The Mahindra Roxor may often be overlooked in the world of side-by-sides (SXS), but it definitely deserves more recognition for its robust performance and features.
Powered by a turbo diesel engine and paired with an advanced drivetrain, the Roxor delivers solid performance with a load capacity of 349 lbs and a towing capacity of up to 3,490 lbs, according to Mahindra Automotive.
This makes it an excellent option for both work and recreation, capable of handling heavy-duty tasks with ease.
Despite its impressive specs, the Roxor’s journey to market has had its fair share of hurdles, including the looming threat of discontinuation. However, Mahindra has remained steadfast in its commitment to the vehicle’s design, and the Roxor is back on the market to cater to its loyal and eager customers, as noted by Autoweek.
While the Roxor doesn’t come street-legal out of the box, it’s still possible to make it roadworthy with the right modifications. With the proper upgrades, you can easily turn the Roxor into a street-legal machine without compromising its rugged appeal.
This opens up a world of possibilities for those looking for a durable off-road vehicle to take on the roads, whether for leisure or practical use.
The journey to getting it street-ready might require a little extra effort, but it’s well worth it for those looking to experience the power and versatility of this unique side-by-side.
Roxor History
When examining the history of the Mahindra Roxor, one can approach the topic from two perspectives: focusing on the Roxor itself or on the Jeep CJ series, which served as its evident inspiration, Bloomberg said. It could even be argued that the Roxor closely mirrors the design of the CJ series. However, it is commonly stated that imitation reflects admiration.
FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), the manufacturer of Jeep, did not perceive it this way. They initiated legal action against Mahindra for infringing upon the classic Jeep’s iconic design.
Ultimately, FCA emerged victorious in this lawsuit, resulting in the cessation of production for the Roxor line. However, this aspect of the story introduces a timeline that may not yet be fully explored.
Mahindra & Mahindra
Mahindra plays a more significant role in the global transportation economy than many people realize.
One noteworthy aspect is their tractor market. While brands like John Deere, Case IH, and Kubota often dominate our thoughts when discussing tractors, Mahindra is actually the largest tractor manufacturer in the world, Mahindra Tractors said.
It’s important to note that this refers specifically to tractors, as John Deere holds a strong position in the broader agricultural equipment market. Mahindra, an Indian company headquartered in Mumbai, was founded in 1945, according to the Mahindra Group.
Interestingly, the company has a long history with the Willys Jeep, having produced it under wartime contracts with the United States. They have since developed the Roxor, which is reminiscent of the classic Jeep, as well as the Mahindra Thar, which is a street-legal SUV targeted at the Indian market, The Economic Times said.
Over the years, Mahindra has diversified into various markets and offers a range of standard side-by-sides (SXSs) designed for blue-collar work. However, the Roxor stands out as something different, according to Autoweek.
The Roxor is neither a utility vehicle (UTV) nor a typical SXS. It is, in essence, a modernized version of the Willys Jeep, powered by a clean-burning 2.5L turbo diesel engine.
With a curb weight of 2,990 lbs, the Roxor is classified as a small full-size vehicle and does not fit the conventional definition of a UTV based on its specifications, according to Mahindra.
Roxor 1.0
The original Roxor closely resembled a Willys Jeep, with some people claiming it was nearly identical, Autoweek said.
The Roxor is equipped with solid axles that are similar in size and composition to the well-known Dana 44. This heavy-duty axle has been used in vehicles like the International Harvester Scouts, Jeep CJs, and various other light-duty trucks, according to Dana.
Its sturdy running gear is mounted on a steel box frame, and power is transmitted through either manual or automatic transmissions.
The Mahindra Roxor is much more of a truck than a UTV, which has always been the case. Essentially, it is a modified version of a Willys, featuring an excellent diesel engine and updated running gear, Mahindra said.
Mahindra encountered issues with the Roxor because it closely resembles the Jeep design. Although Mahindra attempted to modify the appearance enough to avoid complications, they were unable to present a strong enough case to satisfy the FTC, Bloomberg said.
Mahindra not only decided against discontinuing the Roxor line but also undertook a complete redesign of the vehicle. Remarkably, they brought the revamped model back to the market in about 18 months, even amidst the pandemic.
This feat is truly impressive. Although Jeep is unhappy with the Roxor’s resurgence, the redesigned model is sufficiently different from the Willys, leading the FTC to refrain from ruling in favor of FCA this time, Reuters said.
As a result, the Roxor remains in production, and manufacturing is ramping up.
Roxor 2.0
Mahindra deserves recognition for its resilience and commitment to the Roxor program. Rather than abandoning the initiative, the company revisited and refined its approach, ultimately aligning it with the standards required by the FTC, according to Autoweek.
The design of the Mahindra Roxor itself did not change significantly, apart from some aesthetic updates. The internal mechanics were never the problem; the real issue lay with the exterior body, Reuters said.
The redesign focused primarily on the grille and the fenders. After making the necessary adjustments in these two areas, the Mahindra Roxor was approved for American sales once again.
Can a Roxor Be Street Legal?
How close is a standard production Roxor to being street-legal?
The truth is, it’s not very far at all.
Mahindra has made it clear that the Roxor is designed as an off-road vehicle, but it’s hard to ignore the reality: the Roxor is only pretending to be an exclusively off-road vehicle. Don’t believe me? Here are some points to consider:
– The Roxor is sold exclusively with full-size light truck tires (235 / 70R16; Goodyear Wrangler Trailrunner AT™). These are proper highway tires, not retrofitted ATV tires or similar.
– It features solid axles designed for ½ ton trucks. Why would you install Dana 44-style axles under a box-framed vehicle if it’s only intended for trail use?
– The curb weight is nearly 3,000 lbs when empty, which is 1,300 lbs heavier than the Honda Talon 1000X-4, a large UTV by any standard.
– It has a fuel capacity of 12 gallons and achieves 35 mpg. This means it can cover a distance of almost 400 miles on a full tank, typical of a full-size vehicle.
These factors suggest that the Roxor is more capable of being used on the road than Mahindra would have you believe.
Is the Mahindra Roxor Street Legal?
You can make Mahindra Roxor Street legal.
This involves two primary considerations: mechanical modifications and administrative compliance.
Firstly, regarding the mechanical components necessary for public road use, the Roxor was originally configured as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) and therefore lacks certain Department of Transportation (DOT) equipment required for legal operation on roadways.
Fortunately, addressing this issue is straightforward. Numerous parts are readily available, including specialized kits designed for the Roxor, enabling you to equip the vehicle to meet street-legal standards.
The second consideration involves the more complex process of administrative compliance. This entails obtaining the appropriate title, registration, and license plates for on-road use.
It is important to note that not all states are receptive to registering and plating a vehicle originally designed as an OHV for road use.
However, once the vehicle is registered and plated, most jurisdictions will not impose significant restrictions on operating it with out-of-state plates. Reciprocity in vehicle registration is commonly accepted, which facilitates the process across different locations.
The Freedom of the Open Road
Once your vehicle is registered and plated, you’re free to enjoy the open road with peace of mind, knowing you’re fully compliant and ready to go wherever you please.
With registration in place, you won’t have to stress about out-of-state restrictions or running into trouble when crossing borders.
Reciprocity agreements between jurisdictions make sure that your vehicle remains legal and recognized in other states, so your registration and plates continue to hold up, no matter where your adventures take you.
Whether you’re planning a road trip or a cross-country drive, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle is ready to take on the journey without any legal hurdles in your way..
At Dirt Legal, we specialize in making the registration process seamless and stress-free, so you can focus on what matters—enjoying the ride.
Visit Dirt Legal today to get started on making your vehicle road-ready wherever you roam!
