If you are up for some serious off-roading, there are very few vehicles with off-road DNA in India that could quench your thirst for adventure. While SUVs are currently in demand, most of the models are attributed to high fuel economy, advanced safety and comfort tech. It is more like injecting aggressive looks to a compact model that offers comfort of a premium hatchback or a sedan at the same price. Thankfully, there are some models that have been built keeping the off-road abilities in mind and we bring you the five best off-roaders in India from the sea of SUVs, that are good enough to take on all kind of terrains.
1. Toyota Fortuner 2.8-litre Diesel 4×4 AT
The popular Japanese model received a generation change in 2016 and while it transformed in aesthetic terms, Toyota injected more muscle to it for an improved off-roading experience. The Fortuner carline is currently available with both petrol and diesel engines in manual as well as automatic gearbox options. Of all the variants, only the top-spec diesel automatic variant gets the 4×4 drivetrain. In terms of power, it delivers 174.5bhp at 3,400rpm along with 450Nm between 1600 to 2400rpm. The engine gets a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic unit with paddle shifters. Although, the 4×4 variant is offered only with the automatic gearbox. While Toyota has loaded it with comfort features, it also brims with some advanced tech including downhill assist control, active traction control, electronic drive and 4WD with high &low range, hill assist control and vehicle stability control with brake assist.
Price – Rs 31.47 lakh
Seating Capacity – 7
Fuel Economy – 10.26km/l
2. Ford Endeavour 3.2-litre Diesel Titanium AT
The existing Endeavour was launched in 2015 with radical changes to the aesthetics, interior and mechanical set up. Currently, the model is available with diesel option in two units that can be had with a manual and an automatic transmission. There is a 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder TDCI engine with 158bhp at 3,200rpm against 385Nm between 1600 to 2500rpm that powers the lower variants. The other unit is a 3.2-litre, 5-cylinder TDI engine with top power of 197bhp at 3000rpm and 470Nm torque between 1,750 to 2,500rpm. Both engines get a standard 6-speed auto box while the 4×4 drivetrain is offered only with the top-spec 3.2-litre Titanium variant. Ford has packed in several off-road features such as electronic locking rear differential, hill descent control and launch assist, terrain management system, 800mm water wading, 225mm ground clearance, 21-degree approach angle etc.
Price – Rs 32.07 lakh
Seating Capacity – 7
Fuel Economy – 10.92 km/l
3. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a preferred choice among urban off-roading enthusiasts in India. India’s first adventure utility vehicle, the D-Max V-Cross offers a perfect combination of outstanding off-road capabilities and comfort of a luxury car. It’s great for commercial purposes as well. Features such as big profile tyres, high ground clearance and flexible suspension setup enhance the overall off-roading capabilities of the car. This lifestyle pickup UV is power-packed with a 2.5-litre VGS turbo diesel engine making 134bhp at 3,600rpm and 320Nm between 1,800rpm – 2,800rpm.
Price – Rs 12.49 lakh (ex-showroom, Chennai)
Seating Capacity – 5
Fuel Economy – Over 12km/l
5. Force Gurkha
If you have special love for hard core off-roading, then Force Gurkha is perfect choice for you. It’s undoubtedly one of the best off-road cars in India. Designed on the lines of the iconic Mercedes G-Wagen, this off-roader carries bold stance and offers a commanding road presence. One thing that makes it standout is its rugged old-school styling. The SUV sports steel bumpers, slip resistant full length foot board and all terrain tubeless tyres that add more to its macho appeal. Available in two variants Xpedition and Xplorer, the Gurkha comes boosted with a 2.6-litre CR turbo diesel engine making 80.8bhp at 3,200rpm and 230Nm between 1,800rpm – 2,000rpm. This powertrain supports a 5-speed manual gearbox and 4X4 drivetrain system with differential lock on both axles.
Price – Rs 11.90 lakh
Seating Capacity – 7
Fuel Economy – 17km/l
6. Mahindra Thar DI 4WD BS4 PS
The fifth model on our list of the best off-roaders in India is Mahindra Thar. Carrying a rugged design and styling, Thar is available in two diesel engine options, CRDe and DI. For those looking for off-roading capabilities, the DI 4WD BS4 PS variant is more suitable. This variant derives its power from a 2.5-litre, m2DiCR, 4-cylinder engine. The Thar delivers a maximum power output of 63bhp at 3,200rpm and 195Nm torque between 1400 to 2200rpm. The engine is linked to a conventional five-speed manual gearbox.
Price – Rs 6.91 lakh
Seating Capacity – 7
Fuel Economy – 18km/l
7. Jeep Compass Limited 4×4 (O) 2.0 Diesel
Coming from the stables of Jeep, Compass is one of the best off-roaders in India currently with the true off-road DNA. Just like other models, Compass can be had in petrol and diesel engine options, albeit the all-wheel drivetrain is offered only with the top-spec Limited diesel variant. Power source on the Limited (O) diesel variant is the 2.0-litre Multijet II oil burner tuned to put out 170bhp at 3,750rpm with 350Nm torque between 1750rpm to 2500rpm. It additionally gets Select Terrain system with four driving modes-Auto, Snow Mud and Sand. Out of these driving models, the Snow, Sand and Mud modes have been tuned pre-programmed to tine the AWD system, stability control and steering precision according to the driving conditions. For higher fuel economy, the power supply can be automatically disconnected to the rear axle at various cruising speeds. Transmission duty is currently carried over by the 6-speed manual unit, whereas a 9-speed automatic transmission could also be introduced at a later stage.
Price-Rs 21.37 lakh
Seating Capacity-5-seat
Fuel Economy-16.3km/l
