Mahindra Thar Roxx is put to test against the Kia Seltos to see which SUV has the upper hand!
Mahindra finally unveiled the Thar Roxx SUV on the occasion of Independence Day. It’s bigger, badder, and toughest SUV, and so we thought, why not put it to test comparing it to a compact SUV, the Kia Seltos, to see how the Thar Roxx measures up in terms of everything.
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Design
The Mahindra Thar Roxx, inspired by the 3-door Thar, features a distinctive new grille with six double-stacked slots and upgraded LED projector headlamps with C-shaped DRLs. Optional LED fog lamps with cornering function and a front bumper with faux brushed aluminum accents add to its rugged appeal. Higher trims come with 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, while the rear showcases a vertical handle, quarter glass similar to the Thar EV concept, updated C-shaped LED tail-lamps, and a redesigned tailgate with an integrated wiper and washer. Dual-tone paint options and a contrast black roof enhance the removable hardtop look.
Inside, the Thar Roxx presents a significant upgrade with a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment screen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster with navigation view. The cabin includes soft-touch materials on the dashboard, front and rear armrests, and rear AC vents. It also features a frameless auto-dimming IRVM, keyless entry, and push-button start. Notably, the Thar Roxx adds rear doors for improved access to the second row and offers a larger boot space compared to the 3-Door model.
Inside, the Seltos boasts a dual 10.25-inch display setup for the instrument cluster and infotainment, a redesigned automatic climate control layout, and a panoramic sunroof. The cabin includes a three-spoke steering wheel, black-finished pedals, and controls for ventilated seats, wireless charging, and driving modes around the gear lever. Additional features include an electric parking brake, sun-blinds, 60:40 split rear seats, ambient lighting, and an 8-speaker Bose sound system.arter glass similar to the Thar EV concept, updated C-shaped LED tail-lamps, and a redesigned tailgate with an integrated wiper and washer. Dual-tone paint options and a contrast black roof enhance the removable hardtop look.
Inside, the Thar Roxx presents a significant upgrade with a 10.25-inch free-standing infotainment screen featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster with navigation view. The cabin includes soft-touch materials on the dashboard, front and rear armrests, and rear AC vents. It also features a frameless auto-dimming IRVM, keyless entry, and push-button start. Notably, the Thar Roxx adds rear doors for improved access to the second row and offers a larger boot space compared to the 3-Door model.
Dimensions Comparison
| Dimensions | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4428 mm | 4365 mm |
| Width | 1870 mm | 1800 mm |
| Height | 1923 mm | 1645 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850 mm | 2610 mm |
| Ground Clearance | – | 190 mm |
| Turning Radius | 6 m | 5.3 m |
| Boot Space | 447 L | 433 L |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 50 L |
- Thar Roxx is longer by 63 mm over Seltos
- Thar Roxx is wider by 70 mm over Seltos.
- Thar Roxx is taller by 278 mm over Seltos.
- Thar Roxx has a longer wheelbase by 240 mm over Seltos
- Seltos has the shortest turning radius of 5.3 m over Thar Roxx.
- Thar Roxx has the biggest space by 14 Litres over Seltos.
- Thar Roxx has the biggest fuel tank by 7 litres over Seltos.
Engine Specs Comparison
| Turbo Petrol | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L 4 Cylinder | 1.5 L 4 Cylinder |
| Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
| Power | 150 – 160 – 174 BHP | 158 BHP |
| Torque | 330 – 380 NM | 253 NM |
| Transmission Choices | 6 Speed MT / AT | 6 Speed MT / AT |
Mahindra Thar Roxx has higher power and torque output. Plus it has a bigger turbo petrol engine.
| Diesel | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.2 L 4 Cylinder | 1.5 L 4 Cylinder |
| Drivetrain | RWD, 4WD | FWD |
| Power | 150 – 172 BHP | 113 BHP |
| Torque | 330 – 370 NM | 250 NM |
| Transmission Choices | 6 Speed MT / AT | 6 Speed MT / AT |
Mahindra Thar Roxx has higher power and torque output. Plus it has a bigger Diesel engine.
| Petrol | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | – | 1.5 L 4 Cylinder |
| Drivetrain | – | FWD |
| Power | – | 113 BHP |
| Torque | – | 144 NM |
| Transmission | – | 6 Speed MT, 7 Speed IVT |
Mahindra doesn’t offer non-turbo petrol engine with the Thar Roxx.
Features Comparison
| Features | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamps | LED Projector Headlamps | LED |
| Tail-lamps | LED | Connected LED |
| Wheel Size & Type | 19-inch Alloys | 18-inch Alloys |
| Infotainment Size | 10.25-inch | 10.25-inch |
| Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch, Digital | 10.25-inch, Digital |
| Apple Carplay & Android Auto | Wireless | Wired |
| Climate Control | Auto [Single-Zone] | Dual-Zone |
| Ventilated Seats | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Rear AC Vents | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Sound System | 9 Speakers Harman Kardonn Sound System | 8 Speakers Bose Sound System |
| Powered Driver Seat | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Footwell illumination | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Ambient Lighting | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Cooled Glovebox | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| One Touch Up/Down for All Windows | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Drive Modes | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Traction Modes | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Heads-up Display (HUD) | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Crawl Smart Assist | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| Intelliturn Assist | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| Tyre Direction Monitoring System [TDMS] | ✔︎ | ✘ |
- Kia Seltos misses out on – Crawl Smart Assist, Intelliturn Assist Tyre Direction Monitoring System, Cooled Glovebox, 9 Speakers Sound system, bigger alloy wheels, etc.
- Thar Roxx misses out on – Heads-up Display (HUD), Ambient Lighting, and One Touch Up/Down for all windows.
| Safety Features | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | Six | Six |
| Parking Sensors | Front and Rear | Front and Rear |
| Parking Camera | 360 Surround View Camera | 360 Surround View Camera |
| Blind View Monitor | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Obstacle View | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| ADAS | Level 2 with 10 Functions | Level 2 with 19 Functions |
| TPMS | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Hill Descent Control | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| Auto-Dimming IRVM | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Disc Brakes for All Wheels | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Electronic Brake Locking Differential | ✔︎ | ✘ |
- Kia Seltos in Safety Features misses out – Obstacle View, Hill Descent Control, and Electronic Brake Locking Differential.
| ADAS | Mahindra Thar Roxx | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Lane Departure Assist (LDA) | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Forward Collision – Avoidance Assist – Car, Junction, Pedestrian, Cycle | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking – Vehicles, Pedestrian, Cycle | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Smart Pilot Assist | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | ✔︎ | ✘ |
| High Beam Assist | ✔︎ | ✔︎ |
| Blind Spot Collision Warning | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning | ✘ | ✔︎ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Avoidance Assist | ✘ | ✔︎ |
- Mahindra Thar Roxx misses out on 5 ADAS Functions – Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Warning, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist,
Price and Warranty
| Model | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | Rs. 12.99 – Rs. 20.49 L |
| Kia Seltos | Rs. 10.90 – Rs. 20.37 L |
Kia Seltos and Mahindra Thar Roxx Base trim price difference is Rs. 2.09 Lakhs and Top Trims is Rs. 4.12 Lakhs.
*Note: Mahindra Thar Roxx 4×4 trims pricing is yet to be announced. These are only for RWD trims.
| Model | Standard Warranty | Extendable Upto |
|---|---|---|
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | 3 Years / Unlimited KMs | 6 Years / 1,50,000 KMs |
| Kia Seltos | 3 Years / Unlimited KMs | 5 Years / Unlimited KMs |
While both have same standard warranty, Kia has slightly extended warranty coverage for the Seltos as it’s not limited to some KM’s over the 5 Years while the Mahindra Thar Roxx has great unlimited KMs for standard, but then it becomes limited to 1,50,000 KMs when you extend it upto 6 years
Verdict
The Mahindra Thar Roxx is the ideal choice for those who crave adventure and off-road capability. Its rugged design, inspired by the classic Thar, combined with powerful engine options and features like Crawl Smart Assist and an electronic brake locking differential, make it a formidable vehicle for tackling tough terrains. The Thar Roxx also offers higher power and torque outputs, along with a more robust build, making it the go-to SUV for those who prioritize performance and off-road safety.
On the other hand, the Kia Seltos is better suited for urban drivers who value comfort, technology, and convenience. Its modern, feature-rich interior, including dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and advanced driver-assistance systems like rear cross-traffic collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring, make it a superior choice for city driving and long highway journeys. Additionally, the Seltos offers better value for money, especially in its base and mid-range trims, making it an excellent option for those seeking a refined and tech-savvy SUV for daily use.
So, which one is it going to be?
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