Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Hyundai Creta – Which One To Buy?

The new Mahindra Thar Roxx is the latest entrant into our market from the Indian auto giant as we compare it to the most popular mid-size SUV

In this post, we will experience a detailed comparison between the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Hyundai Creta in terms of specs, features, prices, design and more. Both these are quite distinct vehicles with specific applications. Firstly, the Thar Roxx is a hardcore off-roading SUV which is based on the 3-door Thar. However, this avatar gets larger dimensions to enhance its practicality. Not only that, it even comes with new features and tweaked mechanicals to make it more capable. On the other hand, the Creta is a mighty popular mid-size urban SUV. It has been at the top of the sales charts in this segment for years now. Let us compare these two.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Hyundai Creta – Price

Let us commence this comparison with the prices as that is the key factor before choosing a car in a price-sensitive market like India. The Mahindra Thar Roxx ranges from Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 22.49 lakh, ex-showroom. Note that the 4×4 configuration is only available with the higher diesel trims at the moment. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta retails between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 20.30 lakh, ex-showroom. Hence, the Creta has a slight edge but it doesn’t possess the raw off-roading capabilities of the Thar Roxx.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Hyundai Creta – Specs

Next up, we compare the specifications of the Mahindra Thar Roxx and Hyundai Creta. The Thar Roxx is available with petrol and diesel trims and automatic and manual transmissions. These include a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol mill or a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel mill generating 162 PS (MT) / 330 Nm to 177 PS (AT) / 380 Nm and 163 PS (MT) / 330 Nm and 175 PS / 370 Nm of peak power and torque with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. Hence, buyers can choose what suits their needs best. As mentioned previously, the sophisticated 4×4 system is only available with higher diesel variants. In the top trim, there are tons of dedicated off-roading amenities like the Intelli-turn feature to allow a smaller turning radius.

On the other hand, even the Hyundai Creta draws power from potent petrol and diesel engines. These is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol mill which generates a familiar 115 PS and 144 Nm, a 1.5-litre diesel engine which belts out a decent 116 PS and 250 Nm and the most powerful engine in the segment – the 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill which churns out a colossal 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Buyers can choose between manual, automatic, CVT and DCT gearboxes. Hence, the needs of all kinds of buyers are catered to. This is also a huge reason for the Creta’s immense popularity.

Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Hyundai Creta – Features

Now, we know that car buyers are massively excited about the kind of amenities their vehicles possess. We live in an age where automobiles have, essentially, become gadgets on wheels. The latest tech, connectivity, convenience and safety amenities are imperative to woo customers. Let us take a look at what the new Mahindra Thar Roxx offers:

• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• 10.25-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment Display
• Adrenox Connected Car Tech
• Alexa Built-in
• Gen ll Adventure Statistics
• 6-speaker Audio System
• Wireless Charging
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto
• Electric Park Brake with Auto Hold
• Single Pane Sunroof
• LED Lighting Overall
• Leatherette Upholstery
• Level 2 ADAS Active Safety Features
• Leather Wrap on Steering Wheel
• Acoustic Windshield
• Footwell Lighting
• Cruise Control
• Driver’s Seat Height Adjustment
• Sliding Armrest
• Electrically Adjustable ORVMs
• Rear Wiper, Washer and Defogger
• 65-Watt USB-C Port
• Rear Seat Armrest with Cup Holder
• Fully Automatic Climate Control
• 6 Airbags
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• Rear Camera
• 6-way Powered Driver’s Seat
• Front Ventilated Seats
• Large Panoramic Skyroof
• Electrically Adjustable and Folding ORVMs
• Cooled Glove Box
• Leatherette Wrap on Door Trims + IP
• 9-speaker Harman Kardon Premium Audio System
• Front View Camera
• Blind View Monitor
• Surround View Camera
• 19-inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels

On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta is also a feature-laden product. Its main highlights are:

• 10.25-inch Connected Supersceen Infotainment Screen
• 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster
• Leatherette Upholstery
• D-Cut Steering Wheel with Multimedia Controls
• Wireless Charging
• Front Row Ventilated Seats
• Drive Modes
• Paddle Shifters
• 8-Speaker Bose Premium Music System
• Hyundai Bluelink Connected Car Tech
• Voice Recognition
• OTA Updates for Map and Infotainment
• Home-to-Car (H2C) with Alexa
• 64-colour Ambient Lighting
• Touch-based AC Controller Unit
• Half Crystal Polished Passenger-side Dashboard
• Voice-Enabled Panoramic Sunroof
• Level 2 ADAS Active Safety – Hyundai SmartSense with 19 features
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• 360-Degree Camera
• Ventilated Front Seats
• 8-Way Powered Driver’s Seat
• 6 Airbags
• ESC, VSM
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• All Four Disc Brakes
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts
• Level 2 ADAS

Design and Dimensions

This is yet another section where these two SUVs showcase their individuality. The Thar Roxx is a rugged SUV with a retro-modern appearance. At the front, it gets the round headlamps, a colossal grille section, a sporty bumper with fog lamps and a clamshell bonnet. On the sides, there are massive wheel arches with black cladding and ginormous alloy wheels, side steps for easier ingress and egress traits and the sheer length comes to the surface. At the rear, it carries on with the boot lid-mounted spare tyre, LED taillamps and a solid bumper with reflector lights. All in all, the Mahindra Thar Roxx bears an imposing road presence.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta embodies a more modern and urban design language. At the front, we see the connected LED light bar stretching the width of the SUV and culminating into the LED DRLs on either side, a massive grille section with the main headlamp cluster on the extreme edges, a rugged skid plate and a sporty bumper. On the sides, there are elegant alloy wheels with prominent wheel arches, a distinct design element on the C-pillars, black ORVMs and chrome door handles. At the rear, the Creta boasts a shark fin antenna, connected taillamps via an LED strip, a sturdy skid plate, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and a striking bumper. All in all, it looks neat and modern without losing the SUV flair.

My View

Choosing between these two incredibly capable SUVs can be quite challenging. The huge price overlap certainly makes things confusing. However, the choice will depend on your application. If you want a hardcore off-roader with oodles of practicality, the latest tech features, an impressive safety kit (active and passive) and powerful engines, going for the Mahindra Thar Roxx makes a lot of sense. It is immensely capable off-tarmac. On the other hand, if you are looking for an urban SUV which comes with all the bells and whistles along with the option of multiple powertrains, the Hyundai Creta should be your ideal partner. In any case, you can’t go wrong with either of these compelling propositions.

Also Read: Here’s How Much Salary Do You Need to Buy Mahindra Thar Roxx