There are SUVs that look tough and that are actually tough. Tough enough to get you through precarious and highly rough terrains. The proper off-roading SUVs have high ground clearance, 4X4 drivetrain system, off-roading tyres, optimized approach and departure angles, transfer cases and off-road capable suspension setup. In the coming years, the Indian automotive market will witness some important car launches including off-road SUVs. Here’re key details of the top 5 upcoming off-road SUVs –
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The 5-door Maruti Jinmy is surely one of the much-awaited upcoming off-road SUVs in India. If reports are to be believed, the carmaker will introduce the model with 5 and 7-seats configurations. Its trail production might start in the last few weeks of June 2022 and its launch will take place by mid 2023. The company aims to achieve nearly 70 percent localization levels for the Jimny and manufacture around 75,000 units in its initial years. The new Maruti off-road SUV is likely to come with a 102PS, 1.5L petrol engine. More details here…
5-door Force Gurkha
The 5-door Force Gurkha, which is currently in its testing phase, is reported to hit roads in its final production avatar sometime next year. The model will underpin the extended version of the 3-door Gurkha’s platform and share most of its design elements and features with it. For power, the SUV is likely to use the same 2.6L turbo diesel engine that makes a top power of 91bhp with 250Nm. Transmission duties will be done by a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 5-door Gurkha might have differently tuned suspension setup and longer wheelbase. More details here…
5-door Mahindra Thar
One of the much-anticipated upcoming off-road SUVs – the 5-door Mahindra Thar – will hit showrooms sometime next year. The spy images reveal that the SUV will have beefier front bumper, larger size steel wheels and elongated rear section than its 3-door sibling. In fact, it will have more cabin space to offer. The carmaker might tune its suspension and steering differently to deliver better driving experience. Some structural changes are also expected. The 5-door Thar might come with the same engines that do duty in its 3-door version. More details here…
New Mahindra Scorpio-N
The third-generation Mahindra Scorpio will go on sale in India on 27th June 2022. The SUV will come with a new set of engines including a 2.0L turbo petrol and a 2.2L diesel. Both motors are reported to be offered with the optional 4X4 drivetrain system with low range gearbox. Its gasoline unit will be good enough for 168bhp and the oil burner will deliver 158bhp. The 2022 Mahindra Scorpio-N will be packed with lots of advanced goodies including connected car tech, wireless phone charging, ADAS and more. More details here…
Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 SUV has been caught testing in India multiple times. While the carmaker remains tight lipped about its India launch, the SUV is reported to arrive in 2023. Here, it will come as a CBU (Completely Built Up) unit and its estimated to cost between Rs 50 lakh – Rs 60 lakh. Based on the TNGA-K platform, the RAV4 could be offered with a 2.5L naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle petrol engine and a 215bhp electric motor. It will have an 8-speed eCVT gearbox and three driving modes – Normal, Eco and Sport. For better handling and drivability, the carmaker will equip the SUV with Sport-tuned Independent MacPherson strut front suspension. More details here…
