Check Out The Top 5 Four-wheel Drive SUVs Under Rs 20 Lakh In India!

The SUV term in India has lost its charm and has just become a marketing term in most cases. We say that because nowadays jacked-up hatchbacks are marketed as SUVs, and consumers do end up falling for that trick. The good thing is that we still have some real and macho SUVs that have what it takes to travel to any part of the country where there are roads or even no roads for that matter. 

In this report, we take you through the top 5 SUVs under Rs 20 lakh that offer four-wheel drive. So if you want something that’s cool to own, a lifestyle choice, and an SUV that will help you discover paths that your pseudo SUV can’t, then you have come to the right place! 

Mahindra Thar Roxx

Rs 12.99 lakh to Rs 23.99 lakh (ex-showroom)

The Mahindra Thar Roxx is undoubtedly the most popular SUV in this list, giving you off-road capabilities while also offering practicality with its premium features and spacious cabin. The Thar Roxx gets both diesel and petrol options, but the 4x4 drivetrain is limited to the diesel variants only. It gets a 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops 152 PS / 330 Nm with the manual transmission and 175 PS / 370 Nm with the automatic transmission. It can be paired with either the 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

Off-roading features include Crawlsmart (where it can crawl itself out of minor sticky situations), Intelliturn (lock the inner rear wheel for a tighter turning radius), and an electronic locking rear differential. It also has commendable off-road specs such as a 41.7-degree approach angle, 36.1-degree departure angle and 23.9-degree ramp over angle, along with a water wading depth of 650 mm.

Overall, it is one of the most value-for-money options in this list, but also one of the most expensive ones. 

You can bring home the MX5 variant of Thar Roxx 4Xplore under 20 lakh.

Mahindra Thar 

Prices for 4X4: Rs 14.49 lakh to Rs 17.6 lakh (ex-showroom)  

The OG 3-door Thar might have lost some of its relevance after the launch of the Thar Roxx, but it still has the off-road credentials to make it a great vehicle when you decide to have some fun. 

With the baby Thar, you get the 4x4 option with both petrol and diesel options. This includes a 132 PS / 300 Nm 2.2-litre diesel engine, and a 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that churns out  150 PS / 320 Nm.

The water wading capacity stands at 650 mm, the same as the Thar Roxx. It has a 41.2-degree approach angle, a 36-degree departure angle and a 26.2-degree ramp over angle. You are further aided by a brake-locking differential and an optional mechanical locking differential.

Overall, it becomes a good lifestyle choice! Watch out for its facelift, which is expected to arrive soon!

Force Gurkha 

Price: Rs 16.75 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom) 

The Force Gurkha proves to be a serious contender if you want the best budget off-roader, but it goes slightly unnoticed when you compare it with rivals that offer a lot more in terms of equipment. Just like the Thar, the Gurkha too is available with both 3-door and 5-door configurations. Add Engine and power figures here. It comes with a single 2.6-litre diesel engine that generates 140 PS and 320 Nm and is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission. 

The Gurkha has a 39-degree approach angle, a 37-degree departure angle and a 28-degree ramp-over angle, besides manual differential locks on both axles and an air-intake snorkel as standard. What’s impressive is that it has a 700 mm water wading capacity.  

Practicality aside, the Gurkha remains a top choice if you want a cool and unique option. Moreover, it also has a very high seating position, which truly makes you feel like you are the king of the road!

Maruti Jimny 

Price: Rs 12.76 lakh to Rs 14.97 lakh

Cute but mighty capable is how I would like to describe the Maruti Jimny. Don’t get fooled by its compact size and smaller footprints, because it is one of the best off-roaders that we currently have in India. It comes with 4X4 as standard fitment, and features a single 105 PS 1.5-litre petrol engine. You can choose from a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox. 

The Jimny has a 36-degree approach angle, a 50-degree departure angle and a 24-degree ramp-over angle. It also gets a brake-limited slip differential. 

The Jimny is slightly city-friendly with its compact dimensions, and its dimensions and lightweight nature also help it tackle off-road challenges with ease. 

Mahindra Scorpio N 

Price: Rs 18.16 lakh (Z4 variant)

Saving the big daddy for the end, the Mahindra Scorpio N is not a real off-roader, but it has the hardware to make it a competitive option. It also has the comfort and practicality of a 7-seater SUV. The four-wheel drivetrain is available with a 2.2-litre diesel engine that makes 175 PS and 400 Nm. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

It also comes with a low and high-range gearbox, electronic brake lock differential and four terrain modes to choose from - Normal, Snow, Mud and Sand.

ZigSays…

All the SUVs mentioned above are unique in their own way, with some of them being serious off-road beasts and some providing you with the convenience and practicality factor as well. These SUVs are for those who wish to own a vehicle that has a soul and offers something that is intangible. Which SUV appeals to you the most? Let us know in the comments section.