesel would be fun on the highway, but in some ways, it wasn’t.

Excellent backlighting on centre console, including USB ports lower down.

Sure, it was quick, responsive and very refined, so that bit I really enjoyed. But the Mumbai-Pune Expressway has a 100kph limit, and keeping the Thar below that requires very light throttle pressure, and having to do this consciously is a pain. A less peppy setting would also help efficiency, which indicated 11.8kpl on the trip meter – good for a hardcore off-roader carrying around heavy 4X4 hardware, but not impressive for a midsize diesel SUV.

Wheel arch gap sends muddy water flying right up to the door handles.

Other bits that weren’t impressive on the trip were the wipers, which do not leave a clean view, and the vertical windscreen, which does not let water flow off easily; droplets seem to be pressed onto the glass. There are other monsoon-related issues. The spare wheel-mounted rear-view camera gets dirty easily, and the gap between the front wheel arch and running board sends muddy water flying onto the doors, right up to the handles.

The suspension is a mixed bag; a firm setup means small bumps do not compress the springs, so the body moves about a whole lot, which was a pain while getting out of the city. Come large potholes, though – of which there were a few on the highway – and you don’t have to try and avoid them; the Thar just clobbers them.

Harman/Kardon sound system rivals those found in some luxury vehicles.

The Harman/Kardon music system was brilliant to have on this trip. It not only rivals but also surpasses many other premium-branded systems.

At 447 litres, boot space is good. There’s more height than depth, but it’s deep enough to accommodate a check-in bag lying down. Plus, it took in three boxes, a large duffle bag, a backpack and a rolled-up mattress.

Door pockets are seriously tiny and cannot take even a small water bottle.

All in all, against other off-road rivals and even its three-door sibling, it’s a lot more liveable. It does a good job of masking or alleviating some of the rough edges, but it’s not the first car you should pick for a highway run with your family or use as a daily driver. Unless you really do love off-roading and the super-cool image that the Thar brings.