And that’s exactly what’s happening with the Mahindra Thar Roxx vs the Maruti Grand Vitara – in the case of two vehicles, it’s a tale of two worlds. But you’ve got off road thrills on one side with the Thar and refined city cruising on the other with the Vitara. Neither is good enough to fool you, however, as it all depends where you see yourself with most of your time in.

City Sleek vs. Off Road Beast

First up, the Mahindra Thar Roxx. There’s no doubt this thing is a beast. I’d imagine it to be the sort of vehicle you pull out when you’re eyeball to eyeball with muddy trails, rocky roads, or a spur of the moment camping trip. But the Thar Roxx gives you a genuinely good middle finger and says ‘take me off road mate.’ Its 4×4 setup, high ground clearance and tank like build make it more than just a car, it’s a machine. It’s almost what’s almost like when you’re sitting behind the wheel, the car is asking you, ‘So where are we going?’” That for sure isn’t interested in staying on the pavement.

The Maruti Grand Vitara however is night and day from that period. The Vitara is the smooth operator. Yes, it has SUV vibes but this is a car that’s built for the city and the highways. Sure, it can stand up to a rough patch, but let’s be blunt: it’s a lot happier zipping through urban streets or burning rubber on the interstate. But if you’re like me, with an eye on fuel efficiency, the hybrid options in the Vitara are a winner.

Power Play

Mahindra Thar Roxx is all about power. The fact this beast comes in diesel as well as petrol engine options means it can pretty much pull you through anything. It’s got that mini monster truck feeling, but with a lot more power, a lot more aggression, while still retaining this ease of being easy to manage. There’s something I truly love about driving the Thar – that little kick in the gut when you hit the gas. The car wants you to press it. Crawling over rough terrain, or limp mode, is surprisingly smooth going with the six speed automatic.

But the Maruti Grand Vitara isn’t about flexing muscles the way that does. It’s more balanced. It’s about efficiency with a hybrid engine. It’s not going to give you that same jolt that the Thar will but it’s reliable. Power so you have it when you need it, but not so much that it’s going to suck up your wallet at every fuel pump. This is a great option if you’re like me and mostly spend your time in the city. That’s the eternal friend you can rely on for daily commutes or long highway trips.

The Inside Story on Comfort and Tech

The Thar Roxx may not be plush, but it’s practical. It’s not exactly cheap comfort by any means, but neither are you chasing luxury. It’s got what you need: With a touchscreen infotainment system, some decent seating, and enough to keep you comfortable on road or trail. Not that anyone’s really buying the Thar for its tech gadgets. It’s about freedom, freedom to grab life by the horns, to meet the wilderness head on, not sit in the backseat, binging TV.

Now, the Grand Vitara? That’s a new story though. It’s got the tech, and it’s got the style. Almost plush is how you might describe the interior as a whole. It has all the modern conveniences – touchscreen, navigation and panoramic sunroof, apparently, just screaming ‘get in touch with the style of cruising’. You’d be forgiven for thinking that the Vitara is declaring: “I’m fine on a dirt road, but then again, wouldn’t you rather enjoy the city lights under this glass roof?”

Where Are You Headed? Practicality.

Here’s where the rubber meets the road: That brings us back to another question. Where do you see yourself driving?

If you’re the kind of person who thrives away from the city grind, who hits the mountains on the weekend and who wants to look like the total badass (and let’s be honest, the Thar Roxx is a head turner), the Mahindra Thar just might be your soulmate. Now if you’re like me and will never be driving a tank to work in the morning, it may not be the most practical commute choice. Of course, that’s entertaining, but a good Monday morning drive needs a little little quiet comfort, don’t you think?

On the flip side however, the Maruti Grand Vitara is the responsible, everyday option. It’s not dull by any means—very fun, still very stylish—but it’s so much more suited for the treadmill. You’re getting better fuel economy, more comfort for those longer commutes, and in the long run a better time if your life is more the city versus off road adventures. And it’s the type of car that you can pull into the office parking lot without feeling weird next to all the fancy sedans.

And so, which one to get?
Here’s the big question: Who are you as a driver? Or you ready to get your boots dirty or are you a smooth ride type?

Admittedly, I am excited about taking the Thar Roxx out on a weekend adventure. And that part about rough, erratic off road freedom just really makes you feel alive and connected to the drive. Such a vehicle to draw stares and conversations. Of course, it’s also the part of me that enjoys the ease and comfort the Grand Vitara affords. It’s reliable, convenient and it just makes more sense everyday. Unless you are planning to live somewhere off the grid every weekend, the Vitara might be the better buy. Just like your friend that is always near when you need them, without any exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

So, here’s where I land. The Mahindra Thar Roxx is if you don’t mind turning heads every time you pull up at a stoplight. It certainly has character, power, and an off-road charm you simply can not ignore. But if what you’re after is a refined, comfortable and easy to live with every day, the Maruti Grand Vitara isn’t going to disappoint.

And which do you want? Do you like adventure or smooth and efficient? The wrong answer is that there is no wrong answer here, it’s just something you want to have.