Off-roading enthusiasts have been increasing in our market in the last few years which warrants this post
In this post, we shall discuss the top 5 cheapest 4×4 cars of India. The off-roading trend has seen an immense boost in the last few years. People have been more actively pursuing this hobby. Also, the options of hardcore 4×4 cars in the country have risen in the last 4-5 years. Today, buyers get all sorts of options to choose from ranging from compact and barebones SUVs to luxurious and comfortable off-roaders. For now, let us delve deep into the specifics of the most affordable 4×4 cars of India.
Cheapest 4×4 Cars of India
Maruti Jimny
Let us commence this list with the Maruti Jimny. It is one of the most potent off-roaders on the planet. It has been around in the 3-door guise for over 5 decades in the international markets. In India, it is available with a 5-door configuration for the first time ever in its lifecycle. It comes with a familiar 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine which generates a decent 103 hp and 134 Nm of peak power and torque. You can choose between a smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission or a convenient 4-speed automatic transmission.
Taking care of the hardcore off-roading excursions, there are components like a low-range transfer case, locking differential and more. Also, the impressive ground clearance of 210 mm is handy for gliding over those obstacles you would often find on treacherous surfaces. Being a true off-roading machine, the Jimny has approach, breakover, and departure angles of 36°, 24°, and 50° respectively. This ensures that the SUV doesn’t bottom out when going over undulations on the track. It retails between Rs 12.74 lakh and Rs 14.95 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | Maruti Jimny |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol |
| Power | 103 hp |
| Torque | 134 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT / 4AT |
Mahindra Thar
Next up, we have the Mahindra Thar. It is the most successful off-roading SUV in the country. It has been around for over a decade. In its latest avatar, it achieved immense success. It comes with multiple powertrain options. These include a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine, a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel engine and 1.5-litre turbo diesel engine options. They produce a healthy 150 hp / 320 Nm, 130 hp / 300 Nm and 115 hp / 300 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. Therefore, buyers get access to the capabilities of Thar as per their requirements.
Note that even the RWD avatar of the Thar bears rugged characteristics to allow the SUV to go on moderate off-roading tracks. Apart from that, the customers can opt for either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. You will get the abilities of the 4×4 hardware on the higher models. The prices range from Rs 11.35 lakh to Rs 17.60 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | 3-Door Mahindra Thar (P) | 3-Door Mahindra Thar (D) |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.2L Turbo Diesel / 1.5L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 150 hp | 130 hp / 115 hp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm / 300 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / 6AT | 6MT / 6AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 |
Mahindra Thar Roxx
Now, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is the 5-door iteration of the regular Thar. The Indian SUV giant came up with the Roxx just last month. The aim is to offer the consumers a more practical and slightly more premium version of the regular Thar without compromising on the off-roading traits. Hence, the Thar Roxx is based on a new platform, comes with loads of new safety, connectivity, tech and comfort features, is larger than the 3-door model and has tweaked powertrains. Hence, it is almost a new car. Even with the Thar Roxx, there are multiple powertrain options on offer.
There is either a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol mill or a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel mill. The former generates 162 PS (MT) / 330 Nm to 177 PS (AT) / 380 Nm, while these figures are 163 PS (MT) / 330 Nm and 175 PS / 370 Nm of peak power and torque for the diesel version. Performing the transmission duties is either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. Interestingly, Mahindra has yet to announce the prices of the 4×4 variants. Also, it says that the 4×4 configuration is only available with the diesel engine for now. Perhaps, at a later stage, even the petrol version could get it. Anyway, the prices of the 4×2 trims range from Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | Mahindra Thar Roxx (P) | Mahindra Thar Roxx (D) |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.2L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 162 PS / 177 PS | 163 PS / 175 PS |
| Torque | 330 Nm / 380 Nm | 330 Nm / 370 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / AT | 6MT / AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 | 4×2 / 4×4 |
Force Gurkha
Yet another renowned name among the off-roading community in the country is Force Gurkha. It is regarded as the official rival to the Mahindra Thar. In fact, it has been in the market for a long time now. It is a barebones tough SUV focused solely on conquering challenging terrains. Under its tall and rugged hood sits a familiar Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine which generates a decent 91 hp and 250 Nm in the 3-door trim and 138 hp and 320 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively in the 5-door avatar. These engines pair with a 5-speed manual transmission. To challenge the Thar, Force Gurkha also comes with 3-door and 5-door avatars to ensure that the needs of all sorts of customers are met. The price of the 3-door trim is Rs 16.75 lakh, whereas that of the 5-door model is Rs 18 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | Force Gurkha |
| Engine | 2.6L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 91 hp / 138 hp |
| Torque | 250 Nm / 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 5MT |
Mahindra Scorpio N
This final off-roading SUV caters to those who also want a touch of luxury. Mahindra bifurcated its Classic and N series of the Scorpio when the latter was launched. Those looking for the iconic old Scorpio can opt for the Classic. However, it is available only in 4×2 guise. The Scorpio N takes care of the comfort, tech and features along with possessing hardcore off-roading qualities. It comes with varied powertrain options. One could choose between a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mStallion turbo petrol mill which belts out a mammoth 200 hp and 380 Nm or a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder mHawk turbo diesel engine which is available in two variants – 132 PS / 300 Nm or 175 PS / 400 Nm of peak power and torque. Complimenting these engines are a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. To take care of the comfort during off-roading scenarios, the XUV700 gets Frequency Selective Damping and 4XPLORE 4×4 drivetrain. The Scorpio N bears a price sticker between Rs 13.85 lakh and Rs 24.54 lakh, ex-showroom.
| Specs | Mahindra Scorpio N (P) | Mahindra Scorpio N (D) |
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo Petrol | 2.2L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 200 PS | 132 PS / 175 PS |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 300 Nm / 400 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / AT | 6MT / AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 / 4×4 | 4×2 / 4×4 |
Cheapest 4×4 Cars of India
| 4×4 Car | Price (ex-sh.) |
| Maruti Jimny | Rs 12.74 lakh – Rs 14.95 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | Rs 11.35 lakh – Rs 17.60 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar Roxx | Rs 12.99 lakh – Rs 20.49 lakh |
| Force Gurkha | Rs 16.75 lakh and Rs 18 lakh |
| Mahindra Scorpio N | Rs 13.85 lakh – Rs 24.54 lakh |
Also Read: Mahindra Thar 4×4 vs Thar Roxx in Classic Drag Race – Surprising Results
