Manual vs. Automatic Transmission: Which Thar Roxx Variant Gives You Great On-Road Performance?

A name almost impossible to ignore when talking about rugged SUVs is that of the Mahindra Thar Roxx. An upgraded version of the popular MahindraThar, this beast of a machine, with its precision-tuned suspension and all-terrain tenacity, is not just an off-roader; it’s the ultimate choice. But when it comes to on-road performance, where highways meet hill climbs and city lanes demand smooth cruising, the real question arises: Should you go manual or automatic?

Let’s get into the details and uncover which transmission variant, manual or automatic, truly rules the roads.

Power at Your Command: The Engine & Transmission Duo

At the core of the Thar Roxx lies two legendary engines, mStallion (petrol) and mHawk (diesel). The mStallion petrol engine is one of the most powerful petrol engines currently seen on Indian roads. It’s not just about brute force; the mStallion is engineered for smoothness and control, delivering high torque that proves essential when conquering steep inclines, rocky trails, or sandy dunes. Whether paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic, this engine ensures that the Thar Roxx is always ready for serious off-road action. Here are the specifications –

• Petrol Manual (mStallion):
  • Power: 119 kW @ 5000 r/min
  • Torque: 330 Nm @ 1500-3000 r/min
• Petrol Automatic (mStallion):
  • Power: 130 kW @ 5000 r/min
  • Torque: 380 Nm @ 1750-3000 r/min
• Diesel Manual (mHawk):
  • Power: 111.9 kW @ 3750 r/min
  • Torque: 330 Nm @ 1500-3000 r/min
• Diesel Automatic (mHawk):
  • 4×4 variant: 128.6 kW @ 3500 r/min | 400 Nm @ 1500-3000 r/min
  • RWD variant: 111.9 kW @ 3750 r/min | 330 Nm @ 1500-3000 r/min

Now, on paper, the automatic petrol wins hands down in sheer numbers. It offers more torque and power, and torque arrives slightly later, making for smoother acceleration and confident overtakes on highways. For everyday drivers who crave effortless cruising with a dose of aggression, the automatic petrol variant is a thrilling yet smooth operator.

Zip, Zoom, and Crawl: Options You Get With Both Modes

What separates the Thar Roxx from the rest is its intelligent terrain and drive modes. Whether you’re choosing manual or automatic, the 4XPLOR Terrain Modes—Snow, Mud, Sand—combined with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) allow both transmission types to perform phenomenally off-road.

But on the road, Zip and Zoom modes paired with the torque converter automatic give you a far more adaptable ride. Think city traffic or long highway stretches—this automatic variant shifts seamlessly, reducing fatigue and enhancing fuel efficiency when driven right. The manual, on the other hand, puts you in total control, which is ideal for driving purists who want to dictate power delivery with every gear.

So if your day involves stop-and-go traffic and occasional highway bursts, the automatic with Zip and Zoom modes offers superior comfort and intelligent throttle tuning.

Suspension & Control: A Shared Superpower

Regardless of transmission, all Thar Roxx variants boast cutting-edge ride engineering:

• MTV-CL (Multi Tuning Valve – Concentric Land) dampers
• FDD (Frequency Dependent Damping)
• Watt’s Link Rear Suspension
• AHRS (Advanced Hydraulic Rebound Stop)

These aren’t just jargon—they translate to sublime ride quality, better cornering, and controlled body roll on tarmac. AHRS, for example, makes this SUV feel remarkably composed even on undulated roads. This consistent ride comfort ensures that whether you’re rowing your own gears or letting the gearbox do the work, the SUV keeps you planted and confident.

Performance on the Road: Who Wins?

Let’s break this down:

Real-World Scenarios: Where Manual or Automatic Shines

Let’s break down how these transmissions respond in real-world environments:

Verdict

If your primary use is urban driving with frequent long hauls, the automatic transmission—especially in the petrol variant—is a standout performer. The 130 kW power output, coupled with 380 Nm torque, ensures you have ample thrust at your disposal, while the torque converter delivers seamless shifts for an unbroken surge of speed.

On the flip side, if you’re someone who thrives on mechanical engagement, values engine braking, and enjoys the art of manual control, the manual diesel (especially the 4×4 variant) is your tool of choice. It may not match the automatic in torque, but it delivers a tactile, raw driving experience that enthusiasts crave.

The Off-Road Bonus

Although this discussion focuses on on-road performance, it’s worth mentioning that the Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) and CrawlSmart are standard across both transmission types. These features drastically reduce driver effort on difficult terrain. Even during sudden water-logged patches or a gravel-filled driveway, the auto transmission, thanks to its throttle modulation, feels almost intelligent in power delivery, making it more beginner-friendly.

In Conclusion

So, which Thar Roxx variant gives you great on-road performance? The crown goes to the automatic petrol variant. With superior torque, better responsiveness, adaptive driving modes, and hassle-free gear changes, it brings out the best of ‘THE’ SUV on paved roads—be it highways, hill climbs, or city traffic.