If you love serious off-roading, there are a range of vehicles currently on sale in India with off-road DNA. Most of the all-wheel-drive vehicles come with hefty price tag; however, there are few that offer you serious off-road abilities along with affordability. Keeping affordability and capabilities in mind, we decided to compile a list of top 6 budget cars which comes equipped with AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) option.
Mahindra Thar
CRDe 4×4 AC – Rs 9.23 lakh
The first model in our list of affordable AWD (All-Wheel-Drive) SUVs is the Mahindra Thar. It is basically the Indian version of the Classic Willy’s Jeep. Popular among younger audience, the Thar is the most budget friendly 4×4 SUV currently on sale in India. This model is powered by a 2,498cc, 4-cylinder CRDe diesel engine that churns out a maximum power output of 105bhp at 3,800rpm along with a peak torque of 247Nm at 1,800rpm. Power is transmitted to the all-4 wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Also See – 7 Best off-roaders in India
Force Gurkha
Xplorer AWD – Rs 10.2 lakh
This one is the direct competitor to Mahindra Thar and the second most affordable AWD SUV in its category. Despite being less powerful than Thar, the Gurkha is recognised or hailed for its true off-roading capabilities. Available in the top-spec Xplorer edition, the Gurkha is powered by a 2596cc 4-cylinder diesel engine that churns out 85bhp of power and 230Nm of torque.
Renault Duster
110 PS RXZ 4×4 MT – Rs 12.83 lakh
Next in our list of affordable AWD cars of India is the popular Renault Duster. The Duster has been one of the most popular SUVs in the market, thanks to its excellent ride and handling and engine performance. The Duster is the only compact SUV in its categoru that offer a 4×4 drive system in India. It is available with the top-spec 110PS RXZ variant. Powering the SUV is a tried & tested 1.5-litre K9K diesel engine producing 108bhp of power.
Mahindra Scorpio
S11 4WD – Rs 16.3 lakh
The Scorpio is the oldest and most successful AWD model in this list. Being in production for more than 15 years, the Scorpio is favored by politicians, security forces and off-road enthusiasts of the country. The AWD Scorpio is the top-spec variant, which is priced at Rs 16.3 lakh. It is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that produces 140bhp of power and 320Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to all-4 wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Mahindra XUV500
W11 (O) AWD – Rs 17.83 lakh
First introduced in 2011, the Mahindra XUV500 is one of the best-selling premium SUVs of the country. The company has recently introduced the updated version of the SUV with more powerful engine, revised design and better equipped cabin. While this SUV is meant for highways, the AWD option adds to its adventure character. It is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel engine that produces 153bhp of power and 360Nm of torque.
Tata Hexa
XT 4×4 7 Seater – Rs 17.9 lakh
The Hexa is probably the best Tata ever in India. Based on the modified ladder frame chassis, the Hexa is the first Tata SUV developed with the help of JLR. The SUV offers excellent ride and handling along with good off-road capabilities. It is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 154bhp and 400Nm of torque.
