Whenever rugged vehicles capable of handling difficult terrains are discussed in the Indian automotive market, models equipped with four-wheel drive technology take center stage. The Maruti Suzuki Jimny emerges as the most affordable option in this lineup, carrying a starting ex-showroom price of ₹12.59 lakh. This compact vehicle features a classic boxy silhouette, round headlamps, and a tailgate-mounted spare wheel that impart a distinctive retro aesthetic. Inside, the cabin showcases an all-weather interior with a black theme, a nine-inch SmartPlay Pro+ infotainment system, wireless connectivity, standard dual front airbags, hill hold control, and electronic stability program.
Beneath the hood, this vehicle houses a 1.5-liter K15B petrol engine that generates 104.8 PS of power and 134.2 Nm of torque. Buyers receive a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic gearbox paired with Suzuki's AllGrip Pro four-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Due to its lightweight body, ladder-frame chassis, and low-range gearbox, this SUV delivers exceptional performance across narrow rocky paths and off-road trails.
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door holds a distinct identity in the four-by-four category, with its variants starting at an ex-showroom price of ₹15.60 lakh. This vehicle arrives with an iconic jeep-style muscular stance, flared fenders, and a choice of hard or soft tops. The cabin is equipped with a washable floor, drainage plugs, a seven-inch touchscreen, roll-over mitigation, electronic stability program, and six airbags. Backed by a four-star Global NCAP safety rating, the interior is built to withstand rigorous use.
Regarding performance, the vehicle offers a 2.0-liter mStallion turbo-petrol engine producing 150 PS and a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine generating 130 PS. Both powerplants are mated to either a six-speed manual or a torque converter automatic transmission. Armed with a low-range transfer case and a mechanical locking differential, this Thar effortlessly conquers challenging paths.
The Force Gurkha 3-door carries an ex-showroom price starting at ₹16.52 lakh with the four-wheel-drive configuration, commanding road presence through its unique design. Inspired by the Mercedes G-Wagen, its boxy styling, fabricated snorkel, and metal bumper grant it an authoritative stance on the road. The interior houses a nine-inch touchscreen, a digital driver display, power windows, and captain's seats. For safety, it features dual airbags, ABS, EBD, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a water-wading capacity of 700 mm.
This vehicle is powered by a 2.6-liter Mercedes-derived four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 PS of power and a robust 320 Nm of torque, linked to a five-speed manual transmission. Its standout unique selling proposition consists of manual mechanical differential locks on both front and rear axles, providing unmatched grip and performance in swamps, mud, and steep rocks.
The Mahindra Scorpio N 4Xplor variant begins at an ex-showroom price of ₹18.02 lakh, catching attention with its bold exterior styling. Its commanding front grille, muscular body lines, and tall-boy stance grant it a premium SUV appeal. The interior features a luxury dual-tone finish, a sunroof, an eight-inch touchscreen, a wireless charger, and a Sony 3D audio system. Holding a five-star Bharat and Global NCAP safety rating, it includes six airbags, electronic stability program, driver drowsiness alert, and hill descent control.
The Scorpio-N provides a four-wheel-drive option exclusively with its 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, delivering up to 175 PS of power and 400 Nm of torque. It is offered with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Mahindra's 4Xplor intelligent terrain management system, featuring mud, sand, grass, and snow modes, establishes it as a comfortable and powerful SUV for family long-distance touring and off-roading alike.
The Mahindra Thar Roxx comes with a starting ex-showroom price of ₹19.56 lakh for the four-wheel-drive version. This five-door SUV features an extended wheelbase, a new signature grille, and C-pillar-mounted rear door handles. The interior offers premium leatherette upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, twin 10.25-inch screens, ventilated seats, and a 360-degree camera. Safety equipment encompasses Level-2 ADAS, six standard airbags, electronic stability program, and a five-star crash safety rating.
The Thar Roxx four-by-four is driven by a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that puts out 175 PS of power alongside 370 Nm for manual variants and 400 Nm for automatic versions. It incorporates an advanced 4Xplor system, electronic locking differential, terrain modes, and crawl smart assist. Its long wheelbase and Pentalink rear suspension ensure refined ride quality on highways alongside tremendous off-road stability on rough trails.
