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.
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
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)
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
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)
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)
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. |
