Mahindra Thar Roxx vs Kia Seltos: Specifications Compared

Both cars offer great features with powerful engine options, but only one has a dominating road presence if that’s what you are looking for

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has been launched and while it does compete with other off-roaders, it also serves as a rugged alternative to the myriad of compact SUVs available in our market. In that segment, one of the most popular models is the Kia Seltos, which offers a premium and sporty design, and the best equipment among its rivals. The question is, can the off-roader compete with the Kia SUV with its specifications, or does the Seltos have an edge over it? Find out in this detailed comparison.

Price

* Prices of the Mahindra Thar Roxx are introductory, and only for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variants. Prices of the four-wheel-drive (4WD) variants are expected to be revealed soon.

While there is a difference of over Rs 2 lakh in the base-spec variants of both cars, prices of the top-spec variants are nearly on par with each other. However, one thing to note is that the prices of the 4WD Thar Roxx are yet to be revealed, and they are likely to carry a premium over the RWD variants, which will make the Thar Roxx even more expensive.

Dimensions

The Thar Roxx is bigger than the Seltos in all dimensions, including the overall length and wheelbase. It is much taller than the Kia SUV, giving it a bigger stance, and the longer wheelbase is likely to result in better space inside the cabin.

Powertrain

* iMT: Intelligent Manual Transmission (Automated Manual Transmission)

* DCT: Dual-clutch Automatic Transmission

On paper, the only engine of the Seltos that can compete with the Thar Roxx is the turbo-petrol unit, which has a similar power output as the turbo-petrol engine of the off-roader. However, it still produces less torque compared to the Thar Roxx’s petrol and diesel engines.

Also Read: 5 Door Mahindra Thar Roxx: 10 Things We Would Have Liked To See On The New Offroader

While the diesel engine of the Seltos has comparatively lower power and torque outputs, it is certainly not underpowered. The Thar Roxx gets a more powerful diesel mill as it needs that for its off-road capabilities. Two things that the Seltos gets over the Thar Roxx are a naturally aspirated petrol engine for its lower variants and a 7-speed DCT with the turbo-petrol engine that offers a much sportier drive experience.

Features

Both the Thar Roxx and the Seltos are equally well equipped and most features of these SUVs are similar and get all-LED lighting as well. However, the Seltos does offer a few extra features like a heads-up display and dual-zone AC, but the Thar Roxx makes up for it with its off-road capabilities and more powerful engine options.

Verdict

Choosing between the two SUVs can be hard as both get premium features, good-looking designs, and a well-equipped safety package. 

If you are looking for a family car with all the bells and whistles, along with a modern touch, and don’t wish to take your car for any major off-roading trips, then you should pick the Kia Seltos. It gives you the best features for the price, and offers a lot of powertrain options to choose from. Its styling is also more sporty, which might appeal to a young buyer.

But if you need a car with more road presence and a bigger stance with the capabilities to go off the road, the Mahindra Thar Roxx would be the best bet. It offers almost all the features of the Seltos along with a good safety package, and gives you the choice of both RWD and 4WD setups for your adventures, although the ride quality is slightly on the stiffer side.

Also Read: Hyundai Alcazar Facelift Interior Revealed, Creta-like Dashboard And New Features Confirmed

Which one will you choose out of the two? Let us know in the comments below.

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