How Comfortable is the Thar LX for Long Road Trips?

The Mahindra Thar LX is an icon among adventure enthusiasts, celebrated for its design and off-road prowess. But beyond its reputation as a rugged SUV, many wonder how well it performs as a companion for long road trips. So, let’s look at its features, performance, and overall comfort to see how it fares on extended journeys.

Engine Performance

The Thar LX offers three engine options, each tailored to provide a blend of power and efficiency.

• D117 CRDe Diesel: The 1.5-litre engine delivers 87.2 kW at 3500 rpm and a robust 300 Nm of torque between 1750 and 2500 rpm. While slightly smaller in capacity, it’s designed to offer fuel efficiency without compromising power, making it an economical choice for long-distance travel.
• mHawk 130 CRDe Diesel: With a 2.2-litre capacity, this engine produces 97 kW at 3750 rpm and the same 300 Nm of torque spread across a broader range of 1600 to 2800 rpm. The smooth power delivery ensures you can tackle varied terrains effortlessly.
• mStallion 150 TGDi Petrol: This 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine churns out an impressive 112 kW at 5000 rpm. Torque figures stand at 300 Nm with the manual transmission and 320 Nm with the automatic, available from as low as 1250 rpm. The mStallion’s peppy performance ensures it’s ready to easily conquer highways while adding a touch of thrill to your journey.

These engines provide enough grunt to maintain highway speeds comfortably, while their torque-rich nature makes overtaking effortless. The availability of automatic transmission adds to the convenience, especially on long stretches of road.

Ride Quality

The Thar LX SUV offers a robust suspension setup to handle both off-road adventures and highway cruising.

• Front Suspension: The independent double-wishbone system with coil-over dampers and a stabiliser bar ensures a stable and composed ride, even on uneven surfaces.
• Rear Suspension: The multi-link solid rear axle with coil-over dampers and a stabiliser bar balances stability and comfort, ensuring rear-seat passengers don’t bounce over bumps.

While the Thar is primarily designed as an off-roader, this suspension setup does a commendable job absorbing highway imperfections. Long drives may reveal some stiffness in the ride due to its rugged design, but it’s far from uncomfortable.

Interior Comfort

Inside the Thar LX, you’ll find a cabin prioritising durability and functionality without skimping on essential comfort features. The seating layout includes two forward-facing seats at the front and two in the rear, with all seats providing sufficient support for long hours of travel. While the rear seats may feel upright for some passengers, the front seats are cushioned and adjustable, ensuring the driver and co-passenger remain at ease during extended trips.

Air conditioning and climate control keep the cabin pleasant regardless of external weather conditions, while thoughtful additions like cup holders, USB ports, and storage compartments enhance convenience. The Thar’s infotainment system adds a modern touch with features like voice commands, SMS read-out, and BlueSense app connectivity. Whether navigating, streaming music, or checking tyre pressure via the Tyretronics system, these features ensure you’re well-equipped for the road ahead.

Practicality: A Traveller’s Ally

Long road trips demand a vehicle that can handle more than just the distance. The Thar LX’s practicality shines in several ways:

• Ground Clearance: A generous 226 mm of clearance ensures the Thar can navigate rough patches without an issue.
• Water Wading Depth: With a capacity to wade through 650 mm of water, unexpected water crossings won’t disrupt your journey.
• Boot Space: While the boot may seem modest compared to traditional SUVs, the Thar’s rear seat folding mechanism allows you to maximise storage for luggage and gear.
• Fuel Tank: The mHawk 130 Diesel and mStallion 150 Petrol engines' 57-litre capacity means fewer stops at fuel stations, adding to the convenience of long trips.

Safety: Reassurance on the Road

Safety is critical to any road trip, and the Thar LX doesn’t disappoint. Features like dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and a roll cage form the foundation of its safety offerings. Hill-hold and hill-descent control, combined with ESP and roll-over mitigation, make descending or climbing hilly terrains worry-free.

For those travelling with family, ISOFIX child seat mounts on the rear seats and a passenger airbag deactivation switch add an extra layer of safety. Meanwhile, rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring ensure peace of mind at every turn.

Handling and Versatility

The Thar LX strikes a fine balance between its off-road DNA and highway manners. Its hydraulic power steering feels weighty at higher speeds, adding confidence during long-distance cruising. The wide 255/65 R18 all-terrain tyres provide ample grip, ensuring stability even on winding roads.

What sets the Thar LX apart from conventional SUVs is its versatility. The vehicle’s approach angle of 41.2 degrees, departure angle of 36 degrees, and ramp-over angle of 26.2 degrees mean it’s equally at home tackling rugged trails while cruising along highways. For road trip enthusiasts who like to mix adventure with leisure, the Thar’s ability to seamlessly transition between terrains adds an element of excitement to any journey.

Beyond its functionality, the Thar LX makes a statement wherever it goes. Its bold, muscular stance and classic Jeep-inspired design draw attention on the road. For many, driving the Thar isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about doing so in style.

In Conclusion

The Mahindra Thar LX is more than just an off-road beast; it’s a capable and comfortable companion for long road trips. It blends rugged charm with everyday usability with powerful engine options, a practical interior, and modern features.?

Its unique blend of adventure-ready design and on-road competence makes it ideal for long-distance adventures. Whether chasing sunsets on a coastal highway or exploring mountain trails, the Thar LX ensures the journey is as memorable as the destination.