A plethora of opportunities awaits those off-roading enthusiasts who wish to explore the beauty of India’s diverse terrain. Ranging from the snow-capped Himalayas in the North to the sandy deserts of Rajasthan, there is a terrain for every off-roading enthusiast in India. And to take on these challenging terrains, you need a vehicle capable of handling the unpredictable and impossible.
If you are an adventure seeker, then you will know that the best off-road cars are those designed to handle the toughest terrains and provide the ultimate off-roading experience. Some of the features exclusive to such vehicles are four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, sturdy body-on-frame construction and specialised off-road tires. A study of the Indian market shows a huge surge in the popularity and demand for such off-road vehicles, particularly four-wheelers.
Automobile manufacturers are trying their best to cater to the growing demand for off-road vehicles in the country along with the demand for new and advanced features by consistently launching new models, each one better than the previous one. Right from SUVs to pickup trucks, the off-road enthusiast now has a huge range of options to choose from. Let us take a look at the top 10 best cars for off-roading in India in today’s article. Rest assured, the advanced features these cars come equipped with are designed to tackle the most challenging of terrains. No matter whether you are planning for a weekend getaway or a week or month-long adventure trip, these vehicles are a must-consider for anyone looking for an adrenaline rush. This article is definitely for you if you are a lover of the great outdoors and are looking for a vehicle that can handle rough terrains.
Here, we have conducted extensive research to find out the nitty-gritty of each car in this list and will give you an immersive description of the features unique to each vehicle in the Indian market. Be sure to read on to know how each vehicle has proven to perform in different terrains, from rocky mountains to muddy tracks. They are designed to provide you with an unmatched off-road experience. Built to handle the toughest terrains and provide the ultimate thrill while exploring the country’s natural beauty, each of these beauties is a piece of art for adventure lovers. We are pretty sure that by the end of this article, you will have found the best car for rough roads in India, the best off-roader SUV in India as well as the best off-road car for you. So, without further ado, presenting to you the top 10 best off-road cars in India!
Thar by Mahindra is a rugged but capable SUV designed to handle the toughest of terrains of India. It is a one-of-its-kind, iconic off-road vehicle that has been staying in the spotlight for years. A powerful diesel engine powers the Mahindra Thar, which delivers marvellous performance both on and off the road. As a cherry on the cake, it also comes equipped with an advanced 4×4 drivetrain, providing superior traction on rough terrains.
The Mahindra Thar has a sturdy body-on-frame construction and excellent approach and departure angles that make it easy to climb over obstacles. Having a high ground clearance allows it to navigate through rocky terrains with ease. Its suspension has been designed to provide superior comfort and handling even in the worst of situations. Also known for its excellent versatility, the Mahindra Thar comes with a removable soft top that enables the driver to enjoy the open air while off-roading. The spacious and comfortable cabin can accommodate up to four passengers.
The ex-showroom price of the Mahindra Thar is between INR 10.55 lakh and INR 16.78 lakh, depending upon the city of purchase and, more importantly, the variant of the car purchased. The Thar is offered in 13 variants, the base model being Mahindra Thar AX Opt 4-Str Hard Top Diesel RWD, and the top variant, Mahindra Thar LX 4-Str Hard Top Diesel AT, being priced at INR 16.78 lakh.
The Force Gurkha is a versatile and rugged SUV designed to handle the toughest terrains of India. It has the potential to handle any obstacle with ease. It is built on a ladder frame chassis, providing excellent stability and durability. It comes equipped with a powerful diesel engine and delivers wonderful performance on and off the road.
Just like the Mahindra Thar, the Force Gurkha comes with a 4×4 drivetrain, only that it also has differential locks that provide superior traction on rough terrains. Again, it has high ground clearance, sturdy body-on-frame construction and excellent approach and departure angles that make it easy to climb over obstacles. The Force Gurkha is mainly known for its wondrous off-road potential. Surprisingly, it comes with a snorkel intake, enabling it to wade through water and cross rivers without any trouble. How cool is that? It has a winch that allows it to pull itself out of any tricky situation. Up to six passengers can be comfortably accommodated in the Force Gurkha, making it a great choice for families who love going off-roading together.
It is one of the most powerful and robust SUVs designed to provide an off-road experience to adventure seekers like never before. Its superior off-road capabilities, fuelled by a powerful engine and sturdy construction, have been lauded by many off–roaders. Its advanced features, like differential locks and snorkel intake, give it that extra edge required to make it stand out in the Indian off-road car market. Its ex-showroom price is INR 14.75 lakh, and it is available only in one variant.
Ah, here comes the first Jeep vehicle on our list, the Jeep Wrangler. A favourite of adventure seekers, the Jeep Wrangler is an extremely well-known off-road vehicle. It is a tough and adaptable SUV built and guaranteed to handle any terrain in India. It packs a punch with its potent petrol engine that has so far delivered an exceptional performance both on and off the roads.
The 4×4 transmission with differential locking bestows upon the car superior traction on rocky terrain. The Wrangler can easily climb obstacles thanks to its strong structure, high ground clearance, and excellent approach and departure angles, which are the features that seem to be repeatedly appearing in all of the cars on this list. The roughest of terrains do not scare the Wrangler.
Superior traction on rocky terrain is provided by the 4×4 transmission with differential locking in the Jeep Wrangler. Obstacles are easily climbed over thanks to its strong structure, high ground clearance, and excellent approach and departure angles. Even in the roughest of terrains, the Wrangler’s suspension is designed to offer superior comfort and control. An appealing feature for many might be the car’s ability to offer open-air driving with its detachable doors and roof, a feature many cars lack. The car’s price point is as per Jeep standards, with the ex-showroom prices of the base model, Wrangler Unlimited and top variant, Wrangler Rubicon being INR 59.05 lakh and INR 63.05 lakh.
One of the oldest and most classic off-road vehicles in India is the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, known for its exceptional performance and robust design. It was originally introduced as a military vehicle but quickly gained a foothold in the Indian market as a popular choice among off-road lovers.
A 1.3-litre, four-cylinder engine powers the Gypsy, delivering 80 horsepower and 103 Nm of torque. Featuring a four-wheel-drive system, it tackles tough terrain with ease. With a ground clearance of 210mm, it can handle even the most challenging off-road conditions. The Gypsy is equipped with an amazing suspension system designed to provide maximum articulation and wheel travel to ensure that traction is maintained even on uneven surfaces. It has a short wheelbase and narrow body, making it more manoeuvrable and able to navigate tight trails and narrow paths with ease.
The Maruti Suzuki Gypsy was discontinued in March 2019 for purchase by civilians. Though production is only for the defence forces now, you can find a good second-hand Gypsy at quite a low price. While a new Gypsy’s last recorded price was between INR 6.5-7 lakh, depending upon the city, experts suggest that you can get a second-hand Gypsy for anywhere between INR 3-5 lakh.
The Toyota Fortuner, more commonly known as Fortuner in India, is a popular SUV known for its strength and off-road capabilities. Not only is it popular as an off-road vehicle in India, but it is also known to be the vehicle used by most politicians for their travel.
Toyota Fortuner comes in both petrol as well as diesel engine options. Both of them come with a 4×4 drivetrain, making it a capable off-road vehicle. The petrol variant comes with a 2.7-litre petrol engine that delivers 164 horsepower and 245 Nm of torque, while the diesel variant comes with a 2.8-litre diesel engine that delivers 174 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Further, the customer can also choose which gearbox the engine will be mated to, which can be either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
The Fortuner can tackle steep inclines and rough terrains with ease, thanks to its 4×4 drivetrain coming with a high and low-range transfer case. Unlike most other cars, it also features a locking rear differential, whose job is to basically maximise traction by sending power to both wheels in the rare case one loses traction. The suspension system of the Toyota Fortuner is designed to provide maximum flexibility, thus keeping the vehicle steady even on uneven surfaces. Its ground clearance of 225mm is one of the best in its class.
The Toyota Fortuner is yours for the taking at an ex-showroom price of INR 32.59 lakh for the base model, Fortuner 4X2 and INR 50.34 lakh for the top variant, Fortuner GR S 4X4 Diesel AT.
If you’re looking for a resilient and capable SUV with a reputation that’s long-standing for off-road performance, search no more! The Mahindra Scorpio is your saviour! The Scorpio-N, the latest iteration of the Scorpio, comes with several improvements to the off-road capabilities of its predecessor. A 2.2-litre, trademark mHawk diesel engine produces 140 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque power this beast. A six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic gearbox powers the transmission. The Scorpio-N is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, though the 4×4 variant is highly recommended over the 4×2 variant.
A high ground clearance of 210mm and approach and departure angles of 33° and 25°, respectively, aid the Scorpio-N’s off-road performance. You can switch between 2WD and 4WD modes on the go with the Scorpio-N’s 4WD shift-on-the-fly system, which is one-of-a-kind. An independent front suspension is linked with a multi-link coil spring rear suspension to provide maximum flexibility and stability on rough terrain. Some of its other off-road features are a mechanical locking rear differential, hill descent control, and hill hold control. Due to these features, the Scorpio-N can tackle steep inclines and declines with ease.
Mahindra, famous for its affordable pricing, has kept the Scorpio-N priced pretty reasonable as compared to other cars in this list. The ex-showroom price of the Scorpio-N ranges from INR 13.05 lakh to INR 24.52 lakh, depending upon the city of purchase and variant purchased. With the Scorpio-N having 30 variants, its base model in diesel is priced at INR 13.56 lakh, while the top model in petrol is priced at INR 21.77 lakh, and the automatic version starts from INR 16.61 lakh.
With a history of over 70 years, the Land Rover Defender is one iconic off-road SUV. A modern take on the classic design of the Defender is the latest iteration, with advanced off-road capabilities and cutting-edge technology. Unlike other cars in this list, the Defender comes in both two-door as well as four-door versions, along with a range of engine options to choose from.
The Defender’s off-road mastery has no match, thanks to its Terrain Response 2 system, a system way ahead of its time. You can choose from several off-road modes, including rock crawl, mud and ruts, sand and grass/gravel/snow using this system. A low-range gearbox mated with the engine provides excellent torque control even at low speeds. It has an advanced air suspension system that provides good articulation and ground clearance. Its tough exterior, made of aluminium and high-strength steel, provides protection against impacts and other hazards. On the inside, it is packed with cutting-edge technology, including a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system along with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Not to mention, it comes with several driver assistance features. Depending upon your needs, the Defender’s spacious interior can be configured in several ways.
While the price point of the Land Rover Defender is a disappointment, it still might be worth the high price tag to those willing to do whatever it takes to get a good off-road car. The ex-showroom price of the Defender starts at INR 91.80 lakh and goes up to INR 2.30 Cr. The base model, Defender 2.0 110 SE, is priced at INR 91.80 lakh, while the top variant, Defender 5.0 110 Carpathian, comes at a price tag of INR 2.30 Cr.
And here comes the second Jeep vehicle on our list. A compact SUV designed to deliver excellent off-road performance and impressive on-road capabilities. Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting to you the Jeep Compass. With a range of engine options to choose from, including a 2-litre diesel engine and a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine, you observe excellent power and torque.
The Jeep Compass also features Jeep’s standard Active Drive 4×4 system, providing excellent traction and stability on rough terrain. A Selec-Terrain system, exclusive to Jeep vehicles, makes an appearance in the Jeep Compass, as it enables you to choose from several driving modes, including Rock, Sand/Mud and Snow. A lifesaving feature of the Jeep Compass is its hill descent control and hill start assist, which allows you to descend steep inclines at a controlled speed, and prevents the vehicle from rolling back when starting on a steep incline. It also has a high ground clearance of 178mm, allowing it to clear obstacles with ease.
The Jeep Compass is reasonably priced, with ex-showroom prices ranging from INR 21.44 lakh to INR 31.64 lakh, depending upon the city of purchase and variant purchased. The base model, 2.0 Sport Diesel, is priced at INR 21.44 lakh, while the top variant, Model S 4X4 Diesel AT, comes with a price tag of INR 31.64 lakh.
The Tata Safari is a hard-wearing and adept SUV designed to handle almost all the terrains one could ever see and all the driving conditions one could ever face. A 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 170 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque is mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission gearbox to offer excellent power and performance.
Tata Safari comes in both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, out of which the latter has been recommended by experts. The Tata Safari’s off-road potential is assisted by a high ground clearance of 205mm and an electronic stability program that provides excellent traction and stability on rough terrain. It comes equipped with a Terrain Response system that allows the driver to choose from driving modes such as Normal, Wet, Rough and ESP off. Some of its features are totally off-road-centric, such as hill descent control, hill hold control and a hydraulic power steering system.
The ex-showroom price of the Tata Safari ranges from INR 15.65 lakh to INR 25.02 lakh. The base model is Safari XE, priced at INR 15.65 lakh, while the top variant is Safari XZA Plus (O) 6 Str Red Dark Edition AT, priced at INR 25.02 lakh.
Last but not least, in this list, we have the Isuzu D Max V-Cross. It is a rugged pickup truck designed to handle both on-road and off-road driving conditions. A 2.5-litre diesel engine powers the V-Cross, producing 134 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. It is available in both 4×2 and 4×4 drivetrains, though, once again, 4×4 is highly recommended for better handling and stability.
The Isuzu D Max V-Cross features an advanced Terrain Command System, a limited-slip differential, a double wishbone suspension with coil springs, and a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. While the exterior is tough as a nut, the interiors are extremely comfortable. A touchscreen infotainment system, a rearview camera and a range of driver assistance features add to the versatility of the car. The Isuzu D Max V-Cross comes with price tags ranging from INR 19.68 lakh to INR 23.74 lakh. The base model, 4×4 Standard, is priced at INR 19.68 lakh, while the top variant, 4×4 High + (Z Prestige), is priced at INR 23.74 lakh.
A vehicle that can handle the toughest terrains is a must for an off-roading adventure trip. And the cars we have explored in this article are built to do just that. With advanced features packed into these power-packers, they are capable of handling rough terrains like never before.
Leave it to the powerful SUVs – Mahindra Thar, Toyota Fortuner and Tata Safari to handle any terrain, be it rocky mountains or muddy tracks. The legendary off-roader, the Land Rover Defender, is a deadly combination of style, power and performance, while the Mahindra Scorpio-N and Force Gurkha are rugged and capable of handling any obstacle with ease.
Both of Jeep’s cars, the Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Compass, are truly iconic and popular among cross-country lovers for their superior capabilities. Whereas on the other hand, a compact 4×4 car perfect for off-roading is the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. If you’re looking for a pickup truck that is versatile and able to combine work and play, the Isuzu D Max V-Cross is an excellent choice.
The ten best off-road cars mentioned above stand out on the Indian off-road vehicle market due to their own unique features. They are guaranteed to provide an unmatched off-road experience to those seeking thrill and an adrenaline boost. While they might look simple and unsophisticated on the outside, they are truly savage on the inside, making them the best choice for anyone looking for a vehicle that can handle rough terrains. Choose any of these vehicles and get ready to embark on an adventure giving you an off-road experience that you will not forget for the rest of your life.
Looking at all the vehicles from a broader perspective, all of them stand out as the best choices when it comes to off-roading in India. By offering unparalleled performance, advanced features and superior capabilities, they establish their rightful place as the perfect choice for cross-country trips. Their powerful engines, sturdy body-on-frame construction, high ground clearance and other advanced features like four-wheel drive and off-road tyres are sure to blow off your mind and make your off-road trip experience unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
An off-road car is known more popularly as an SUV or as a 4×4 vehicle. It is designed specifically in order to handle drives along rough terrains and difficult off-road conditions. This kind of car is known to feature higher ground clearance, robust suspension, and four-wheel drive capability.
Off-road cars in India are quite helpful because they come with a number of advantages. These advantages include improved handling on rough roads, enhanced safety in adverse weather conditions, and better off-road capabilities for adventurous journeys. It is also able to carry more passengers and cargo than usual, which makes it a great car for long journeys.
Yes, off-road cars can be used regularly for city driving measures. There are various features like comfortable rides, spacious interiors, and higher driving positions that can be very conducive to urban traffic conditions. This is true for both drivers and passengers.
A4: When you are planning to buy an off-road car in a country like India, you have to consider the factors which include but are not limited to ground clearance, engine power and torque, fuel efficiency, cargo space, safety features, and service network availability. All of these can be very handy when you are thinking of taking a drive in an off-road car in India.
Off-road cars can be used quite easily on public roads in India. However, it is important that you stick to the traffic rules and regulations when you are using such a big car. There are certain cities in India that have special rules and regulations for off-road cars. There are restrictions about the streets into which these cars can enter and also some emission norms which must be followed.
India has a number of natural locations which deserve a visit if you have an off-road car. These areas include Ladakh, Spiti Valley, and Uttarakhand, as well as the Western Ghats, Rajasthan’s desert terrain, and national parks like Jim Corbett and Ranthambore. All of these are found to be great for all kinds of travelling conditions, especially if you have an off-road vehicle.
Off-road cars might require some additional means of maintenance, which are demanded by the nature of off-road driving. There are certain checking and servicing procedures that must be followed to ensure that the suspension, tires, brakes, and underbody components are in proper condition. There are also some requirements regarding the cleaning of the vehicle in any off-road excursions. This can help to remove dirt and debris.
Off-road driving techniques are inclusive of the features like proper throttle and brake control, using low-range gearing for increased torque, and engaging and disengaging four-wheel drive as needed. This can help to keep a smooth and steady pace even when the driver is moving through the traversing and challenging terrains.
Yes, off-road enthusiasts often think of modifying their vehicles so that the capability and performance levels are enhanced. This can bring out a number of modifications to the parts, like suspension, tires, lighting, winches, and other accessories. However, it is essential that you remember that these modifications should be in accordance with local laws and regulations.
In order to learn and understand off-road driving techniques, one must consider joining some of the elite off-road driving schools or clubs that offer training programs. These schools are responsible for teaching essential techniques and safety precautions which can help a driver to prepare for distant locations. These schools can also provide hands-on experience in various off-road scenarios.
Some off-road cars are specifically designed to ensure that river crossings and waterlogged areas are crossed easily. They are known to have some special features like high air intake or waterproofing, which can help the vehicle avoid any form of damage to the engine or an electrical component.
Off-road tires are known to have some of the most aggressive tread patterns, and they also have good sidewall protection, which can be ideal for tackling off-road terrain in India. All-terrain (A/T) or mud-terrain (M/T) tires are generally used to ensure that traction and durability are ensured on mountainous roads.
Before you take off on an off-road trip, you should be careful enough to check on the vehicle’s fluids, tire pressure, and condition. It is advised that you carry all kinds of essential equipment like a spare tire, jack, tow straps, and basic tools. It is also important that you inform some close people about the trip plans so that they know when to look for you in case of an accident. Make sure to carry extra supplies like food and water when you are traveling.
Keeping your safety is very significant when you are going on off-road trips. There are some designated rules like always wearing seat belts, following designated trails, avoiding reckless driving, and never overloading the vehicle. You have to be very careful about the steep inclines and declines which might be present on the road. Keeping your eye open for obstacles and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can be helpful too.
Off-road cars are made specifically to work for both off-road and on-road means. These can be driven on the normal streets without having to make any modifications. There are essential road traffic regulations that must be complied with. This can ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and properly maintained.
Yes, there are different types of road events and competitions that are held in India. These include off-road rallies, adventure expeditions, and off-road driving challenges. Most of these events are designed so that the common drivers are able to showcase their driving skills and explore different types of difficult terrains.
One might be able to enhance your vehicle’s off-road capabilities by installing aftermarket accessories like off-road bumpers, skid plates, differential locks, and upgraded suspension systems. However, it is essential that you consider the complete impact of the vehicle and its warranty before you take any decision. You should also talk to an expert.
Yes, off-road cars can be considered to be great for different camping and outdoor activities in India. These cars have the facility of reaching some of the most remote locations. They can also carry the necessary equipment. That is why these cars are popular choices for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
If your off-road car is already stuck in mud or sand, it will be for the best if you avoid spinning the wheels excessively. This is because it can dig the vehicle deeper. At this point, try reducing tire pressure, using recovery boards or mats, or seeking assistance from other vehicles.
Some off-road trails or protected areas may require permits for access. It’s important to research and get any necessary permissions before entering restricted or regulated off-road areas to ensure compliance with local regulations.
In this article, we covered the top 10 best off-road cars in India in 2023, along with the answers to general related questions. We hope you found this article interesting and informative. Thanks for reading, and keep following us for more exciting articles!
