OFF-ROAD RELIABLE

THE ROXOR IS THE BACKCOUNTRY BUG-OUT VEHICLE THAT CAN HANDLE THE JOB.

- STEVEN PAUL BARLOW

It needs a rifle rack for an M1 Garand or a BAR, I thought. Or maybe a mount in the back for a ‘Ma Deuce’ .50-caliber machine gun.

At first glance, the ROXOR looked like a World War II Jeep with a fancy, new paint job. After a couple of outings with it, I walked away thoroughly impressed: Here’s a vehicle that combines oldschool simplicity and rugged, quality construction with modern engineering. It’s an off-road vehicle suitable for both hard work and good-time adventures. And, if you’ve ever considered a vehicle for bug-out transportation for use during devastating times—one with a lineage that includes withstanding the rigors of a world war—the ROXOR would seem to qualify.

WHAT IS IT?

If the ROXOR reminded me of a World War II Willys Jeep, it was no accident. Mahindra of India licensed the rights to the Willys Jeep design and has been building them for more than 70 years. Mahindra Automotive North America now assembles the updated ROXOR in its Auburn Hills, Michigan, plant.

While it looks as if it could be equally at home on pavement, the ROXOR is strictly for off-road use. It has no turn signals, air bags or other accoutrements necessary to qualify it for highway use. The ROXOR is positioned to compete with side-by-side utility task (or terrain) vehicles (UTVs), such as those from Polaris, Honda and John Deere.

It might not be as nimble as a side-by-side sport model (such as the Polaris RZR), but the ROXOR has some distinct advantages, especially when it comes to handling tough jobs.