Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door Spec Comparison: What's Different?

The long-awaited 5-door SUV from Mahindra, the Thar Roxx, is now available in India with a starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom). In its new configuration, the iconic Thar competes with two prominent 5-door lifestyle SUVs: the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the Force Gurkha. With an extra pair of doors, these off-roaders claim to provide their customers with greater comfort and practicality. As the Thar Roxx is a newcomer to India's 5-door SUV segment, We'll today compare it with the Force Gurkha 5-door to see how it performs on paper.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door: Design

The updated Thar maintains its familiar boxy appearance while adding a few unique features such as LED headlights with C-shaped LED DRLs and a body-coloured 6-slat grille. It also sports robust bumpers, rear-door-mounted handles, 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, a spare wheel on the tailgate, circular fog lights, and rectangular LED taillights. The Mahindra SUV is available in seven colours (Deep Forest, Nebula Blue, Stealth Black, Tango Red, Everest White, Battleship Grey, and Burnt Sienna), all with a black top. 

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx Bookings to Commence from October 3

Talking about the Force Motors 5-door Gurkha, the SUV retains its boxy form with sharp edges and flat body lines but adds new features like two extra doors and 18-inch alloys. It comes with round LED headlights with LED DRLs, a two-slat grille with Gurkha lettering, blacked-out door handles, LED taillights, a factory-installed snorkel on the A-pillar, and a spare wheel mounted on the roof. The Gurkha 5-door has four paint options: Red, Green, White, and Black.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door: Powertrain

The main difference between the two off-road vehicles is their powertrain. The Mahindra SUV has two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel, each with different power configurations. In contrast, the Gurkha is only available with a 2.6-litre diesel engine. The former has both a 6-speed automatic and a manual transmission, whereas the latter only has a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Thar Roxx is available in both RWD and 4WD configurations, but the Force Gurkha 5-door is only offered with 4WD. Power-wise, the diesel manual edition of the Thar Roxx (150bhp/330Nm MT) has higher power and torque than the Gurkha 5-door (138bhp/320Nm).

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door: Off-road Specifications

Compared to the Gurkha, the Thar Roxx offers the largest approach angle (41.7 degrees). The latter, however, has a water-wading capacity of 700mm, a departure angle of 37 degrees, and a breakover angle of 28 degrees. In contrast to the Gurkha 5-door, which has ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) electric transfer case control, the Thar Roxx has manual transfer case control levers for switching between 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. The latter sports an electronically locking differential for the rear axle and a brake locking differential for the front, but the former includes a manual differential lock for both the front and rear axle.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door: Features

The Thar Roxx has an array of features, including a panoramic sunroof, push-button start, a 360-degree camera, a USB charging port, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, automated climate control, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. For safety, the new Thar has six airbags (standard), hill ascent and descent control, a 360-degree camera, and ADAS, with features like autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. 

Talking about the Gurkha, the 5-door model is equipped with a digital instrument cluster, all-four power windows, a 9-inch touchscreen system, tilt, and telescopic adjustable steering, an auto start-stop system, powered OVRMs (outside rearview mirrors), two drive modes (Eco and Power), overhead AC vents for second and third rows. It comes with three-point seatbelts for all, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), dual airbags, traction control, and hill-hold assist for safety. 

Also Read: Force Gurkha 5-Door Review: Old School Brawn Meets New Age Comfort

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Force Gurkha 5-door: Price

The RWD versions of the Mahindra Thar Roxx are priced between Rs 12.99 lakh and Rs 20.49 lakh. The Gurkha 5-door SUV, which comes in a single fully loaded trim, costs Rs 18 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.