The Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025 award has been claimed by the Mahindra Thar ROXX, a significant milestone for the SUV, which has become a symbol of ruggedness and modernity. This prestigious award, along with the Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY), is considered one of the most sought-after recognitions in India’s automotive industry. After a highly competitive race, the Thar ROXX emerged as the winner, leaving behind strong contenders like Tata Curvv, Tata Punch EV, BYD eMAX7, Citroen Basalt, Maruti Swift, and the Maruti Dzire. The final battle was between the ROXX and the new Dzire, with the Thar clinching the title by a mere 2-point margin, marking the closest victory in the award’s history.
Mahindra Thar ROXX: The Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025
The Mahindra Thar ROXX was launched in August 2024 as a highly anticipated model. Combining the Thar’s rugged off-road capabilities with the practicality of a modern 5-door SUV, the ROXX has gained immense popularity. Its ability to blend adventure with everyday usability has made it a hit among Indian consumers. The award was presented to Mahindra executives Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO of the auto division, and Pratap Bose, Executive Vice President and Chief Design Officer, for their successful contribution to the automotive sector.
ICOTY 2025 Jury and Evaluation Process
The ICOTY evaluation process involves a panel of 21 leading automotive journalists from top publications. These journalists, from renowned outlets such as Auto Today, Carwale, autoX, Car India, Evo India, Motoring World, Overdrive, and others, meticulously assess each car based on various criteria. They allocate 25 points to each car, ensuring that the final winner is selected through a transparent and unbiased process. In 2025, Deloitte served as the knowledge partner for the ICOTY evaluation, ensuring that all results were credible and well-supported.
What Makes Mahindra Thar ROXX Stand Out as Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025?
The Mahindra Thar ROXX is essentially a 5-door version of the popular Thar SUV, offering more space, comfort, and practicality for everyday use. With a robust and stylish design, it features LED lighting, bold wheel arches, and 19-inch wheels, along with a modern cabin equipped with high-end features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, level 2 ADAS, and a 360-degree camera. Safety is also a priority with advanced equipment included.
Under the hood, the Thar ROXX offers two engine options: a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine producing 150bhp and 330 Nm of torque, and a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine delivering 160bhp and 330Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, offering excellent performance both on and off the road.
Other ICOTY 2025 Award Winners
While the Mahindra Thar ROXX won the prestigious Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025 title, the Maruti Dzire was named the runner-up, and the Maruti Swift secured the second runner-up spot. In other categories, the Aprilia RS 457 was awarded Bike of the Year, while the MG Windsor was recognized as the Green Car of the Year. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class took home the Premium Car of the Year award.
The Mahindra Thar ROXX’s victory as the Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2025 underscores its exceptional combination of off-road prowess, modern features, and overall appeal in a highly competitive automotive market.