Mahindra Thar Roxx 2026 Test Mule Spied During Testing

image source : rushlane

Mahindra has firmly established itself as one of India’s strongest SUV makers. It is also the country’s top selling traditional SUV brand by a wide margin. This success comes mainly from the strong demand for the Scorpio range, including Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N along with the Thar and the newer Thar Roxx. Mahindra continues to refine its lineup and is now preparing updates for several popular models

Recent spy shots have already revealed the Scorpio N facelift and the 2026 Thar facelift which borrows a few design cues from the Thar Roxx. Now, fresh sightings confirm that the 2026 Mahindra Thar Roxx itself is also under testing. Multiple test mules have been spotted pointing toward an important update rather than routine testing

2026 Mahindra Thar Roxx Spied Testing: What Do The Spy Shots Suggest?

A few recent sightings of the 2026 Mahindra Thar Roxx spied testing have surfaced, shared by auto enthusiasts Shubham Rajoria and Vasanth. At first glance, these vehicles may look like older test units. However, Mahindra has a history of introducing new variants and powertrains later in a vehicle’s life cycle

Clear examples include:

• Thar 3-Door Rear-Wheel Drive version
• Thar 3-Door with the 1.5L diesel engine
• The upcoming 2025 update for the Thar 3-Door

Following this same approach, Mahindra appears to be preparing a fresh update for the Thar Roxx as well

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Is A 1.5L Diesel Engine Coming To Thar Roxx?

When looking closely at the current engine lineup of the Thar Roxx one option stands out as missing. The 1.5L diesel engine, which is already available on the rear wheel drive variants of the 3 Door Thar is not offered on the Thar Roxx yet

This 1.5L diesel motor has proven to be reliable and fuel efficient. It has also become a popular choice among buyers who prefer the Thar mainly for its design and road presence. Earlier reports had suggested that Mahindra may introduce this engine on the Thar Roxx at a later stage and the recent test sightings indicate that this plan may soon become a reality

2026 Mahindra Thar Roxx Price Impact If 1.5L Diesel Launches

At present, the Thar Roxx starts at:

• Rs 12.25 lakh (ex-showroom) for the MX1 2.0L petrol RWD
• Rs 13.48 lakh (ex-showroom) for the MX1 2.2L diesel RWD

If Mahindra introduces a Thar Roxx MX1 variant with the 1.5L diesel engine, it would become the new entry-level option. This move could lower the starting price of the Thar Roxx range and make it more accessible to a wider group of buyers. A more affordable base variant could also help boost overall sales

What Buyers Can Expect From Thar Roxx 1.5L Diesel

Based on the Thar 3-Door with the same engine, the Thar Roxx 1.5L diesel is expected to attract buyers who value style, comfort, and presence more than hardcore off-road use

Key expectations include:

• Strong low-end torque suitable for daily driving
• Better fuel efficiency compared to larger diesel engines
• Rear-wheel-drive setup

An automatic gearbox for this engine would make the package even more appealing. However, the 1.5L diesel on the 3-Door Thar is currently manual-only, and there is no confirmation yet about an automatic option

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Features Likely To Remain Unchanged

The Thar Roxx is already well-equipped across its variants. Because of this, major feature additions are not expected with this update. Equipment levels will likely remain the same within each trim. This is not a drawback, as the current Thar Roxx already offers a strong mix of comfort, safety, and technology

Hybrid Possibility And Market Competition

Mahindra is also working on hybrid powertrain technology that combines petrol and electric systems. While the Thar Roxx could benefit from such technology in the future, reports suggest that Mahindra may use an all-new platform for hybrid models. This makes a hybrid Thar Roxx unlikely in the near term

The Thar Roxx currently enjoys a unique position in the lifestyle SUV space. However, the launch of the new Tata Sierra has added fresh competition. Introducing a more affordable Thar Roxx variant could help Mahindra defend its position and attract more buyers

The recent 2026 Mahindra Thar Roxx spied testing strongly hints at a new diesel option that could reshape the lineup. A 1.5L diesel-powered Thar Roxx would improve affordability while keeping the model’s strong visual appeal intact. Although Mahindra has not officially confirmed these changes, the signs clearly point toward a strategic update aimed at expanding the Thar Roxx customer base