Introduction
Hello everyone… My name is Mintu Kumar, and I am very passionate about the world of automobiles. I love exploring and sharing information about the latest cars, their features, and performance. One of my favorite vehicles is the Mahindra Thar, a symbol of power, style, and adventure on Indian roads. Through this blog, I aim to provide readers with honest reviews, exciting updates, and insights into the evolving automobile industry. Stay connected to explore more amazing cars and innovations with me.
The Mahindra Thar has long been one of India’s iconic off-road SUVs: robust, rugged, full of personality, with strong appeal among adventure lovers. But one of its biggest limitations for many buyers has been practicality — especially for family use: the classic 3-door Thar has restricted boot space, tight rear seating, and limited ingress/egress. To address that, Mahindra is launching a 5-door version (often referred to as Thar Roxx or “5-door Thar”) which aims to combine the Thar’s off-road capability and road presence with more family friendliness, extra space, more comfort-oriented and premium features.
This article explores what the 5-door Thar offers, what changes it brings vs. the 3-door model, its pros & cons, whether it’s worth waiting for (or buying), and how it compares to its competitors.
What is the Thar 5-Door? What’s New
The 5-door Thar retains much of the DNA of the 3-door — ladder frame, off-road capability, high ground clearance — but adapts dimensions, comfort, and features for broader appeal. It is also known by names like Thar Roxx, Thar Armada, etc., depending on trim. Some of the expected/new features vs the 3-door include:
- An additional pair of doors (rear doors) and longer wheelbase → improves accessibility, especially for rear passengers.
- Improved boot space thanks to larger body and potentially more usable rear space for luggage.
- New and upgraded interior features: more premium infotainment, sunroof, digital displays, possibly ADAS.
- Comfort enhancements: rear AC vents, rear centre armrest, dual-zone climate control, more cushions, more safety gear (airbags, disc brakes in rear, 360° camera) etc.
- Exterior updates: refreshed grille & front bumper design, LED lighting, different alloy wheels, better aesthetics.
Engines, drivetrain options are expected to be similar to the 3-door Thar, albeit tuned for slightly different weight and usage:
- 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol (~150 bhp / 150 PS range) and
- 2.2-litre mHawk diesel (~130-150 bhp depending on tune)
- Transmission choices likely 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic.
- Drivetrain options: 4×4 (off-road capable) and 4×2 / RWD (for buyers more road-/city-oriented) expected.
So Let’s Read Key Specifications (Expected / Known)
Here are the approximate / leaked / expected specs and features based on spy shots, media reports. Some details may vary in final production or by variant:
| Spec / Feature | Value / Notes |
| Seating capacity | ~5 persons (front + middle row + rear doors make access easier) |
| Wheelbase | Longer than the 3-door version; leaked wheelbase ~ 2,450-2,500 mm region (versus shorter in 3-door) |
| Ground clearance | Likely similar or slightly reduced vs the 3-door depending on suspension; leases heavy weight may reduce clearance slightly. No confirmed precise figure widely published yet. |
| Engines | 2.0L petrol & 2.2L diesel as mentioned above. Diesel expected ~ 130 bhp / ~300 Nm torque; petrol ~150 bhp / similar torque (depending on variant) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain options | 4×4 + 4×2 (RWD) variants. |
| Safety | Six airbags in higher trims; ABS with EBD; ESC / stability control; ISOFIX child seat mounts; rear disc brakes; 360° camera in select trims. |
| Infotainment / Display | New larger touchscreen (~10-10.25-inch); wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay; fully or partially digital instrument cluster; free-standing touch unit in centre console. |
| Comfort / Convenience | Sunroof (single pane or panoramic in some leaks), rear AC vents, centre armrests, cruise control, power ORVMs, better cabin features (storage, speaker setup, etc.) |
| Exterior / Design | LED DRLs, projector lamps, updated grille and bumper, new alloy designs, dual tone or updated colours, rear doors with handles, updated tail lights. |
Main Advantages / Strengths of the 5-Door Thar
The 5-door Thar brings several meaningful improvements that make it a more capable and usable SUV for a broader set of buyers.
- Better Practicality
- Rear doors make ingress/egress in the back seat much easier, especially for elderly, children, or when carrying stuff.
- More usable rear space and somewhat better legroom / comfort in the back. Longer wheelbase helps stability and ride comfort.
- Improved boot space, making it more suitable for family use, travel, luggage. The classic Thar’s boot is very limited.
- Rear doors make ingress/egress in the back seat much easier, especially for elderly, children, or when carrying stuff.
- Improved Comfort & Features
- Addition of comfort-oriented features like sunroof, rear AC vents, centre-armrests, better infotainment etc. brings more livability, particularly during long trips or daily city commuting.
- Better tech and premium touches: wireless connectivity, bigger display, more screens, digital cluster. These contribute to a modern feel.
- Addition of comfort-oriented features like sunroof, rear AC vents, centre-armrests, better infotainment etc. brings more livability, particularly during long trips or daily city commuting.
- Same Off-Road Heritage + More Flexibility
- The Mahindra Thar 5-door version is expected to retain core off-road hardware: 4×4 drivetrain (in certain trims), shift-on-fly transfer case (or similar), good ground clearance, rugged chassis. So you don’t lose off-road capability.
- At the same time, with 4×2 / RWD variants and more urban comfort features, the 5-door Thar offers flexibility: more usable as a daily driver.
- The Mahindra Thar 5-door version is expected to retain core off-road hardware: 4×4 drivetrain (in certain trims), shift-on-fly transfer case (or similar), good ground clearance, rugged chassis. So you don’t lose off-road capability.
- More Safety Features
- Upgrades like six airbags, disc brakes in the rear, 360° camera, parking sensors, etc., enhance safety for both on-road and off-road.
- Enhanced illumination (LED DRLs etc.) and perhaps ADAS (depending on variant) further improve safety.
- Upgrades like six airbags, disc brakes in the rear, 360° camera, parking sensors, etc., enhance safety for both on-road and off-road.
- Strong Road Presence & Image
- Thar’s strong brand and image remains: rugged, adventurous, iconic. The Mahindra Thar 5-door adds functionality but does not heavily dilute identity. Many buyers are drawn by this lifestyle appeal.
- The updated design, more premium touches, and upgraded aesthetics make it more attractive for urban owners who still want ruggedness.
- Thar’s strong brand and image remains: rugged, adventurous, iconic. The Mahindra Thar 5-door adds functionality but does not heavily dilute identity. Many buyers are drawn by this lifestyle appeal.
- Choice of Powertrains & Drivetrains
- Sharing of engine options with existing Thar helps in proven reliability. Diesel and petrol both available.
- Having automatic options is important for many buyers.
- 4×2 / RWD options mean lower cost, less complexity, better fuel efficiency for many users.
- Sharing of engine options with existing Thar helps in proven reliability. Diesel and petrol both available.
Limitations / Trade-Offs
Despite its many advantages, the 5-door Thar comes with trade-offs. Buyers should be aware of these before making a decision.
- Ride Quality & Comfort Compromises
- The Thar’s suspension is rugged and meant for off-road; on particularly bad roads, the ride can be harsh. Some user reports / reviews mention stiff suspension, especially in rear seats, and noticeable body roll.
- For city potholes, speed bumps, etc., the longer wheelbase and weight may make the ride less nimble.
- The Thar’s suspension is rugged and meant for off-road; on particularly bad roads, the ride can be harsh. Some user reports / reviews mention stiff suspension, especially in rear seats, and noticeable body roll.
- Fuel Efficiency Likely Lower
- With bigger body, more weight, possibly more drag (due to size, additional doors etc.), fuel (or diesel / petrol) mileage will drop relative to lighter/smaller 3-door variants of the Mahindra Thar.
- Automatic transmission variants generally consume more fuel.
- With bigger body, more weight, possibly more drag (due to size, additional doors etc.), fuel (or diesel / petrol) mileage will drop relative to lighter/smaller 3-door variants of the Mahindra Thar.
- Cost / Price Premium
- The 5-door version will likely cost more than equivalent 3-door Thar trims because of additional doors, lengthening chassis, extra features, upgraded equipment.
- Maintenance / parts cost might be slightly higher for features like sunroof, infotainment, etc.
- The 5-door version will likely cost more than equivalent 3-door Thar trims because of additional doors, lengthening chassis, extra features, upgraded equipment.
- Size / Manoeuvrability
- Longer body can make parking, tight urban manoeuvres tricky compared to the compact 3-door Mahindra Thar.
- Off-road agility in tight trails might be slightly compromised due to increased overhangs or weight.
- Longer body can make parking, tight urban manoeuvres tricky compared to the compact 3-door Mahindra Thar.
- Weight & Dynamics
- Extra doors and longer chassis mean more mass. This could affect acceleration, braking, performance. Stopping distances may be longer; dynamics may be more ponderous.
- Extra doors and longer chassis mean more mass. This could affect acceleration, braking, performance. Stopping distances may be longer; dynamics may be more ponderous.
- Possibility of Variants Having Different Feature Sets
- Not all trims will have all premium features; lower trims might miss out on sunroof, 360° camera, or ADAS. Buyers must choose variant carefully.
- Quality of finish / interiors for premium elements (like upholstery, fit & finish) matter; if Mahindra cuts costs in lower trims, perceived value may suffer.
- Not all trims will have all premium features; lower trims might miss out on sunroof, 360° camera, or ADAS. Buyers must choose variant carefully.
Given the mix of strengths and weaknesses, here’s the profile of the buyer who will find the 5-door Thar especially appealing:
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Who Is It Best For?
- Families who want an adventurous SUV with off-road ability but also need more space, doors, luggage capacity — e.g. parents with children, or individuals needing to carry more passengers/luggage regularly.
- Weekend adventurers: people who drive off-road or go on trips, but also want comfort on highways and daily drives. The 5-door provides a better compromise.
- Urban + Outside the City Mix Drivers: if you regularly travel in city traffic but also take highway or rural roads, the comfort/feature enhancements will matter.
- Lifestyle buyers: those drawn by image, rugged style, presence — but who also want modern tech and more comfort.
It may be less suitable for:
- Buyers who value maximum off-road agility and lightweight performance (3-door may be better here).
- Those who prefer very good fuel efficiency or low running cost above all.
- Buyers who prioritize easy parking in tight city environments.
- Those looking for lower price point, who may not need many premium features.
Feature Comparison: 3-Door vs. 5-Door (Mahindra Thar)
Here’s a side by side of what 5-door adds (or is expected to add) vs the 3-door:
| Feature / Aspect | 3-Door Thar | What 5-Door Adds / Improves |
| Number of doors | 3 | 5 (rear doors for better access) which is Mahindra Thar |
| Boot space / luggage capacity | Limited | Improved, more usable for family/travel |
| Rear seat comfort / legroom | Tight; ingress/egress more difficult | Easier entry, likely more space, better seating features (armrest etc.) |
| Features (interior) | Basic to decent in higher trims; smaller touchscreen, analogue cluster etc. | Bigger touchscreen, digital cluster, optional sunroof, rear AC vents, more comfort features |
| Safety features | Dual-airbags / fewer features in base, some premium in higher trims | Expected six airbags, disc brakes at rear, 360° camera, better illumination etc. |
| Drivetrain / engine options | Petrol / diesel; manual & AT; 4×4 & RWD | Similar, though 5-door may have RWD/4×2 options for lower cost; same engine options but adjusted for weight |
| Urban usability | Compact, easier to manoeuvre, lighter | Slightly bulkier but more usable in family contexts; more comfort for occupants |
| Off-road capability | Very capable for trails (especially 4×4) | Slightly heavier but retaining core off-road features; may lose some agility, but still very capable |
Real-World Usage Considerations
When using a 5-door Thar daily or on longer trips, some practical aspects to be aware of:
- Fueling / Running Cost: Expect lower fuel efficiency than 3-door, especially if automatic & 4×4. Also, tyres and parts for larger wheelbase vehicles may cost more.
- Servicing & Maintenance: Higher feature count means more things that need care (sunroof seals, electronics, infotainment etc.). Quality of after-sales service matters.
- Resale Value & Demand: Thar has strong brand pull; a 5-door version may attract more buyers in used market because of its versatility — families may prefer it over 3-door. But market acceptance will depend on how well Mahindra Thar executes fit & finish etc.
- Insurance & Taxes: Heavier vehicles sometimes attract slightly higher insurance premiums. Also, variants with more features might be taxed slightly more, or options may increase cost significantly.
- Comfort for Rear Passengers: Despite improvements, the Mahindra Thar is still built rugged. Rear seat comfort may still lag in comparison to more road-oriented SUVs. For long highway journeys, rear occupant comfort (seat cushioning, space, noise / vibration) will matter a lot.
Price Expectations & Availability
- The 5-door Thar is expected (or already in some reports) to cost more than equivalent 3-door trims. Introductory / base 5-door variants may start around ₹ 12.99 lakh ex-showroom for petrol, ₹ 13.99 lakh for diesel (these are leaked / media reported estimates).
- Higher-trim / 4×4 / (Mahindra Thar) automatic versions will cost significantly more depending on equipment.
- Mahindra Thar may offer multiple trim levels so buyers can choose between more rugged / basic vs more premium comfort-oriented versions.
- Availability: expected to be nationwide, but options (4×2, 4×4, AT/MT) may vary by city. Waiting periods are possible, especially for variants with high demand or limited supply.
Comparison with Competitors
To understand where the Mahindra Thar 5-door Thar stands, it’s useful to compare with similar SUVs in the market:
- Jeep Compass / Compass Trailhawk: More road-oriented, premium interiors, better road manners. But perhaps less rugged in hardcore off-road situations; and costlier.
- Maruti Jimny / Force Gurkha: Smaller, more focused off-road, and possibly more agile in trails. But weaker interiors, maybe fewer comfort features. The 5-door Thar may compete well here when judged on space + off-road ability.
- Hyundai Creta / Kia Seltos / Tata Harrier etc.: These are more road-oriented, offer better ride comfort and fuel efficiency, more feature-rich cabins for urban use. But they may not match the Thar’s off-road toughness or rugged appeal.
- Other lifestyle SUVs: There are crossovers / compact SUVs which offer good features for city use, better comfort & efficiency. But for buyers who want the Mahindra Thar image, rugged build and off-road capability, 5-door Thar may offer a unique balance: something more usable for family & travel, while retaining adventure capability.
Verdict/conclusion
The 5-door Mahindra Thar is a very promising evolution of the Thar nameplate. For many buyers, it may hit closer to the sweet spot: offering rugged style + off-road capability + modern features + better usability for families / daily driving. If you want adventure, road presence, capable 4×4, but also need space, accessibility, comfort and luggage space — the 5-door Thar seems tailor-made for that.
That said, whether it is worth it depends on your priorities. If your day-to-day involves tight city roads, low traffic speed bumps etc., and you don’t need off-road, the Mahindra Thar 5-door’s compromises (ride firmness, size, maybe fuel cost) could matter. If you value performance / agility above comfort, 3-door may still appeal. Also, variant choices, feature list, and pricing will make a big difference in whether the 5-door Thar is the “right” choice for you.
If I were evaluating one, of the most trusted Mahindra Thar I’d test-drive both 3-door & 5-door versions, check fuel consumption in traffic & highway, compare features vs price difference, see how rear passengers feel, and check how much extra cost I’m paying for the upgrades & whether I’ll use those features.
Thank you all for reading my blog! I truly appreciate your time and support. Your love for automobiles inspires me to share more exciting updates and reviews. The Mahindra Thar has always been a favorite among car enthusiasts, and I’m glad to discuss such iconic vehicles with you. Stay tuned for more automobile stories and insights!
