“Adventure holds its own inherent value.” – Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator who became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
For those who embrace the allure and enchantment of adventure and have a passion for traveling to discover it firsthand, it is imperative to acquaint oneself with the remarkable SUVs featured in this blog.
Designed for conquering all types of terrain, these SUVs bring sheer delight to adventure enthusiasts and off-roading aficionados alike. They boast elevated driving positions, formidable engines, exhilarating acceleration, and nimble handling, effortlessly transforming even the most arduous driving conditions into a stroll through the park.
Most adventure SUVs are equipped with enhanced traction, ensuring optimum performance in demanding driving scenarios. In India, buyers gravitate towards adventure vehicles that maintain stability even on the challenging roads of Leh and Ladakh!
With a staggering 1.9 million units sold in 2022 alone, SUVs are poised to remain the preferred choice in the automotive market for years to come. Thus, if you find yourself seeking a powerful SUV to embark on your next thrilling off-road expedition, look no further than this curated selection of the finest adventure cars in India, waiting eagerly for you to take the wheel and let your spirit soar.
| Car Model | Body Type | Fuel Type | Mileage | Ex-Showroom Price | Used Car Price |
| Mahindra XUV700 | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 12.55 km/l (MT)/ 11.94 km/l (AT); Diesel – 15.29 km/l (MT)/ 14.99 km/l (AT) | Starting from ₹12.49 lakh | ₹10 lakh-₹14 lakh |
| Hyundai Alcazar | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 14.5 km/l (MT)/ 14.2 km/l (AT); Diesel – 20.4 km/l (MT)/ 18.1 km/l (AT) | Starting from ₹16.3 lakh | ₹12 lakh-₹16 lakh |
| BMW X7 | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 10.54 km/l; Diesel – 13.38 km/l | Starting from ₹1.08 crore | ₹60 lakh-₹80 lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 14.43 km/l; Diesel – 16.55 km/l | Starting from ₹12.78 lakh | ₹8 lakh-₹12 lakh |
| Volvo XC90 | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 42.0 km/l; Diesel – 46.0 km/l | Starting from ₹80.9 lakh | ₹25 lakh-₹40 lakh |
| Tata Safari | SUV | Diesel | 16.14 km/l | Starting from ₹14.99 lakh | ₹10 lakh-₹14 lakh |
| Land Rover Defender | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 8.76 km/l; Diesel – 12.7 km/l | Starting from ₹76.57 lakh | ₹50 lakh-₹80 lakh |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | SUV | Petrol/Diesel | Petrol – 7.7 km/l; Diesel – 12.65 km/l | Starting from ₹92.24 lakh | ₹60 lakh-₹90 lakh |
1. Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is one of the most popular cars in India. It sells an average of 5,448 units each month, which is a lot. This car, which comes in the Adrenox and MX trims, each of which has its own sub-divisions, is both exciting and safe to drive.
The XUV700 is a flexible machine that can be driven on even the most difficult roads. It has a beautiful panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and more than 60 connected features that can be used with the AdrenoX Connect app.
The Mahindra XUV700 is a great option if you’re looking for a car that can fit your whole family and take you off-roading.
Mahindra XUV700 Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 185 bhp (Petrol)/200 bhp (Diesel) |
| Maximum Torque | 450 Nm (Petrol)/380 Nm (Diesel) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual and 6-speed Automatic |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Engine | 2.2-litre Turbo, 2.0-litre Turbo |
| Fuel Type | Diesel/Petrol |
| Mileage | 15 km/l (Petrol)/17 km/l (Diesel) |
| Body Type | SUV |
Mahindra XUV700 Key Features:
| Level 2 ADAS |
| 11-Speaker Sony Audio System with subwoofer |
| Panoramic Skyroof TM |
What’s Good
- Satin-Chrome Grille
- Diamond-cut alloy wheels
- mStallion engine
What’s Not Good
- Third row seating feels cramped and offers very limited leg space
- No hill hold and descent control system which is crucial for hardcore offroading
2. Hyundai Alcazar
The Hyundai Alcazar has a smart panoramic sunroof that can be controlled by voice, which makes driving an exciting experience.
The Alcazar is one of the best choices for people who like to go on adventures. It has a 1.5-liter gasoline Turbo GDi engine and three drive and stability control modes. It doesn’t have much body roll and is easy to control even on hills.
If you want a fun interior, the Alcazar has 64 color choices for the ambient lighting and two-tone cognac brown seats that offer the best in comfort and ride quality.
Hyundai Alcazar Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 150.1 bhp, 115 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 190 Nm, 240 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic |
| Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 (depending on variant) |
| Engine | 2.0-litre petrol engine/1.5-litre diesel engine |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Mileage | 20.4 kmpl (claimed) |
| Body Type | SUV |
Hyundai Alcazar Key Features:
| Voice enabled smart panoramic sunroof |
| Puddle lamps with Hyundai logo projection |
| Advanced Hyundai Blue Link ‘Connected-Car’ technology |
What’s Good
- Complete safety kit including 6 airbags, ESP, auto-hold, and all-wheel disc brakes.
- 200mm ground clearance that is ideal for Indian roads
What’s Not Good
- Third row seating can only accommodate children
- Auto wipers missing
3. BMW X7
The BMW X7 is a powerful presence on the road. It has beautiful gold accents and a panoramic “sky lounge” sunroof. This beast of a car has cool features like the BMW Head-up Display, which puts driving information right in front of your eyes, and Remote Functionality, which lets you drive it on the toughest roads.
The X7 also has a BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine that can go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds! This top-of-the-line BMW SUV is perfect for road trips and is built to be a unique ride.
So, can you really drive this beautiful car out of the showroom? Absolutely!
BMW X7 Key Specs:
| Engine | BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Max Power | 375 bhp |
| Max Torque | 520 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Seating Capacity | 6 |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Boot Space | 326L |
BMW X7 Key Features:
| Sky Lounge Panoramic Sunroof |
| BMW Gesture Control: ‘Swiping’ or ‘Pointing’ to perform functions like receiving calls, adjusting the volume, etc. |
| Automatic air conditioning with 5-zone control |
| xDrive: All-wheel drive with intelligent power distribution to ensure a smooth and secure ride |
What’s Good
- Remote functionality: Allows you to control the car from outside using the My BMW App
- Harman Kardon Surround Sound System that effectively cancels noise and offers unmatched sound quality
- BMW Curved Display offers a sleek appearance and completes the aesthetic look and feel of the cockpit
What’s Not Good
- Limited cargo space that might prove a challenge when packing for a road trip
4. Mahindra Thar
The second-generation Mahindra Thar is a very popular off-road car in India because it is so fun to drive. The Thar is known for being one of the best adventure cars in India because it does so well in tough driving situations.
It comes with either a 2.0L turbocharged gas engine that makes 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque on manual or 150 bhp of power and 320 Nm of torque on automatic, or a 2.2L diesel engine that makes 130 bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque.
The Thar comes with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is also offered.
Mahindra Thar Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 130 bhp (Petrol)/ 150 bhp (Diesel) |
| Maximum Torque | 300 Nm/320 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic |
| Engine | 2.2-litre turbocharged (Diesel)/1.5-litre Turbocharged (Petrol) |
| Mileage | 15.2 km/l (Diesel)/ 12 km/l (Petrol) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel/Petrol |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Boot Space | 190 L |
Mahindra Thar Key Features:
| 4 Wheel Drive System |
| Multi-function steering wheel |
| Waterproof Touchscreen Infotainment System |
| Dual Front Airbags |
| ABS with EBD |
What’s Good:
- Responsive handling making ideal for offroading
- Rugged jeep-like exterior design loved by adventure enthusiasts
What’s Not Good:
- Lacks space and impractical if you’re looking for a family car
5. Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a timeless icon and the perfect luxury SUV with seven seats. It has been the best-selling car in India since 2015. It stands out on the road thanks to its sophisticated design and luxury look. The general look and feel of the car is improved by the high-quality interior and solid feel of the cabin. The dashboard has a stacked look, and the perfect wood finish adds to the high-end feel.
The Volvo XC90 has a long length of 2,984 mm and a width of 1,923 mm, so there is plenty of room in all three rows. The comfortable leatherette seats, air suspension, and many luxury features, such as powered front seats with massage functions, four-zone climate control, and a Bower and Wilkins sound system, make every ride special.
The all-wheel-drive drivetrain makes it even more versatile and ready for any kind of off-roading activity. The Volvo XC90 is the right blend of Swedish style and practicality. It’s a luxury car with the best safety features on the market.
Volvo XC90 Key Specification :
| Maximum Power | 300 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 420 Nm |
| Engine | 1,969 cc |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | 17.2 km/l |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
Volvo XC90 Key Features:
| Built-in Google Assistance |
| Air purifier |
| Driver assistance technology |
| Blind spot information system |
| 360° surround camera |
What’s Good
- Luxurious interiors
- Larger boot space
What’s Not Good
- Larger wheels create jittery ride especially on a rocky terrain
- Complicated infotainment system
6. Tata Safari
The Tata Safari has a lot of high-end features, like a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL sound system, heated front and back seats, and more. The Safari is a luxurious ride that can fit up to 6 or 7 people easily. It has a long list of features, a large cabin, and soft upholstery.
If you’re thinking about getting a Tata Safari, the XT Plus model is a great choice. The Safari XT Plus comes with a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, an air purifier, ambient lighting, and a tyre pressure tracking system, among other features. It costs 19.10 lakh with a manual transmission and 20.40 lakh with an automatic transmission.
The Tata Safari is one of the best adventure cars in India because it gets great gas mileage, is built to last, and has a strong engine.
Tata Safari Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 138 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | 350 Nm |
| Engine | 2-litre diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual & 6-speed torque converter automatic |
| Mileage | 14 – 16.1 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SUV |
| Boot Space | 447 L |
Tata Safari Key Features:
| Impressive 8.8 inch infotainment system |
| Panoramic sunroof |
| Front and rear ventilated seats for increased comfort |
What’s Good
- Effective hill hold and descent control making it ideal for rough terrains
- Perimetric Alarm System that keeps your car safe
- Powered memory seating
What’s Not Good
- Heavy steering wheel makes it tough to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces
- Lacks boot space
7. Land Rover Defender
The Land Rover Defender is one of the most famous adventure cars ever made, and it’s easy to see why. The Defender is the perfect vehicle for those who want to experience the great outdoors without giving up luxury and comfort. Its design is both rugged and elegant.
The Defender is a performance monster under the hood. It has several engine choices, including turbocharged gasoline and hybrid engines. All of these engines come with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 2-speed transfer case. The Defender has the power and skill to handle any situation, whether you’re on the highway or off-road.
But the Defender stands out from other cars in its class because it has a lot of great safety features. With a 5-star grade from Euro NCAP, this car is more than safe for passengers. It also has a long list of active and passive safety features to keep you and your family safe at all times.
Land Rover Defender Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 296.36 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 650 Nm @ 1,500-2,500 rpm |
| Engine | 2,997 cc (Diesel), 4,997 cc (Petrol) |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | 14.01 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Diesel, Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Land Rover Defender Key Features:
| Durable and exquisite Leather-free material called Resist with a lower carbon footprint |
| Customisable cabin |
| Permanent All Wheel Drive1 |
| Twin-speed transfer |
What’s Good
- Top class off-road capability
- 5-star NCAP safety rating and equipment
What’s Not Good
- Limited third row seats
- Questionable long-term reliability
8. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
The Land Rover Range Rover Sport is made to be able to go anywhere, on or off the road. This SUV is sure to get people’s attention on the road because of how sporty and powerful it looks from the outside.
The Range Rover Sport has a 3L turbocharged diesel engine that is paired with an automatic transmission. This makes it easy to drive. The car has advanced safety features like six airbags, blind spot assist, and forward impact warning. These features make sure that the driver and passengers are as safe as possible.
The Range Rover Sport has a luxurious interior with leather seats, wood trim, and high-tech features like a modern infotainment system with a tablet display. The car also has different seating choices, with 5, 6, or 7 seats to choose from.
The car is very good off-road, and functions like hill descent control and dynamic stability control make it even better. The Range Rover Sport can easily handle even the roughest terrain, making it the perfect choice for adventurers who want to experience the great outdoors in style and comfort.
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Key Specifications:
| Maximum Power | 345.98 bhp @ 4,000 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 700 Nm @ 1,500-3,000 rpm |
| Engine | 2997 cc |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Mileage | 11.3 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Diesel, Petrol |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Body Type | SUV |
Land Rover Range Rover Sport Key Features:
| Lightweight Ultrafabric upholstery |
| Windsor and soft Semi-Aniline leather interiors |
| Moonlight Chrome detailing |
| Multi-function Steering Wheel |
What’s Good
- Luxurious interiors
- Impressive build quality
- Dynamic off-road capabilities
What’s Not Good:
- Touchscreen is distracting
If you need excitement to feel alive, you should definitely have a rugged, adventure SUV in your garage. So dive in and check out this complete guide to the best action cars in India, and take your pick!
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