Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs Under ₹20 Lakh – Best Picks for Indian Terrain

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs  :  This article offers an in-depth overview of the top 5 4×4 SUVs available in India under ₹20 Lakh, covering their prices, key features, and engine specifications.

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SUVs have recently emerged as a popular choice among Indian buyers. Leading brands like Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra, and Force Motors offer SUVs equipped with 4×4 drivetrains designed for off-road capabilities. However, integrating a 4×4 system tends to raise the overall cost of the vehicle, which is ultimately reflected in the retail price. This makes it challenging for manufacturers to keep 4×4 SUVs competitively priced in India. In this article, we explore the top 5 4×4 SUV models available under ₹20 lakh in the Indian market.

Top 5 Budget-Friendly 4×4 SUVs in India Under ₹20 Lakh

1. Maruti Suzuki Jimny

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny holds the distinction of being the most affordable 4×4 SUV in the country. It is offered in Zeta and Alpha variants, with both manual and automatic transmission options, priced between ₹12.75 lakh and ₹14.80 lakh (ex-showroom) which comes in Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs .

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Under the hood, the Jimny features a BS6-compliant 1.5L K15B 4-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 103 bhp of power and 134 Nm of peak torque. Transmission duties are handled by a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic gearbox. Sold via Maruti’s premium NEXA dealerships, the Jimny is a capable off-roader designed for adventure enthusiasts seeking affordability without compromising capability.


2. Mahindra Thar (3-Door)

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs

The Mahindra Thar remains one of India’s most iconic and loved 4×4 vehicles. The LX variant of the Thar is available with both petrol and diesel engines, paired with manual and automatic transmissions, within a price range of ₹15.20 lakh to ₹17.62 lakh (ex-showroom) This comes in Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs.

Engine options include a 2.0L turbocharged mStallion petrol and a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine. Customers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic torque converter. In total, four 3-door variants of the Thar are available under ₹20 lakh, making it an excellent value-for-money proposition in the rugged SUV space.


3. Force Gurkha

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs

The latest version of the Force Gurkha comes in both 3-door (₹16.75 lakh) and 5-door (₹18 lakh) configurations, with a standard 4×4 drivetrain across all variants. It draws power from a 2.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.  This SUV which comes in Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs.

There is no petrol engine or automatic transmission option available. Key features of the Gurkha include:

Key Features
Feature Description
233 mm Ground Clearance High ground clearance for tackling rough terrains and obstacles with ease.
Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD System Seamless switching between 2WD and 4WD for versatile driving conditions.
Eco & Power Drive Modes Switchable modes for fuel efficiency or enhanced performance as needed.
18-Inch Dual-Tone Alloy Wheels Stylish dual-tone wheels for a bold and premium road presence.
 9-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment Large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity.

The Gurkha is a true off-road machine built for serious adventure seekers.

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4. Mahindra Scorpio N (Z4 4WD)

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs

The Mahindra Scorpio N has quickly become a favorite among young SUV buyers in India. Under ₹20 lakh, only the Z4 (E) Diesel MT 4WD variant is available, priced at ₹18.35 lakh (ex-showroom).

This variant features a 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine coupled with a 6-speed manual gearbox and all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. It also comes equipped with:

Key Features
Feature Description
 7-Seater Layout Spacious seating for seven passengers, ideal for families and group travel.
 All Power Windows Convenient power windows for all doors, enhancing ease of use.
 Cruise Control Effortless long-distance driving with adaptive speed control.
 Rear AC Vents Dedicated air conditioning vents for rear passengers’ comfort.
 Engine Start/Stop Button Keyless ignition for quick and seamless vehicle startup.
 8-Inch Touchscreen Infotainment Modern touchscreen system for entertainment and connectivity.

 

This makes the Scorpio N Z4 (4WD) a practical, feature-rich option for families who want adventure capabilities.

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5. Mahindra Thar ROXX (5-Door)

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs

Launched in late 2024, the 5-door Mahindra Thar ROXX expanded the Thar lineup, with prices ranging from ₹12.99 lakh to ₹23.39 lakh (ex-showroom). However, the only 4×4 variant available under ₹20 lakh is the MX5 Diesel MT 4WD, priced at ₹19.39 lakh. This suv comes in Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs .

Powered by the same 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine as its 3-door sibling, it comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Premium features on the MX5 include:

Key Features
Feature Description
 6 Airbags Comprehensive safety with six airbags for enhanced passenger protection.
 Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Real-time monitoring of tyre pressure for improved safety and efficiency.
 Rear Parking Camera Assists with safe and accurate parking in tight spaces.
 Wireless Smartphone Charging Convenient wireless charging for compatible smartphones.
 10-Inch HD Touchscreen Large HD touchscreen with Android Auto for seamless connectivity.

With its rugged build and feature-rich interior, the Thar ROXX is ideal for larger families looking for adventure without crossing the ₹20 lakh threshold.

Top 5 Off-Road 4×4 SUVs Under ₹20 Lakh – FAQs
Question Answer
1. Which is the most affordable 4×4 SUV in India? The Maruti Suzuki Jimny starts at ₹12.75 lakh (ex-showroom) and is the most budget-friendly 4×4 SUV.
2. Does the Mahindra Thar offer automatic transmission? Yes, the Thar comes with both manual and automatic options in petrol and diesel variants.
3. Which SUV offers a 5-door 4×4 variant under ₹20 lakh? Mahindra Thar ROXX (MX5 variant) is a 5-door SUV available under ₹20 lakh with 4×4 capabilities.
4. Is Force Gurkha available with automatic transmission? No, the Force Gurkha is only offered with a 5-speed manual gearbox and a diesel engine.
5. Which SUV is best suited for tough off-roading? Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar are ideal for off-roading due to their robust 4×4 setups.
6. What engine powers the Maruti Jimny? A 1.5L K15B 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 103 bhp and 134 Nm of torque powers the Jimny.
7. Is Mahindra Scorpio N AWD variant priced under ₹20 lakh? Yes, the Z4 (E) variant with AWD is available at ₹18.35 lakh (ex-showroom).
8. Which SUV includes the largest touchscreen infotainment? Mahindra Thar ROXX features a 10-inch HD touchscreen with Android Auto.
9. Are these 4×4 SUVs suitable for daily city driving? Yes, models like Jimny and Scorpio N offer comfort and features suited for daily urban usage.
10. Which 4×4 SUV offers the best overall value? The Mahindra Thar is considered the best value-for-money SUV under ₹20 lakh for off-road lovers.

 

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