The demand of SUVs in India has grown significantly over the past decade. These vehicles are favoured for their commanding road presence, higher ground clearance and practicality, making them suitable for India’s diverse terrains. With extreme weather conditions and unpredictable road infrastructure, the capable/off-road SUVs are no longer a luxury. Currently, we have eight capable SUVs on sale in India. Let’s delve into some key details of these SUVs.
Maruti Jimny: Rs 12.74 – Rs 14.95 lakh
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is one of the most affordable and capable SUVs in India today. The model lineup comes in six variants, and two trims – Zeta and Alpha – priced from Rs 12.74 lakh to Rs 14.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Underpinning the ladder-frame chassis, the Jimny derives its power from a 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is good for 105bhp and 134Nm. It comes with two gearbox options – a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque convertor automatic.
Attributes such as Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro AWD system with a manual transfer case, low-range gearbox with 2WD-high, 4WD-high and 4WD-low modes, a 3-link axle suspension, an electronic traction control system and a high ground clearance enhance its off-road capabilities.
Mahindra Thar: Rs 11.50 – Rs 17.60 lakh
The Mahindra Thar is undoubtedly one of the most capable SUVs in the country. Prices of this compact off-road SUV start from Rs 11.50 lakh and go up to Rs 17.60 lakh. The SUV comes with the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo petrol and 2.2L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engines, delivering power worth 152bhp with 300Nm (MT)/320Nm (AT) and 132bhp with 300Nm, respectively. Both engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. It gets a 4X4 system as standard along with the manual shift transfer case with a low ratio.
Toyota Fortuner: Rs 33.43 – Rs 51.94 lakh
The next in the list of none other than the Toyota Fortuner. It’s top-selling premium 7-seater SUV in the country, available in 7 variants. The base variant of the SUV comes with a price tag of Rs 33.43 lakh, and the top-end variant costs Rs 51.94 lakh. Under the hood, the Fortuner features a 166bhp, 2.7L petrol and 204bhp, 2.8L diesel engines. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. While petrol version is available with the 2WD system, the diesel variant gets the 4WD drivetrain.
Toyota Hilux: Rs 37.15 – Rs 37.90 lakh
The Hilux is yet another capable off-roader from Toyota, available in Standard, High MT and High AT variants. The entry-level Standard variant is priced at Rs 30.40 lakh, the High manual and automatic variants are offered at Rs 37.15 lakh and Rs 37.90 lakh, respectively. Powering the Toyota Hilux is a 2.8L, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine, borrowed from the Fortuner. This motor pushes out a maximum power of 204bhp and 420Nm of torque with manual and 500Nm with automatic transmission. This pickup truck comes only in the 4X4 configuration.
Jeep Wrangler: Rs 67.65 – Rs 71.65 lakh
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the expensive yet capable SUVs in India. It comes in two variants – Unlimited and Rubicon – priced at Rs 67.65 lakh and Rs 71.65 lakh, respectively. For power, the SUV uses a 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine offering a peak power of 270bhp and 400Nm of torque. Transmission duties are performed by an 8-speed torque convertor automatic gearbox. It gets Jeep’s Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system as standard. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with a Rock mode for the Selec-Trac system, a front sway bar, locking front and rear differentials and a 240 Amp alternator, which make it a perfect off-roader.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross: Rs 26.92 – Rs 30.96 lakh
The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross received an update early last year. This pickup truck is available in four variants – 4X4 Z, 4X2 Z AT, 4X4 Z Prestige and 4X4 Z Prestige AT – priced at Rs 25.52 lakh, Rs 25.80 lakh, Rs 26.92 lakh and Rs 30.96 lakh, respectively. It has been powered by a 163bhp, 1.0L diesel engine, and comes with two gearbox options – a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Both manual and automatic variants are available with the shift-on-the-fly 4WD system. The D-Max Hi-Lander variant is available with the manual gearbox and 2WD setup. This pickup truck offers traction control, hill start and hill descent assist and, electronic stability control as standard features.
Land Rover Defender: Rs 1.04 – Rs 1.39 crore
The Land Rover Defender is the most expensive and highly capable SUVs we have in India. Its prices start at Rs 1.04 lakh for the base variant and go all the way up to Rs 1.39 lakh for the top variant. The SUV sources power from a 5.0L V8 engine that produces a massive 426bhp of power and 610Nm of torque. The SUV gets the electronic air suspension and Terrain Response system as standard. It has been assembled with the large 20-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres. The Defender can also be had with a 2.0L petrol engine, but only in the 110 body style in X-Dynamic HSE trim. There is also a 3.0L diesel engine available across all three trims – X-Dynamic, HSE, X and Sedona Edition.
Force Gurkha: Rs 16.75 lakh
The Force Gurkha 3-door is available in a single variant, priced at Rs 16.75 lakh. This capable SUV uses a 2.6L Mercedes-sourced diesel engine, churning out a maximum power of 140bhp and 320Nm of torque. It’s more powerful than the Mahindra Thar diesel. It comes with the 4X4 drivetrain system with a shift-on-the-fly mechanism, enabling to switch between 2H, 4H and 4L modes as terrain requirement. The SUV has a water wading capability of 700mm. It also gets manual locking differentials, heavy duty suspensions, off-road tyres and wheels, strong chassis and body-on-frame construction.