The latest in the SUV lineup from car manufacturer Mahindra is the Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant. There will be altogether six versions on offer: MX1, MX3, MX5, AX3L, AX5L, and AX7L. See how much of a difference the entry-level MX1 version of the Thar Roxx looks when placed alongside its flagship AX7L version.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Front
Unlike its entry-level brethren, the base spec version of the Thar Roxx doesn’t look like an entry-level vehicle due to the LED projector headlights unlike on the base-spec Thar Roxx, the bumper on the AX7L also gets a silver treatment.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Lateral
The larger 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels make an appearance only on the top-spec AX7L variant. The camera bulge at the bottom side of the ORVMs of the top-spec AX7L variant of the SUV hints that it gets a 360-degree camera setup. Both variants of the Thar Roxx here come with side steps for easy ingress and egress.
Related: Hyundai Creta Knight Edition: Best Features and More
Another area to consider here is that the high-end variant of the SUV, AX7L, encompasses a panoramic sunroof while the MX1 does not offer an option for any sunroof.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Rear
Although both base-spec and top-spec versions get C-shaped LED elements inside the tail lights, the difference between both variants is quite apparent because the top model sports a tailgate-mounted spare wheel with an alloy rim whereas the base-spec gets one with a steel rim. Furthermore, the rear bumper of the top-spec Thar Roxx has gotten a silver treatment while the base version has got an all-black one.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Interior
The two variants come with a black-and-white dual-tone dashboard, but the top-spec AX7L variant’s cabin looks and feel way more premium. This is due to the soft-touch material on the upper part of the dashboard and door pads. While the base-spec, Thar Roxx gets a black fabric seat upholstery, its top-spec variant comes with white leatherette seat upholstery.
The features list for the MX1 version of the SUV is quite impressive, considering it is a base-spec trim. The Thar Roxx MX1 comes with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 4-speaker sound system, steering-mounted controls, manual AC, push-button start/stop, and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The infotainment system though does not come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The larger Thar, on the other hand, gets the top-spec AX7 L variant, and it gets the same-sized HD touchscreen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital 10.25-inch driver’s display, auto AC, ventilated front seats, 6-way powered driver’s seat, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
The second-row seats get rear AC vents as standard for added convenience.
Passenger safety on both variants is pretty well taken care of with 6 airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), rear parking sensors, and hill hold and hill descent control. The Thar Roxx AX7L further gets a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, and level 2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Powertrain Options
The Thar Roxx is available with two different powerplant-both turbo-petrol and diesel engine options:
| Thar Roxx MX1 | Thar Roxx AX7L | |||
| Engine | 2-litre turbo-petrol | 2.2-litre diesel | 2-litre turbo-petrol | 2.2-litre diesel |
| Power | 162 PS | 152 PS | 162 PS (MT)/177 PS (AT) | 152 PS (MT and AT)/Up to 175 PS (4X4 AT) |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 330 Nm | 330 Nm (MT)/380 Nm (AT) | 330 Nm (MT and AT)/ Up to 370 Nm (4X4 AT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT/6-speed AT^ | 6-speed MT/6-speed AT |
| Drive Type | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD/ 4WD |
AT – Torque Converter Automatic
RWD – Rear-wheel-drive/4WD – 4-wheel-drive
Apart from that, the diesel variants of the Thar Roxx get an optional 4WD drivetrain.
Mahindra Thar Roxx Base vs Top Variant: Price Range & Rivals
- The starting, ex-showroom pan-India prices for the Thar Roxx range between Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 22.49 lakh.
- Force Gurkha 5-door and Maruti Jimny are its rivals.