Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 vs Kia Seltos HTE – Battle of the Base Trims

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has finally been launched in India to cater to a wide range of customers with its larger dimensions and a more practical cabin.

In this post, I am comparing the base models of two potent SUVs – the Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 and Kia Seltos HTE (diesel). Now, it might seem like these are two different SUVs and they are, but the starting prices of these popular SUVs are somewhat similar. That certainly warrants a comparison between the two. Furthermore, both of them are two-wheel-drive SUVs albeit the Thar Roxx is RWD, while the Seltos is FWD. Apart from that, the Seltos is an urban SUV while the Thar Roxx is a hardcore off-roading SUV. Let us compare the two in terms of price, specs, features and more.

Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 vs Kia Seltos HTE – Price Comparison

Note that the prices of the Thar Roxx’s entire range have not been announced yet. We will get to know the prices of the 4×4 variants at a later stage. Currently, the Thar Roxx ranges from Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh, ex-showroom. However, we are considering the entry-level RWD trim for this post which costs Rs 12.99 lakh. On the other hand, the Kia Seltos retails between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.37 lakh, ex-showroom. However, the base diesel trim, the HTE bears a retail sticker of Rs 12.41 lakh. Hence, the Thar Roxx is Rs 58,000 more expensive than the base Seltos diesel.

Mahindra Thar Roxx MX1 vs Kia Seltos HTE – Specs Comparison

This is where the differences start to show quite vividly. The newly launched Mahindra Thar Roxx is available in multiple powertrain options. However, the base trim comes with a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine which generates a decent 162 PS and 330 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with a 6-speed manual transmission. With the 6-speed automatic, this engine churns out a slightly higher 177 PS and 380 Nm of peak power and torque. Apart from that, there is also a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel mill which belts out 163 PS / 330 Nm with the manual gearbox and 175 PS / 370 Nm with the automatic trim. The higher trims of diesel will get the 4×4 technology. Since we are just talking about the base trim, it has a petrol engine with a manual transmission.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos is available in multiple versions. The base turbo diesel carries a 1.5-litre engine which generates a familiar 116 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. In higher trims, this engine can also pair with an automatic transmission. In addition to this, there is also the option of choosing between two petrol mills – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine making 115 PS and 144 Nm or a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine generating a whopping 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque. Performing the transmission duties are manual, CVT and DCT gearboxes, depending on the trim. Note that the base trim we are considering has a diesel mill and manual gearbox.

Design and Dimensions

With regard to external appearance, these two SUVs carry distinct styling. The Thar Roxx is a hardcore off-roading SUV. It bears the iconic retro jeep body silhouette with round headlamps, a large grille, a sturdy bumper, a clamshell bonnet, massively pronounced wheel arches, an upright windshield, solid side steps for easier ingress and egress for the passengers, large alloy wheels, the addition of a quarter glass and the second-row doors, the boot lid-mounted spare wheel, C-shaped LED taillamps, etc. All these lend it an imposing road presence.

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos bears a rather urbane and sophisticated design. It has a modern front fascia with a heavy usage of chrome elements to attract customers. There are sleek LED DRLs above the LED headlamps with a sporty bumper, elegant alloy wheels, a subtle side profile with roof rails and new-age connected LED taillamps. In essence, the design of the SUVs is a totally subjective matter. Going further, let us glance at the dimensions of the two SUVs:

Features Comparison

The features list on both these SUVs is rather extensive. Mahindra and Kia are known for offering tons of class-leading amenities in their vehicles to pamper customers. However, since we are discussing the base trims of these vehicles, it is obvious that they won’t be all that feature-rich. Still, let us glance at what they offer, starting with the Mahindra Thar Roxx.

• 6 Airbags
• Rear Parking Sensors
• 3-point Seat Belts for All Passengers
• Height Adjustable Front Seat Belts
• Day/Night IRVM
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control
• Brake Locking Differential
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Sliding Armrest
• 10.25-inch Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Fabric Upholstery
• Push-button Start
• Rear AC Vents
• USB-C Charging Port
• Sunglass Holder
• All Four Power Windows
• Steering-mounted Controls
• 4-speaker Audio System
• 60:40 Split Rear Seats with Multipoint Recline
• Rear Seat Armrest with Cup-holder
• Remote Central Locking
• Tyre Direction Monitoring System
• Analogue Dials with MID Cluster
• LED Projector Headlamps
• Lockable Glove Box

On the other hand, the Kia Seltos base HTE trim offers:

• Halogen Project Headlamps
• Fabric Seats
• Shark Fin Antenna
• Silver Dashboard Garnish
• Full Digital Cluster with 4.2-inch Color TFT HID
• USB-C Charger
• Tilt Adjustable Steering Wheel
• All Four Power Windows
• Sunglass Holder
• Rear Door Sunshade Curtain
• Height Adjustable Driver’s Seat
• Front Row Seat Belt Height Adjustment
• Rear AC Vents
• Adjustable Front Headrests
• 6 Airbags
• All Wheel Disc Brakes
• Electric Stability Control
• Vehicle Stability Management
• Hill-Start Assist Control
• Highline Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
• Rear Parking Sensors
• 3-point Seat Belts for All Seats

Our View

Now choosing between these two is purely a matter of application. Even though the prices of these products are somewhat similar, their applications can’t be further away. On the one hand, we have the Mahindra Thar Roxx. It is a hardcore and potent adventurous off-roading SUV. Even if the base trim doesn’t have the sophisticated 4×4 technology, the vehicle possesses decent capabilities to still go off-roading. In fact, its new M-Glyde platform, an updated ladder frame chassis, high ground clearance, impressive approach, departure and breakover angles, great water-wading capacity, etc, are some of the reasons why you can still take it to some pretty challenging terrains without worrying too much. The added length and wheelbase ensure that the passengers will be comfortable.

On the other hand, if you are on a strict budget and looking for a modern urban SUV which you would hardly take off-road, going for the base trim of the Kia Seltos makes a lot of sense. The diesel engine is the same as in the higher variants. Therefore, you won’t feel any compromise in terms of the performance. Apart from that, it still gets tons of basic amenities to keep you engaged. In inference, you can’t go wrong with either of these capable SUVs. You just need to know your usage.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Jeep Wrangler Pictorial Comparison