For adventure seekers who refuse to compromise between rugged capability and urban sophistication, the Mahindra Thar RXX represents the perfect balance. This special edition takes the iconic Thar’s go-anywhere DNA and wraps it in exclusive styling cues and premium features, creating what might be India’s most desirable lifestyle off-roader.
Priced between ₹15-20 lakh (ex-showroom), the RXX variant sits at the premium end of the Thar range, offering distinctive design elements while retaining the model’s legendary off-road credentials. Let’s explore every aspect of this head-turning machine.
Engine & Performance: Power Meets Precision
The Thar RXX carries forward Mahindra’s proven powertrain options, now with refined tuning for better drivability:
Petrol Powerhouse:
The 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol engine delivers:
- 150 PS of power @ 5000 rpm
- 320 Nm torque @ 1500-3000 rpm
- 0-100 kmph in 12.5 seconds (AT)
Diesel Workhorse:
The 2.2L mHawk diesel offers:
- 130 PS power @ 3750 rpm
- 300 Nm torque @ 1600-2800 rpm
- Better fuel efficiency for long hauls
Transmission Choices:
Both engines come with:
✓ 6-speed manual (for purists)
✓ 6-speed torque converter automatic (for convenience)
The automatic transmission features:
- Sport and Manual shift modes
- Improved shift logic for smoother gear changes
- Hill descent control in 4L mode
Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Refined
The RXX distinguishes itself with several exclusive design elements:
Front Fascia:
- Matte black grille with RXX badging
- LED projector headlamps with daytime running lights
- Bold new front bumper design
- Hood decals and blacked-out elements
Side Profile:
- 18-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels
- Flared wheel arches with cladding
- Side steps for easier entry/exit
- Exclusive RXX side graphics
Rear Section:
- Spare wheel mounted on tailgate
- LED tail lamps with new signature
- Rear bumper with integrated tow hook
Special Edition Colors:
- Desert Fury Orange (matte finish)
- Midnight Black (glossy with metallic flakes)
- Glacier White (pearlescent effect)
Interior & Comfort: Premium Touches
Mahindra has significantly upgraded the cabin while maintaining the Thar’s utilitarian roots:
Dashboard & Controls:
- New 7-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Digital-analog instrument cluster
- Soft-touch materials on frequently contacted surfaces
- RXX-branded gear knob and steering wheel
Seating & Space:
- Water-resistant leatherette upholstery
- 6-way adjustable driver seat
- Improved rear seat comfort (still best for short trips)
- Dedicated storage spaces for off-road gear
Convenience Features:
- Wireless phone charging
- Multiple 12V power outlets
- Rear AC vents (finally!)
- Improved sound insulation
Off-Road Capability: Born to Explore
The RXX retains all the Thar’s legendary off-road credentials:
4×4 System:
- Shift-on-fly 4H mode
- Low-range 4L for extreme conditions
- Mechanical locking rear differential
Terrain Management:
- Hill descent control
- Hill hold assist
- Wade sensing system
Key Measurements:
- 226mm ground clearance
- 40.4° approach angle
- 36.8° departure angle
- 650mm water wading depth
On-Road Manners: More Civilized Than Ever
While no luxury cruiser, the RXX offers improvements:
Ride Quality:
- Revised suspension tuning
- Reduced body roll in corners
- Better high-speed stability
Steering & Handling:
- Lightened steering effort for city driving
- Improved straight-line stability
- Tight 11.2m turning radius
Noise & Refinement:
- Enhanced sound deadening
- Reduced engine noise intrusion
- Less wind noise at highway speeds
Fuel Efficiency & Practicality
ARAI-Certified Figures:
- Petrol MT: 12 kmpl
- Petrol AT: 11 kmpl
- Diesel MT: 15 kmpl
- Diesel AT: 14 kmpl
Real-World Expectations:
- Petrol: 9-11 kmpl (city), 11-13 kmpl (highway)
- Diesel: 12-14 kmpl (city), 14-16 kmpl (highway)
Fuel Tank & Range:
- 57-liter capacity
- ≈650km highway range (diesel)
Safety & Security
Standard Safety:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Roll-over mitigation
- ISOFIX child seat mounts
RXX Exclusive:
- 360-degree camera system
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Anti-theft alarm with immobilizer
Variants & Pricing
| Variant | Engine | Transmission | Price (₹ ex-showroom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RXX P4 | 2.0L Petrol | 6MT | 15,99,000 |
| RXX P6 | 2.0L Petrol | 6AT | 17,49,000 |
| RXX D4 | 2.2L Diesel | 6MT | 16,79,000 |
| RXX D6 | 2.2L Diesel | 6AT | 18,29,000 |
Ownership Experience
Maintenance Costs:
- Service interval: 10,000 km/1 year
- Typical service cost: ₹5,000-7,000
- Extended warranty options available
Customization:
- 50+ official accessories
- Mahindra-approved customization program
- Wide aftermarket support
Competition Comparison
| Feature | Thar RXX | Force Gurkha | Jeep Wrangler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ₹15-18L | ₹16-17L | ₹60L+ |
| Engines | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Luxury | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Off-road | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It?
Perfect For:
- Weekend adventurers wanting style + capability
- Urban dwellers seeking head-turning presence
- Those valuing customization potential
Consider Alternatives If:
- You need family-friendly practicality
- Fuel efficiency is top priority
- You want cutting-edge tech features
Top Alternatives:
- Mahindra Scorpio N (more practical)
- Toyota Fortuner (more premium)
- Isuzu V-Cross (better workhorse)
With its unique blend of rugged capability and lifestyle appeal, the Thar RXX stands alone in the Indian market. It’s not for everyone, but for those who get it, nothing else compares.