2024 Force Gurkha 5-door Vs Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 4X4: Similar Price, Different Demeanour

Force Motors recently launched the new Gurkha 5-door and the updated Gurkha 3-door. With the updates, Force made the Gurkha more practical, gave it new features, and a more powerful diesel engine. 

On the other hand, we have the Mahindra Scorpio N in its Z4 4x4 variant, which is capable of giving the off-roader SUV a run for its money, while providing a more modern cabin at the same time. To keep it similarly priced, we are comparing the Gurkha 5-door with the mid-spec Z4 variant of the Scorpio N, which does miss out on many of the features offered on the higher-end variants. 

Price 

With almost no difference in pricing, it comes down to which SUV catches your attention more, and the cabin experience of the two. However, while we have picked the Z4 variant for this comparison test, prices for the Scorpio N go up to Rs 24.54 lakh (ex-showroom)

Design 

The Mahindra Scorpio N and Force Gurkha are both SUVs that can’t be ignored easily on the road. The Force Gurkha’s tall and boxy design is inspired from the G Wagon, while the Scorpio N looks more suave and modern. 

Both command some serious road presence, but nothing beats the towering driving position of a Gurkha, not even a Land Rover Defender!

Interior and Features 

Step inside and you will clearly notice a difference in terms of how the cabin feels in both these SUVs. The Scorpio’s cabin feels more conventional, premium and ensures a more comfortable experience, while the Gurkha’s cabin looks a bit outdated. The latter’s cabin is built for purpose and longevity, while the Scoprio N’s focus is on the experience. 

Another thing to note is that the Force Gurkha 5-door gets bench seats for the second row, and captain seats for the third row which can be accessed from the boot as well. The Mahindra Scorpio N, on the other hand, gets bench seats for both second- and third-row passengers. 

In terms of features, the both the SUVs are more or less similarly equipped:

Powertrain

The Scorpio N clearly gets the more powerful and torquier engine of the two. It also gets a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) option which is not available with the Gurkha.

Also read: 2024 Force Gurkha 3-door Vs Mahindra Thar 3-door: Off-roading SUVs Compared

Off-road Capabilities 

The Gurkha being a more off-road focused vehicle is more capable of dealing with challenges when you take it to unpaved surfaces. The Gurkha features a manual front and rear differential lock, and a factory-fitted snorkel, which results in much better water-wading capabilities. It even gets all-terrain tyres and an electronic shift (2H, 4L, 4H), which gives it that much more credibility. 

While the Scorpio N gets a 4x4 drivetrain too, it isn’t a focused offroader like the Gurkha. It still is no slouch and can actually keep going in rather tricky situations. We’ve got proof as we pitched it against the mighty capable Thar. But you can’t expect it to cross rivers and mountains like the Gurkha was built to do. 

Rivals 

The Force Gurkha directly rivals the likes of the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny. Meanwhile, the Scorpio N is a ladder-on-frame SUV alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. 

Our pick here would be the Mahindra Scorpio N which feels more premium, offers a better cabin experience, a much more powerful engine, and is not too far behind in terms of offroading capabilities. But if you want a serious off-roader and don’t mind it being slightly rough around the edges, the Force Gurkha should be your ride.