A look at 7 off-roaders within Rs 30 lakh in India

In recent years, our market has witnessed the launch of a host of affordable off-road-focused SUVs. In 2024, one does not need to spend a big fortune for a capable off-roader, nor does one have to compromise on creature comforts. With the affordable 4x4 space getting competitive by the day, here’s a list of seven off-roaders you can buy under Rs 30 lakh in the country.

Maruti Jimny

Price: Rs 12.74 lakh-14.79 lakh

With a starting price of Rs 12.74 lakh and 4x4 as standard, the Maruti Jimny is currently the most affordable off-roader in the country. The 4x4 hardware, robust suspension, light kerb weight and narrow track make it extremely capable.

It gets Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro hardware that can mechanically switch between 2WD high, 4WD high and 4WD low. Further helping its off-road capabilities are the 36-degree approach, 47-degree departure and 24-degree breakover angles; solid front and rear axles; and electronics like hill-start assist, hill-descent control, ESP and electronic braking differential (front and rear).

Mahindra Thar 

Price: Rs 14.30 lakh-17.60 lakh

The Mahindra Thar gets 4x4 with its 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine options, with prices starting from Rs 14.30 lakh. It comes with a low-range gearbox as well as a rear mechanical-locking differential. The 650mm water wading capacity, 226mm ground clearance, 41.8-degree approach, 36.8-degree departure and 27-degree ramp breakover angles all add to its off-road prowess.

Also on offer is an electronic brake-locking differential, along with an optional mechanical-locking differential (diesel only). Furthermore, the Thar even gets a soft-top version, unlike other offerings in this list. What further enhances its ability to overcome sticky situations is a host of driving aids, including ESP, hill-start assist as well as hill-descent control. The off-road-specific instrumentation is yet another weapon in its off-road arsenal.

Force Gurkha 3-door

Price: Rs 16.75 lakh

Updated earlier this year, the Gurkha 3-door is a direct rival to the Mahindra Thar. The lifestyle SUV is available in a single variant priced at Rs 16.75 lakh. The Gurkha gets a 2.6-litre Mercedes-sourced diesel engine making 140hp and 320Nm. Along with standard 4x4, it also gets manual differential locks at the front and rear and a low-range transfer case.

The Gurkha 3-door boasts 39-degree approach, 37-degree departure and 28-degree breakover angles along with a 700mm water-wading capacity thanks to the snorkel. In addition, the Gurkha 3-door has a gradeability of up to 35 degrees, along with a class-leading 233mm ground clearance. While Force has now added 18-inch wheels, the Gurkha's top-heavy structure makes it intimidating while tackling obstacles off-road.

Force Gurkha 5-door

Price: Rs 18 lakh

The Force Gurkha 5-door shares its mechanical bits with the 3-door version, including the powertrain and off-road hardware. While it adds additional doors for more practicality, the 5-door version gains 325kg over the already heavy Gurkha 3-door (2,800kg). Owing to its longer wheelbase and length, the Gurkha 5-door doesn’t have the same off-road angles, but it offers the same ground clearance, water-fording capability and gradeability.

As an off-road vehicle then, the Gurkha feels near invincible. Locking the differentials requires a hard pull and a firm twist of the levers on either side of the gear lever, but the Gurkha will pull you out of almost any sticky situation.

Mahindra Thar Roxx 

Price: Rs 18.79 lakh-22.49 lakh

Unlike the Thar 3-door, the Thar Roxx can be your only car, thanks to the added practicality and extensive equipment list that goes neck to neck against some of the most well-equipped midsize SUVs. The Thar Roxx bridges the gap between hardcore off-roader and everyday family vehicle.

It’s worth noting that 4x4 is only available with the diesel engine in MX5 MT, AX7L MT, AX5L AT and AX7L AT variants. Based on Mahindra’s fourth-generation (4G) body-on-frame chassis, the Roxx addresses some of the drawbacks of the 3-door version, like the bumpy ride, heavy steering and off-roader dynamics. It has a stiffer and lighter ladder frame and a new multi-link suspension system with a Watt’s linkage (to control body roll). The Thar Roxx also gets an electronic rear diff lock, brake limited-slip differential, as well as multiple terrain modes. Despite the plethora of creature comforts, the Thar Roxx is still an off-roader at heart.

Mahindra Scorpio N 

Price: Rs 18.01 lakh-24.54 lakh

The Mahindra Scorpio N aims to offer the best of both worlds – off-road capability along with sophisticated on-road manners. 4x4 is only available with the diesel engine of the body-on-frame SUV. The 4x4 system combines a low-range gearbox, and brake-locking and mechanical-locking diffs with a set of terrain modes accessible via a rotary dial. It isn’t as capable as the Thar though, but still has generous ground clearance and a claimed 500mm of water-wading capability.

Isuzu V-Cross 

Price: Rs 25.52 lakh-30.96 lakh

The only offering in this list which isn’t an SUV, the Isuzu V-Cross is currently one of the only two pickup trucks on sale in India. The 4x4 variants are priced from Rs 25.52 lakh onwards, and get either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed AT. It gets a shift-on-the-fly 4WD rotary knob. Despite the 3,095mm-long wheelbase, the V-Cross boasts a 206mm ground clearance as well as a gradeability of 30 degrees. It gets an independent double wishbone suspension up front, along with a leaf spring setup at the rear. The 1.9-litre diesel engine produces 163hp and 360Nm.

Owing to the large cargo base, the rear overhang hampers departure angle, and when the bed is unloaded, the rear struggles for traction in off-road scenarios. Still, there’s an air of indestructibility, and the cargo bed offers use cases unlike any other offering in this list.