Three off-roaders, three unique approaches, and one goal: conquering the wild. The Mahindra Thar Roxx, Force Gurkha 5-Door, and Maruti Suzuki Jimny represent distinct philosophies in the off-road world. Each caters to adventurers, but which one deserves your pick? Let’s dive into their performance, practicality, and price to find out.
Off-Road Performance: Designed for the Trails
All three vehicles share the essentials for off-road adventures: ladder-frame chassis, four-wheel drive, and low-range gearboxes. But their personalities differ:
- Mahindra Thar Roxx: Built on a new platform, the Roxx impresses with its advanced tech like Intelli-Turn, which reduces turning radius on slippery surfaces by braking inner wheels. A button-operated rear diff lock ensures precise traction, although clutch modulation on the manual variant feels stiff. It’s also the easiest to manoeuvre, thanks to electric power steering.
- Force Gurkha 5-Door: This rugged SUV stands out with mechanical front and rear diff locks, providing remarkable grip in extreme conditions. However, engaging and disengaging them requires effort, and their reliability can be inconsistent. The Gurkha feels substantial and old-school but is the most challenging to handle due to its size and weight.
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The lightweight Jimny relies on its compact dimensions and agility. With no diff locks or off-road modes, it banks on simplicity. The manual variant requires effort to keep momentum, but the automatic version offers a smoother off-road experience. It’s the least intimidating and ideal for beginners.
Verdict: The Thar Roxx balances modern tech with trail prowess, while the Gurkha excels in extreme terrains. The Jimny keeps things simple but effective for smaller adventures.
Exterior and Design: Compact vs Commanding
Each off-roader brings its own aesthetic:
- Mahindra Thar Roxx: The longest and sleekest, it echoes Jeep Wrangler vibes. Large 19-inch wheels and rugged styling make it stand out as an urban off-roader.
- Force Gurkha 5-Door: Towering over its rivals, the Gurkha boasts expedition-ready elements like a snorkel, roof rack, and ladder. Its presence screams capability but lacks finesse.
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Smallest in size, the Jimny feels more approachable than imposing. Riding on 15-inch wheels, it lacks the visual drama of the Roxx or Gurkha.
Verdict: The Thar Roxx blends sophistication with ruggedness, the Gurkha commands attention with its height, and the Jimny charms with its compactness.
Interior Comfort and Practicality: Versatility vs Simplicity
- Thar Roxx: The Roxx leads with its plush, tech-laden cabin. Highlights include ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, and ADAS features. Rear space is excellent, with adjustable backrests and ample luggage capacity.
- Force Gurkha: While spacious, the Gurkha feels basic and outdated. Its standout feature is the third row, accessible only via the tailgate. Unfortunately, the cramped middle row and limited storage compromise practicality.
- Jimny: The Jimny feels tight, with seating limited to four. The rear space is adequate for smaller passengers, and luggage capacity is modest. Material quality is functional but uninspiring.
Verdict: The Thar Roxx offers the most refined cabin, the Gurkha adds flexibility with its third row, and the Jimny prioritizes ease of use over space.
On-Road Dynamics: Power and Ride Quality
- Thar Roxx: Equipped with a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine (152hp/330Nm), the Roxx delivers robust performance. The electric steering enhances handling, and its suspension strikes a balance between stability and ruggedness.
- Force Gurkha: Powered by a 2.6L diesel (140hp/320Nm), the Gurkha feels competent but less refined. Its high center of gravity makes cornering tricky, and the brakes could use an upgrade.
- Jimny: Its 1.5L petrol engine (105hp/134Nm) feels underpowered for highways but sufficient for city commutes and trails. The Jimny’s ride is the smoothest, absorbing bumps with ease.
Verdict: The Roxx excels in both power and sophistication, the Gurkha is built for ruggedness, and the Jimny offers the best ride comfort.
Pricing and Final Verdict
- Force Gurkha 5-Door: Starting at ₹18 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gurkha offers exceptional off-road capability but feels dated and raw. It’s a niche choice for hardcore enthusiasts.
- Maruti Suzuki Jimny: Priced between ₹12.74 lakh and ₹14.79 lakh, the Jimny is affordable but lacks versatility for daily use. Discounts sweeten its appeal as a secondary off-roader.
- Mahindra Thar Roxx: At ₹18.79–22.49 lakh, the Roxx may be the priciest, but its blend of style, features, and performance justifies the cost. It’s the most well-rounded option for adventure and urban life.
Overall Winner: The Mahindra Thar Roxx ticks the most boxes, offering a refined yet rugged experience for on- and off-road journeys. The Jimny shines as a compact and fun off-roader, while the Gurkha remains a hardcore enthusiast’s choice.
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