The SUV craze has taken the world by storm, and the Indian automotive market is no exception. With SUVs now commanding over 50 per cent of the market share and continuing to grow, there’s a rising demand for 4-wheel drive vehicles that can handle both rugged off-roading and the demands of city driving. We’ve put together a list of four affordable 4×4 SUVs that won’t break the bank. This includes three homegrown Indian models and one globally renowned legend.
Mahindra Thar
Launched in August 2020, the second-generation Thar upgrades Mahindra’s off-road legend while retaining its iconic three-door silhouette. The SUV features refreshed styling, a revamped cabin with contemporary tech, and enhanced safety systems. Though its boxy design nods to the Jeep Wrangler, the Thar carves its own identity with rugged 4×4 prowess, validated by a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating for adult and child occupant protection.
Available in AX and LX trims, the 4×4 Thar starts at Rs 14.49 lakh, rising to Rs 17.40 lakh (ex-showroom). Buyers can choose between two engines — a 2-litre turbo-petrol with 150 bhp and 300 Nm or a 2.2-litre diesel with 130 bhp and 300 Nm. Both are paired with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.
Mahindra Thar Roxx
Mahindra finally launched the highly anticipated 5-door version of the Thar, giving a significant boost to its sales. Making its debut in August 2024, the new Thar has earned a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating. Not only does it offer the practicality of additional space and a family-friendly 5-door layout, but it’s also packed with modern features. These include all-LED lighting, a panoramic sunroof, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 9-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and more.
When it comes to safety, the Thar comes loaded with a Level 2 ADAS suite, six airbags, ISOFIX anchors, hill hold and descent control, a rearview camera, and more. Unlike the three-door Thar, the Thar Roxx 4×4 is powered exclusively by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 150 bhp and 330 Nm of torque. It comes with a choice of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converter transmission. The Thar Roxx 4×4 is priced between Rs 19.09 lakh and Rs 23.09 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Suzuki Jimny may not have set the sales charts on fire as some expected, including Maruti Suzuki, but those who own it swear by its capabilities. Compact in size, the Jimny is deceptively powerful and stands as one of the most capable off-roaders on the planet. It comes equipped with a 9-inch infotainment system, LED headlights with washers, Hill Hold Assist, Hill Descent Control, six airbags, an Arkamys sound system, a reverse camera, and cruise control.
Unlike the other SUVs on this list, the Jimny is offered exclusively with a petrol engine, with no diesel variant available. Its 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine produces 103 bhp and 134.2 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic torque converter transmission. The Jimny costs from Rs 12.74 lakh to Rs 14.95 lakh, ex-showroom.
Force Gurkha
The Force Gurkha is a true off-road beast, built to conquer even the most extreme conditions. While it may lack some of the refinement found in other vehicles, its off-roading capabilities are unparalleled. The Gurkha is available in two versions: 3-door and 5-door, both featuring a rugged metal body, segment-first air intake snorkel, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen, and cornering lights.
It’s the first in its class to offer “shift-on-the-fly” technology, allowing drivers to seamlessly switch between 4H, 4L, or 2H. With an impressive ground clearance of 233 mm, a gradeability of 35 degrees, a departure angle of 27 degrees, a ramp-over angle of 28 degrees, and a water wading depth of 700 mm, the Gurkha is built for serious off-roading. Both versions are powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 3-door model is priced at Rs 16.75 lakh, while the 5-door variant costs Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom.