- The most powerful car has 500 nm of Torque
- Force Gurkha offers the most bang for your buck
- Hilux and Dmax are the most practical cars
In recent years, off-roading has become incredibly popular. Likewise, automakers have responded by releasing affordable yet rugged vehicles that can pretty much go anywhere. Be it mud, gravel or rocks these SUVs can conquer any type of surface thanks to their massive ground clearance and intelligent 4WD systems. We have compiled a list most capable off-road cars money can buy.
1. Maruti Jimny - Rs 10 Lakhs (Expected)
First on our list of Off-Road Cars is Jimny. It is the upcoming Thar rival that has the potential to disrupt the Thar as the affordable off-road king. Mainly because it is being offered with 4 doors. This translates into better practicality and interior space. Jimny is an all-around vehicle you can take anywhere with your family.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- All Grip 4WD
- Room for 4 and a Practical SUV
- Manual and Automatic Variants
- Limited Slip Differential
- Clamshell Bonnet
- Drip Rail
- Headlamps with washer
2. Mahindra Thar - Rs 10.54 Lakhs
The reigning champion Thar is the most sought-after SUV in the Indian market. Consequently, some models have a waiting period of up to 2 years!!!
Thar has recently received a facelift and mechanical upgrades like LSD etc. It has a certain old-school charm about it. A 4-door version is also coming soon to take on Jimny.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Petrol and Diesel engines are available
- LSD available as an option
- A lot of aftermarket customisation options.
- Electronic Brake Locking Differential
- Low-range transfer case
3. Isuzu D-Max-Rs 13 Lakhs
The first thing that comes to mind when you look at this car is " ye kya hai"?
For the uninitiated, Dmax is a combination of utility and abundant practicality that has managed to attract a lot of customers. Aside from its quirky looks, it is also a very capable off-roader thanks to its high ground clearance, chunky tyres and affordability.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Comes with a Diesel engine
- Designed with utility in mind
- Spacious rear load bed
- Good Ground clearance.
4. Mahindra Scorpio N -Rs 13 Lakhs
Scorpio N is the latest entry by Mahindra carrying the nametag of classic Scorpio that has a more modern-looking exterior and comes with a host of new features and upgrades. It may be a completely different vehicle to look at but just like the classic Scorpio, it retains the capability to take on any surface at any time.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Rugged Ladder on Frame Chassis
- Offers more comfortable ride quality than most models
- 4-Xplor intelligent AWD with Terrain Response
- 7- Seater Base Variant
- Pentalink Suspension
5. Force Gurkha - Rs 14.75 Lakhs
Gurkha is the underdog of all off-roaders. It provides the most bang for your buck while offering good practicality. It offers really good water-wading capabilities and some unique features that no other SUV has. Also, it has a Mercedes-derived engine!!!
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Air Intake Snorkel
- 4x4 system with Mechanical Differential
- Full Metal Body
- 700mm water wading capability
- 35-degree incline capability
- Mercedes derived engine
Also read, Top 10 Off-Road Bikes That You Can Buy In 2023
6. Tata Safari - Rs 15.65 Lakhs
Just like Scorpio N, the Safari leans more towards being a comfortable and practical SUV rather than a full-fledged off-roader. But if required will happily go on any terrain you want. It is also one of the few vehicles that are available with a diesel engine.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- ADAS features
- Full sunroof with mood lightning
- Ventilated seats
- Kryotech diesel engine
- Terrain response mode
- Xenon Headlamps
7. Toyota Hilux - Rs 30.40 Lakhs
Preferred by thrill seekers due to its indestructible nature, the Hilux offers a mammoth 500Nm of torque. Just like Gurkha and Wrangler, it is a proper off-roader which also happens to be a practical and utilitarian car.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Famous globally for its reliability
- 500 NM of torque
- Active Traction Control
- Auto LSD
- TPMS
- Space for up to 4 passengers and a large rear bed.
8. Toyota Fortuner - Rs 32.59 Lakhs
Youtube is filled with videos of Fortuners going crazy off-road. They are usually confined to city roads as nothing but a status symbol but being a Toyota you can pretty much take it anywhere.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- High Ground clearance
- Solid reputation for reliability
- 4x4 system
- Torquey Diesel engine with 500 nm
- Front Sonar with MID
- Skid plates
- Drive Modes
9. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon- Rs 63.05 Lakhs
The last off-road car on our list is the ultimate king of the off-road. The G.O.A.T Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. This is the car that inspired Mahindra to make Thar. It has front and rear locking differentials and 32-inch tyres as standard. Also, you can take the doors off to look even cooler while climbing almost any obstacle nature can throw at you. Similarly, you can check out the vanilla Jeep Wrangler that starts at Rs 59 lakhs.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- RockTrac full 4wd system with locking differentials and electronic sway bar
- Heavy-duty suspension with Gas shocks
- LED lights
- 2.0 Litres engine with 268 Horsepower with 400 of Torque at 3000 r/min coupled with 8-speed automatic
- Full Underbody skid plates
Verdict- All of the above off-road Cars have an unparalleled go-anywhere capability. These cars are designed from the ground up to be as rugged and reliable as possible. But one car that stands apart is Force Gurkha because of its awesome features and relatively affordable price point. We hope this list of off-road cars will help you make an informed decision regarding your next off-road SUV. Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below. Also, you must join our Whatsapp Group Community of petrolheads to find out more exciting stuff about the Auto world.
Also, read, Don't Worry! Diesel Car Ban By 2027 Isn't True After All- Read Details Here
