Here are seven excellent off-road vehicles available in India under Rs 30 lakh, offering both capability and comfort. In 2024, buyers no longer need to spend a fortune to get a rugged 4×4, as several options in this price range provide a great balance between affordability and off-road prowess.
1. Maruti Jimny
Price: Rs 12.74 lakh-14.79 lakh
The Maruti Jimny is India’s most affordable off-roader, starting at Rs 12.74 lakh. Equipped with Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4×4 system, the Jimny offers excellent off-road capability with its 36-degree approach, 47-degree departure, and 24-degree breakover angles. It also features solid front and rear axles, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, and an electronic brake differential. The Jimny is light, compact, and highly maneuverable on rugged terrain.
2. Mahindra Thar
Price: Rs 14.30 lakh-17.60 lakh
Mahindra’s Thar is a popular off-roader with a robust 4×4 system, available with both 2.2-litre diesel and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engines. The Thar’s low-range gearbox, mechanical-locking rear differential, and 650mm water-wading capability enhance its off-road credentials. It also boasts approach, departure, and breakover angles of 41.8, 36.8, and 27 degrees, respectively. Its optional soft-top adds versatility to its rugged design, while driving aids like hill-start assist and hill-descent control make it user-friendly.
3. Force Gurkha 3-Door
Price: Rs 16.75 lakh
The Force Gurkha 3-door is a strong contender in the off-roader segment. Powered by a 2.6-litre Mercedes-sourced diesel engine, it delivers 140hp and 320Nm of torque. Its manual differential locks, low-range gearbox, and solid off-road angles (39-degree approach, 37-degree departure, and 28-degree breakover) combined with a 700mm water-wading capability, make it a serious off-roader. The Gurkha also stands out with its 233mm ground clearance and impressive gradeability.
4. Force Gurkha 5-Door
Price: Rs 18 lakh
The Gurkha 5-door shares the same off-road hardware as the 3-door version, but offers more practicality with additional seating. It retains the 233mm ground clearance, 700mm water-fording capability, and manual differential locks. While its larger size and 325kg weight increase affect the off-road angles slightly, it still offers a formidable off-road experience with its rugged design and performance.
5. Mahindra Thar Roxx
Price: Rs 18.79 lakh-22.49 lakh
The Thar Roxx builds on the legacy of the standard Thar, offering better practicality and comfort for everyday use without compromising its off-road ability. It is available with a diesel engine and offers multiple off-road enhancements like a lighter chassis, new suspension setup, electronic rear differential lock, and terrain modes. The Thar Roxx strikes a fine balance between being a family SUV and a capable off-roader.
6. Mahindra Scorpio N
Price: Rs 18.01 lakh-24.54 lakh
The Scorpio N is designed to offer a mix of off-road capability and on-road comfort. Its 4×4 system, available only with the diesel variant, includes a low-range gearbox, brake-locking differential, mechanical diff-lock, and terrain modes. Though not as hardcore as the Thar, the Scorpio N still offers good ground clearance and a 500mm water-wading capability, making it a versatile SUV.
7. Isuzu V-Cross
Price: Rs 25.52 lakh-30.96 lakh
The Isuzu V-Cross is the only pickup truck on this list, bringing utility to off-road adventures. Priced from Rs 25.52 lakh, it offers a 4×4 system with shift-on-the-fly capability. The V-Cross features a 1.9-litre diesel engine, 206mm ground clearance, and 30-degree gradeability. While its long wheelbase affects its departure angle, the cargo bed and rugged build make it a reliable choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for versatility.
These seven vehicles combine affordability with off-road performance, making them solid choices for adventure seekers in India.
Read More:
