New Delhi: Mahindra currently offers two versions of its popular Thar SUV in India — the three-door Thar OG and the five-door Thar Roxx. While both models share the Thar name and an off-road-focused identity, their engine choices, power outputs and four-wheel-drive availability are different.
The updated Thar OG was launched with three engine options, while the Thar Roxx gets two powertrains. The key difference is that the Thar OG offers four-wheel drive with both petrol and diesel engines, whereas the Thar Roxx reserves its 4WD option for diesel variants.
For buyers comparing the two SUVs, understanding these engine and drivetrain combinations is important, particularly for those looking at regular city use, highway travel or off-road driving.
Mahindra Thar OG gets three engine options
The 2026 Mahindra Thar OG is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-diesel, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The powertrain range gives buyers more flexibility in choosing between petrol and diesel as well as rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
The entry-level 1.5-litre mHawk diesel produces around 119 hp and 300 Nm of torque. It is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and is available only with rear-wheel drive.
The larger 2.2-litre diesel produces around 150-152 hp and 330 Nm, depending on the specification reported. It is available with six-speed manual and automatic transmission options and can be configured with either rear-wheel drive or 4WD.
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine produces around 159-162 hp and 330 Nm in the Thar OG, with six-speed manual and automatic gearbox options. Unlike the Thar Roxx, the petrol-powered Thar OG can also be equipped with four-wheel drive.
Thar Roxx gets two engine choices
The larger five-door Thar Roxx has a simpler engine line-up with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel.
Mahindra’s official specifications list the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol with a maximum output of 130 kW, equivalent to around 174 hp, and 380 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre mHawk diesel produces up to 128.6 kW, or around 172 hp, and 370 Nm of torque. Both engines are available with six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions.
However, four-wheel drive is available only with the diesel engine on the Thar Roxx. Petrol variants are offered with rear-wheel drive.
This gives the Thar Roxx a different positioning from the three-door Thar OG. Buyers seeking a five-door SUV with greater cabin space can opt for the Roxx, but petrol buyers do not get the option of combining the petrol engine with 4WD.
Thar OG vs Thar Roxx: Engine comparison
| Engine | Thar OG | Thar Roxx |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre turbo-diesel | 119 hp, 300 Nm | Not available |
| 2.0-litre turbo-petrol | Around 159-162 hp, 330 Nm | Up to 174 hp, 380 Nm |
| 2.2-litre turbo-diesel | Around 150-152 hp, 330 Nm | Up to 172 hp, 370 Nm |
| 4WD petrol | Available | Not available |
| 4WD diesel | Available | Available |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT/AT on larger engines | 6-speed MT/AT |
The figures show that the Roxx’s higher-output petrol and diesel engines deliver more power and torque than their Thar OG counterparts. At the same time, the Thar OG has the advantage of offering a wider engine and drivetrain combination, including petrol-powered 4WD.
Which Thar offers more drivetrain flexibility?
The Thar OG provides three engine choices across its variants. The 1.5-litre diesel is positioned as the rear-wheel-drive option, while the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre petrol can be specified with 4WD. Mahindra’s current variant listing also shows petrol 2WD and 4WD configurations for the LXT and ZXT trims.
The Thar Roxx, meanwhile, focuses on a larger five-door format. Its diesel variants can be equipped with 4WD, while petrol variants remain rear-wheel drive. Mahindra’s official material also highlights the Roxx’s 4XPLOR system and off-road equipment on applicable 4WD versions.
Thar OG and Thar Roxx target different requirements
The difference between the two SUVs is not limited to engine specifications. The Thar OG retains the compact three-door format and offers buyers a broader choice of powertrain and drivetrain combinations. It is therefore positioned around the traditional Thar formula, including the availability of petrol 4WD.
The Thar Roxx is larger and has five doors, making it more practical for buyers who require additional cabin space and easier access to the rear seats. Its higher-output engines also provide greater peak power and torque in the top specifications.
The Thar Roxx has a 2,850 mm wheelbase, while the three-door Thar OG has a substantially shorter wheelbase. This difference contributes to the Roxx’s larger cabin and more family-oriented layout.
Prices of the two Mahindra Thar models
According to the latest NDTV Auto report, the Thar OG is priced from Rs 10.32 lakh to Rs 18.99 lakh, while the Thar Roxx is priced from Rs 12.52 lakh to Rs 23.52 lakh. Prices are ex-showroom and can vary with variant and applicable updates.
The comparison therefore comes down to more than peak power figures. The Thar OG offers three engines and petrol 4WD, while the Thar Roxx combines a larger five-door body with more powerful engine options and diesel-only 4WD.
For buyers comparing the two, the choice will largely depend on whether engine and drivetrain flexibility or additional space and the five-door layout are the more important requirements.