India’s obsession with SUVs is well-known, and off-road SUVs have garnered their dedicated fan base. These vehicles are favored for their rugged styling, high maneuverability, and, of course, their off-road capabilities. Presently, the options in this category are limited and include the Mahindra Thar, Maruti Jimny, Force Gurkha, Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio, and Toyota Fortuner. However, off-road enthusiasts can anticipate more choices in the coming years. Let’s delve into the key details of the upcoming off-road capable SUVs.
Upcoming Off-Road SUVs
5-Door Mahindra Thar
The 5-door version of the Thar is expected to hit the roads by mid-2024. In terms of design, it will differ slightly from its 3-door counterpart, featuring a distinct front grille, LED projector headlamps, revised fog lamps, and newly designed alloy wheels. The taillamps will also undergo a revision. Spy images reveal that the 5-door Mahindra Thar will feature an electrically adjustable single-pane sunroof. Its interior theme might be relatively lighter than the 3-door Thar. New additions may include a front armrest, an updated center console, roof-mounted speakers, and a rear parking camera. The 5-door Thar is likely to utilize the 2.0L turbo petrol and 2.2L turbo diesel engines, offered with both 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain options.
Rendering Source
5-Door Force Gurkha
The official launch timeline of the new 5-door Force Gurkha is yet to be revealed. Nevertheless, the off-road SUV is expected to arrive in the coming months. Compared to its 3-door version, the Gurkha 5-door will be longer, providing more cabin space. It’s reported to be offered with multiple seating configurations. The 6-seater version will feature two captain seats in the middle and third rows, while the 7-seater model might have bench-type seats in the second row and captain seats in the third row. The wheelbase is expected to be 400mm longer than the 3-door Gurkha. Under the hood, the 5-door Force Gurkha will employ the 2.6L turbo diesel engine, generating 91bhp and 250Nm.
New-Gen Toyota Fortuner
The top-selling Toyota Fortuner three-row SUV will undergo a generation change in 2024. Significant alterations will be made to its exterior, interior, and powertrain. The 2024 Fortuner will shift from its existing IMV platform to an all-new TNGA-G architecture, also used in the new Tacoma pickup. The new model will feature a 2.8L turbo diesel engine with a 48V mild hybrid setup, a small electric motor generator, and a stop/start system. Transmission duties will be handled by a 6-speed automatic gearbox, making the 2024 Toyota Fortuner more fuel-efficient than its predecessor. In terms of features, the SUV will be equipped with ADAS tech, vehicle stability control, and a hydraulic steering wheel.
Hyundai Tucson Facelift
The 2024 Hyundai Tucson facelift recently debuted globally, with its India launch expected in 2024. The SUV’s new model incorporates Hyundai’s new parametric Dynamics design language. The front fascia features a new grille, updated headlamps, and pronounced skid plates. The side profile remains largely unchanged, except for the newly designed alloy wheels. Inside, expect a new steering wheel, a new panel for the infotainment system, and a digital driver’s display. The central console will include a new haptic control stack. In India, the new Tucson is likely to come with the same 2.0L petrol, 1.6L turbo petrol, and turbo diesel engines, producing 156bhp, 160bhp, and 186bhp, respectively.
MG Gloster Facelift
MG Motor India has commenced testing the updated Gloster premium SUV, recently spotted wearing heavy camouflage. The SUV will feature new diamond-cut alloy wheels, revised taillamps, a tweaked bumper, and a redesigned tailgate. Significant changes might also be made to its front end. The 2024 MG Gloster facelift is expected to receive new upholstery and a revised dashboard. The powertrain will remain the same, with the 2.0L turbo diesel and 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engines producing 163bhp and 218bhp, respectively. The on-demand 4WD system with selectable drive modes will be exclusively available with the twin-turbo diesel variants.
New-Gen Renault Duster
The new-generation Renault Duster SUV is confirmed for an India launch in 2025. It will be offered in 5 and 7-seat configurations, designed on the heavily localized Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-B modular architecture. The new-gen Duster will feature a 94bhp, 1.6L, 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with two electric motors and an electric automatic gearbox. The setup will include a 1.2kWh battery pack supporting regenerative braking, with 4X2 and 4X4 drivetrain options.
New-Gen Mahindra Bolero
The Mahindra Bolero, known for its off-road capabilities, is set for a generation change in 2026-27. The new-gen version will be based on Mahindra’s all-new U171 platform, used for the brand’s future SUVs and pickups. While major changes are expected, details are currently unavailable.
