Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler: Is Mahindra's New 5-Door Off-Roader A Match For The Jeep?

When it comes to off-road SUVs, enthusiasts often associate the Jeep Wrangler at the helm of the ladder. Known for its 4x4 capabilities and luxury features, the Wrangler has set a high standard. But with the launch of the 5-door Thar Roxx, Mahindra offers a budget-friendly alternative that resembles the Wrangler, particularly in terms of exterior design. While the Jeep Wrangler and the Thar Roxx are not directly comparable, we will see how far the Mahindra's 5-door off-roader will go to keep up with the Jeep. 

Let’s explore the key differences between these two SUVs.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler: Price

Mahindra has yet to announce prices for the Thar Roxx's four-wheel-drive variants. Currently, comparing the top-spec rear-wheel-drive Thar Roxx with the top-spec Wrangler, the price difference between them is around Rs 51 lakh. However, this comparison can not be concluded by simply declaring the Thar Roxx the better option based solely on price. So, let’s move on to other aspects, starting with the design.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler: Design

When comparing the designs of the Thar Roxx and the Wrangler, let's start with their dimensions. 

Overall, the Jeep Wrangler is larger than the Mahindra Thar Roxx in every aspect except height, where the Thar Roxx is 59 mm taller than the Wrangler.

Both off-roaders share a similar exterior design but with their distinct characters. The main point of differentiation is their fascia is their headlight setup, where the Thar Roxx features C-shaped LED DRLs with LED headlights, while the Wrangler features circular LED headlights with LED DRLs mounted on the front fenders. Both SUVs boast multi-slat grilles that emphasise their rugged nature. The Wrangler has an all-black front bumper, whereas the Thar Roxx sports contrasting silver elements on its front bumper that enhance its muscular look.

Shifting focus to their profiles, both off-roaders more or less feature a similar look, but with certain differences. The Thar Roxx features pillar-mounted door handles, while the Wrangler has traditional ones. The Thar Roxx also sports a sharply angled C-pillar, whereas the Wrangler has a large rectangular window at the C-pillar. The Thar Roxx rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, compared to the Wrangler's 18-inch wheels. However, the Wrangler's tyres are wider at 255/70, while the Thar Roxx's 19-inch wheels have 255/60 section and the 18-inch wheels have 255/65 section. 

At the rear, both SUVs feature a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, rectangular tail lights, and a split tailgate setup. However, the Wrangler offers a removable roof, doors, and a foldable windshield, which will enhance your off-road trail experience. In contrast, the Thar Roxx has a fixed top but includes a panoramic sunroof. Overall, both look very similar, yet the Wrangler looks a tad more beefy and aggressive with its flared wheel arches. 

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler: Features

Inside, both the Thar Roxx and the Wrangler offer distinct cabin layouts with modern features. With the Thar Roxx you get a dual-tone black and white cabin theme with leatherette seat upholstery, while the Wrangler has an all-black cabin with leather seats, with contrasting red or gold stitching depending on the variant you choose. Both SUVs are loaded with all essential and nice-to-have features. 

The Wrangler boasts a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, whereas the Thar Roxx has a 10.25-inch unit paired with a fully digital driver's display. On the safety front, both SUVs include all the standard equipment you’d expect, including six airbags and Level 2 ADAS. However, the Thar Roxx also gets a 360-degree camera system, while the Wrangler offers a front and rear parking camera.

In terms of off-road capabilities, the Thar Roxx gets an electronically controlled rear differential and a brake-locking differential, with three drive modes: Mud, Sand, and Snow. In contrast, the Jeep Wrangler features both front and rear locking differentials and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. 

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler: Powertrain

You can configure the Thar Roxx with either a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine option or a 2.2-litre diesel engine choice. Both engine options are offered with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission. However, the four-wheel drivetrain option is available only with diesel engine choice.

The Wrangler on the other hand is solely offered with 2-litre turbo-petrol engine options with better power figures than the Thar's 2-litre turbo-petrol unit. It is also offered only with 8-speed automatic transmission option and only gets a four-wheel drivetrain option. 

Take a look at the off-road specifications of both SUVs in the table below.

The Jeep Wrangler aligns more with models like the Land Rover Defender, while the Thar Roxx competes with the Force Gurkha and Maruti Suzuki Jimny. Choosing the Wrangler means getting a powerful turbo-petrol engine and the exclusivity of the 'Wrangler' badge. On the other hand, the Thar Roxx offers a comparable off-road experience at a more budget-friendly price.

In conclusion, while these off-roaders are not direct competitors, you can't go wrong with either choice. But at its price, the Thar Roxx is a mighty option that nearly replicates the same skills of the Jeep Wrangler.