The Mahindra Thar has long been an icon of rugged off-road capability, blending classic styling with modern functionality. With the unveiling of the Vision T concept and the launch of the Thar Roxx, Mahindra is charting two distinct paths for its beloved SUV. The Vision T, a forward-looking electric iteration, and the Thar Roxx, a refined internal combustion engine (ICE) model, represent the brand’s vision for balancing tradition with innovation. This essay compares the two vehicles, focusing on their design, architecture, performance, and features, while exploring how the Vision T’s electric future contrasts with the Thar Roxx’s ICE legacy.

Design: Modern Evolution vs Timeless Ruggedness

The Mahindra Vision T embraces a futuristic aesthetic while retaining the Thar’s iconic boxy silhouette. Its front fascia features a bold, split six-slat grille inspired by the Thar Roxx, but it moves away from the traditional round headlamps, opting for squared headlights with vertical LED DRLs. This departure gives the Vision T a modern, almost robotic vibe, tailored for an electric identity. The concept also incorporates sleek surfaces, concealed rear door handles integrated into the C-pillar, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, maintaining the Thar’s rugged charm. The yellow tow hook and chunky all-terrain tires further emphasize its off-road-ready stance.

In contrast, the Thar Roxx refines the classic Thar design with a double-stacked six-slot grille and C-shaped LED DRLs, steering clear of the Jeep-like seven-slot grille. Its boxy proportions, flared wheel arches, and sideways-opening bootlid with a vertically opening rear windscreen echo the three-door Thar’s rugged appeal. While both vehicles share elements like the quarter glass design and high ground clearance, the Vision T’s sleeker, EV-focused styling contrasts with the Roxx’s more traditional, utilitarian look, appealing to different buyer sensibilities.

Architecture: Monocoque Innovation vs Ladder-Frame Durability

A key differentiator between the Vision T and Thar Roxx lies in their structural foundations. The Vision T is built on Mahindra’s new NU_IQ monocoque platform, a modular architecture designed for SUVs between 3,990mm and 4,320mm. This platform enhances cabin space, with a 2,665mm wheelbase promising class-leading interior room and a tight 10.3m turning radius for urban maneuverability. The monocoque design improves driving dynamics by offering better structural rigidity, a lower center of gravity, and a smoother ride compared to traditional body-on-frame setups. It also supports multiple powertrains, including electric, hybrid, and ICE, making it versatile for future adaptations.

The Thar Roxx, however, relies on Mahindra’s fourth-generation ladder-frame chassis, shared with the Scorpio N. This setup prioritizes durability and off-road prowess, with features like a 650mm water-wading depth, 41.7-degree approach angle, and 36.1-degree departure angle. While the Roxx’s chassis has been updated for better ride quality and handling compared to the three-door Thar, it still exhibits the characteristic “jiggly” ride of body-on-frame SUVs, particularly on imperfect roads. The monocoque platform of the Vision T thus offers superior practicality and comfort for daily use, while the Roxx excels in raw off-road capability.

Performance: Electric Power vs ICE Versatility

The Vision T’s electric powertrain, expected to feature a dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup with an LFP battery pack, marks a significant shift from the Thar Roxx’s ICE offerings. While Mahindra hasn’t disclosed exact specifications, the Vision T is likely to share battery technology with models like the BE 6 and XEV 9e, potentially delivering a range exceeding 500 km. The dual-motor AWD configuration ensures robust off-road performance, with instant torque and multi-terrain drive modes tailored for challenging conditions. The NU_IQ platform’s penta-link rear suspension and class-leading ground clearance further enhance its trail-ready capabilities.

The Thar Roxx, on the other hand, offers a choice of a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (177hp in automatic variants) and a 2.2-litre diesel (up to 172hp in 4x4 automatic guise), paired with manual or automatic transmissions. The diesel 4x4 variants include features like Crawl Smart for automatic throttle control and IntelliTurn for tighter off-road maneuvers. While the Roxx delivers strong performance and reasonable fuel efficiency (up to 15.2 kmpl for diesel), its ICE setup caters to buyers seeking traditional powertrains. The Vision T’s electric powertrain positions it as a cleaner, high-torque alternative, maintaining the Thar’s off-road legacy while embracing sustainability.

Features: Tech-Forward Cabin vs Practical Upgrades

Inside, the Vision T introduces a tech-heavy cabin with a large portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, a digital driver’s display, and a three-spoke steering wheel with a unique starter button. Physical toggle controls beneath the touchscreen ensure intuitive access to key functions, blending modernity with practicality. The cabin’s rugged materials and panoramic sunroof cater to both adventure enthusiasts and urban drivers, with a five-seater layout maximizing space.

The Thar Roxx’s interior, while premium compared to the three-door Thar, leans toward practicality with soft-touch materials, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system. It offers features like a single-pane sunroof, auto AC, and Level-2 ADAS, but its design prioritizes utility over futuristic flair. The Vision T’s tech-forward approach, with connected cockpits and potential Level-2+ ADAS, elevates the driving experience, while the Roxx appeals to those valuing a balance of modern amenities and rugged simplicity.

Conclusion: Electric Future Meets ICE Legacy

The Mahindra Vision T and Thar Roxx represent two sides of the Thar legacy—one embracing an electric future, the other refining its ICE roots. The Vision T’s monocoque NU_IQ platform, electric powertrain, and modern styling position it as a forward-thinking SUV with enhanced cabin space and driving dynamics, all while preserving off-road capability. The Thar Roxx, with its ladder-frame chassis and versatile ICE powertrains, remains a rugged, practical choice for traditionalists. As Mahindra gears up for the Vision T’s production by 2027, it signals the Thar brand’s evolution into electrification, while the Roxx continues to dominate as the ICE variant, ensuring the Thar legacy thrives in diverse forms.

Read Also: Patience Over Power: Classic Legends' Measured Entry into the EV Market

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!