CARVERSAL

A 4x4 vehicle (four-wheel drive or 4WD) is a vehicle that sends power to all four wheels, thereby appropriate for use off-road, in bad conditions, and on bad roads.

No one will ever have the need for a 4x4, but there are more times than I can name that you need it. When you have a monsoon season, and highways are shut down due to flooding, a trail is shut down due to flooding, or where you live, and there is snow, a 4x4 will get you there that a two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicle will not.

Here are some of the finest 4x4 cars available in India, along with features, prices, and other specifications to assist you in selecting the best car based on your needs.

1. Maruti Suzuki Jimny (Rs 12.74 lakh - Rs 15.05 lakh)

The most affordable 4x4 car in India is the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. The vehicle is compact, simple to navigate through, and a joy to navigate over poor roads. Jimny is the best 4x4 for a person who needs a small utility car that is capable of handling poor roads without necessarily having to bankrupt themselves.

Using a 1.5-litre petrol engine gives the car its power output of 103 horsepower with 134 Nm torque. This car enables the installation of either a 5-speed manual transmission system or a 4-speed automatic transmission system.

This automobile effectively achieves both dependable off-road functions and everyday driving performance. A combination of the ladder-frame chassis and the AllGrip Pro system from Suzuki provides excellent performance in such demanding road conditions.

Key Features:

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol

• Power: 103bhp

• Torque: 134Nm

• Ground Clearance: 210mm

• Off-road Specification: High-range 4x4, no brake-locking differential

• Price: Rs 12.74 lakh - Rs 15.05 lakh

2. Mahindra Thar (Rs 14.3 lakh - Rs 17.6 lakh)

Mahindra Thar is another popular 4x4 car in India for its tough appearance and off-road traveling. One of the better 4x4s if you require some combination of adventure and comfort.

The Thar comes with two engines – 150bhp 2.0-litre petrol and 130bhp 2.2-litre diesel. It comes with 6-speed manual and auto gearbox.

The Thar is off-road-capable, with commanding ground clearance of 226mm along with traction control, brake-locking differential, and optional mechanical locking differentials. It's just the right car for those seeking a hard, tough off-roader.

Key Features:

• Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel
• Power: 150bhp (petrol), 130bhp (diesel)
• Torque: 300Nm - 320Nm
• Ground Clearance: 226mm
• Off-road Features: Low-range 4x4 with traction control and locking differentials as a kit option
• Price: Rs 14.3 lakh - Rs 17.6 lakh

3. Force Gurkha (Rs 16.75 lakh - Rs 18 lakh)

If you prefer a basic off-road vehicle, the Force Gurkha is your choice. With its bullish appearance and cult following among off-roaders as a master over snowy trails, the Gurkha has an ardent support base among passionates. Built around a 2.6-litre diesel engine with 138 horses and 320 Nm torque, a silky-smooth power goes with a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Gurkha trumps them all with its breathtaking 233mm ground clearance and mechanically locking differentials to enable you to squirm out of tight corners. It even comes equipped with a water-wading snorkel, so you can rely on it to deliver on wet weather conditions too.

Key Features:

• Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
• Power: 138bhp
• Torque: 320Nm
• Ground Clearance: 233mm
• Off-road Features: 4x4 with low-range, mechanically locking differentials, water-wading snorkel
• Price: Rs 16.75 lakh - Rs 18 lakh

4. Toyota Fortuner (Rs 40 lakh - Rs 51.44 lakh)

The Indian market selects the Toyota Fortuner as its preferred 4x4 vehicle due to its exceptional performance capability and its hard exterior appearance combined with its robust off-road performance.

The 2.8-liter diesel engine of the Fortuner produces a maximum horsepower of 201 as well as a torque output of 420 Nm. Customers who buy this vehicle can select between a manual six-gear transmission and an automatic transmission.

A refined A-TRAC system enables the Fortuner to keep good traction when facing challenging driving conditions. The 225mm ground clearance of the Fortuner enables it to handle every type of road including boulder-filled rocky terrains and water-covered paths.

Key Features:

• Engine: 2.8-litre diesel
• Power: 201bhp
• Torque: 420Nm
• Ground Clearance: 225mm
• Off-road Features: 4x4 with low-range, A-TRAC system
• Price: Rs 40 lakh - Rs 51.44 lakh

5. Land Rover Defender (Rs 97 lakh - Rs 2.85 crore)

This 4x4 off-road vehicle delivers exceptional comfort with no rivaling capability in challenging terrains. Customers can choose between different engines for their Defender, including diesel and gasoline, besides having the opportunity to select a V6 petrol option. Off-road driving challenges are no match for the Defender because it comes equipped with 4x4 low-range capabilities, locking differentials, and tall ground clearance.

The Defender fits those who need a vehicle to transport them safely throughout their preferred routes.

Key Features:

• Engine: 2.0-litre I4, 3.0-litre I6, 4.0-litre V8
• Power: Will be engine choice-dependent
• Torque: Will be engine choice-dependent
• Price: Rs 97 lakh - Rs 2.85 crore

Read More: BS7 Launch Date Confirmed in India: Is Your Car Ready for the 2025 Pollution Crackdown?

Conclusion

In India, while the 4x4 list might not be extensive for some great reasons, it includes some great cars that are sturdy, dependable, and practical. From budget buys like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny to one of the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, there exists a 4x4 option in every space. The 4x4 vehicle stands as the best selection for controlling rough terrains and diverse usage needs.

FAQs

1. Which 4x4 car has the maximum ground clearance?

The blue ribbon winner of the highest ground clearance is Force Gurkha (233 mm).

2. Are 4x4 cars ideal for city driving?

Yes, but they consume more fuel compared to regular vehicles. Scorpio-N and Thar are ideal for city driving.

3. Do all 4x4 vehicles have a low-range transmission?

Most of them do, though prestige vehicles like Land Rover Defender are dependent on advanced electronic systems.

4. What is India's most luxurious 4x4?

India's best luxury off-roader is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class (₹4 crore).

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