Thar vs Thar Roxx: Which Adventure SUV Should You Rent for Your Kerala Trip?
The Call of the Open Road
There is no adventure quite like the one that begins when you turn the key to your own self-drive SUV, especially when the destination is Kerala. This land, a ribbon of tropical paradise where the Arabian Sea meets mist-shrouded Western Ghats, demands a vehicle that’s as bold and versatile as its terrains. Whether you're navigating the hairpin bends of a tea plantation, cruising a coastal highway, or exploring a forest reserve, the right vehicle is everything.
The classic Mahindra Thar and the new-age Mahindra Thar Roxx.
These two rugged yet refined SUVs are the perfect machines to unlock the true essence of the state. The question isn’t if you should drive an adventure SUV in Kerala, but which one?
At Bins Cars, we proudly offer both the iconic Thar and the feature-loaded Thar Roxx for self-drive rental across Kerala. Our commitment to providing Govt approved rent a car services ensures you get the freedom of the road with the security of a trusted provider, all at an affordable rate. Read on to discover which Thar—the raw legend or the modern beast—is the best choice for your next unforgettable journey.
Meet the Classic: Mahindra Thar
For years, the Mahindra Thar has reigned supreme as India’s favourite off-roader, a pure distillation of power and personality. The Thar is more than just an SUV; it’s an adventurous spirit on four wheels.
Key Highlights of the Classic Thar:
●Design : It retains that unmistakable, bold, Jeep-inspired stance. Its compact, three-door design enhances its agility, making it easier to maneuver through narrow village lanes and dense forest tracks.
● Off-Road DNA: Equipped with capable 4x4 options (in some variants) and a short wheelbase, the Thar is built to tackle serious rugged terrains. The robust suspension and high ground clearance make it an unstoppable force on non-existent roads.
● Performance: Available in powerful 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel engine options (along with a smaller 1.5L diesel RWD variant), the Thar offers punchy performance.
The Thar is for the purist: the one who values the unadulterated feel of a traditional off-roader and whose itinerary revolves around the dirt roads and the steep climbs.
The New Beast: Mahindra Thar Roxx (5-Door)
The Mahindra Thar Roxx (often referred to as the 5-door Thar) is the evolution of the legend. Launched to meet the demand for a more practical, family-friendly, and feature-rich adventure SUV, the Roxx is the urban-ready companion that doesn't shy away from the wild.
What Makes the Thar Roxx Unique?
The Roxx takes the iconic Thar silhouette and enhances it with significant upgrades that cater to comfort-focused travellers and families:
● Extended & Spacious Design: The most visible change is the addition of two extra doors and a longer wheelbase. This translates directly into a larger cabin and boot space, making ingress/egress a breeze and accommodating more luggage—perfect for longer trips or a group of five.
●Enhanced Comfort & Ride: It features an improved multi-link rear suspension setup, tuned for a smoother ride, especially over highway stretches. For Kerala’s long, winding roads, this improvement provides better comfort than the more off-road-oriented classic Thar.
● Luxury & Technology: The Roxx is positioned as a premium adventure SUV. Depending on the model you rent from Bins Cars, you can enjoy features like a panoramic sunroof, a larger touchscreen infotainment system (10.25-inch), ventilated front seats, and a more sophisticated, premium interior finish.
● Safety Upgrade: The Roxx includes an advanced safety suite, offering six airbags as standard in most variants, making it a more secure option for family self-drive trips.
The Thar Roxx for rent Kerala is the luxury-meets-adventure choice, ideal for those seeking a premium, comfortable, and feature-packed experience on a long Kochi car rental to a Trivandrum car rental road trip.
Thar vs Thar Roxx: Key Rental Comparison
Choosing between the two depends entirely on your travel style and group size. Here is a simple comparison to help you decide which Bins Cars SUV should be your adventure companion
| Feature | Classic Mahindra Thar | Mahindra Thar Roxx |
| Body Style | 3-door, Compact Off-roader | 5-door, Family Adventure SUV |
| Interior Space | Sporty and compact, 4-seater layout | More spacious cabin, proper 5-seater with improved rear legroom and boot |
| Ride Comfort | Off-road oriented, slightly firmer ride | More refined suspension, comfortable for highway and city drives |
| Transmission | Manual / Automatic options | Automatic & smoother drive in most higher-spec variants |
| Technology | Essential features, focuses on ruggedness | Tech-loaded (Large Infotainment, Sunroof, etc.) for a premium feel |
| Ideal For | Pure adventure lovers, short weekend trips, extreme trails | Comfort-focused travellers, families, long road trips, city-SUV usability |
| Price Range (Rental) | Affordable rate (Best price for pure off-roaders) | Slightly higher due to premium features (Luxury SUV experience) |
Note: At Bins Cars, both models are meticulously maintained and available at the best rental prices in Kerala—whether you want rugged, two-door adventure or modern, five-door comfort.
Which One Should You Rent?
Your perfect self-drive partner awaits!
● Choose the Classic Thar if:
○ Your trip is a pure adventure—short, focused on challenging off-road trails and rugged terrain.
○ You are a small group (2-3 people) and don't need extensive luggage space.
○ You prefer the raw, unadulterated feel of a classic off-roader and want the most affordable rate.
○ You want the smaller dimensions for easier parking and navigating tight spots.
● Choose the Thar Roxx if:
○ You are planning a long Kerala drive with family or friends (4-5 people).
○ You want the extra comfort, premium features, and a smoother experience for high-mileage highway journeys.
○ You need the added practicality of 5 doors and a generous boot for family luggage
○ You prefer an automatic car for rent that combines luxury-SUV appeal with true adventure capability.
For the ultimate adventure seeker, why not rent both over a month? Try the classic for a weekend in Wayanad and the Roxx for your monthly rentals or weekly rentals exploring the entire coast!
Why Rent from Bins Cars? The Best Rental Car Services in Kerala
Choosing your SUV is the first step; choosing your rental partner is the next and most crucial. Bins Cars is your trusted gateway to the incredible roads of Kerala.
● Govt Approved Rent a Car: We are fully licensed, ensuring a transparent, secure, and hassle-free rental experience across Kerala.
● Self-Drive Freedom: We specialise in rent a car in Kerala without driver. Enjoy complete privacy, full control over your itinerary, and the joy of driving yourself.
● Unmatched Fleet Quality: Our SUV for rent in Kerala fleet, including the Thar and Thar Roxx, is regularly serviced and maintained for top performance, safety, and comfort on all terrains.
● Flexible & Affordable: From daily rentals to monthly rentals, we offer flexible plans at an affordable rate and the best price in the market.
● Unrivalled Convenience: We offer easy airport pickup and doorstep delivery/drop-off services in major hubs like Kochi car rental and Trivandrum car rental.
Perfect Routes for Thar Lovers
The Thar and Thar Roxx were born to conquer Kerala’s scenic beauty. Here are a few routes that demand one of these rugged icons:
● Mountain Adventure: Kochi → Munnar → Thekkady: The classic journey up the Ghats. You’ll need the power and ground clearance to handle the steep inclines and occasional rough patches in this misty paradise.
● Coastal Drive: Trivandrum → Varkala → Kanyakumari: Cruise the scenic coastal roads. The Thar Roxx’s comfortable suspension makes this long, multi-day drive effortless.
● Forest & Misty Roads: Kottayam → Vagamon → Idukki: Explore the heart of the rubber country and high-range mist. A 4x4 Thar for rent Kerala will make you feel right at home on these secluded forest roads.
Rest assured, every Bins Cars vehicle is maintained for optimal performance, ensuring your adventure is safe and comfortable, no matter the route.
Tips for First-Time Thar Renters
● Vehicle Walkthrough: Spend a few minutes checking all the features (especially the 4x4 if applicable, and the large infotainment in the Roxx) before you begin.
● Tire Pressure: While Bins Cars ensures optimal maintenance, a quick check of the tyre pressure is wise for a long drive, especially before hitting varied terrains.
● Transmission Choice: Prefer an automatic car for rent for city traffic in Kochi, but for those who love complete control on steep, winding mountain roads, a manual transmission Thar can be more engaging.
● Rules of the Road: Always adhere to Kerala’s speed limits and parking rules; the Thar’s commanding size needs mindful maneuvering in busy town centres.
Conclusion: Adventure Has Two Faces — Which Will You Choose?
The call of Kerala’s magnificent landscape is strong, and a self-drive adventure in a Mahindra Thar is the best way to answer it. Whether you are drawn to the rugged, classic Thar for its pure off-roading spirit or the luxurious, practical Thar Roxx for its modern comfort and family appeal, you are guaranteed an unforgettable journey.
It's not just about the destination; it’s about the journey in a vehicle that lets you own the road.
Book your Thar or Thar Roxx with Bins Cars today! We offer the best rental car services in Kerala with flexibility, best price, and the assurance of a Govt approved partner. The road to adventure starts the moment you drive off!
