Best Off-Road Car Models

Mahindra Thar is the most-preferred off-roader in India. Off-roading and adventure enthusiasts from across the country often buy the Thar over most four-wheel-drive vehicles in India, to go through mud and over rough terrain. The main reason for this is the pricing of the Thar and the endless possibilities to which it can be modified. There are a lot of Thar specialist garages functioning in India. The 2.5-litre CRDe engine offers enough pulling power to take the off-roader through almost all demanding paths. While the Thar isn’t an ideal choice for the city, many still wish to buy just for the fun part of it.

Force Gurkha is a seriously underrated off-roader. The SUV offers vast amounts of space inside while also riding very high from the ground. Being from the house of the Force Motors Tempo Traveller, the 4x4 offers a robust build quality along with a go-anywhere character. Available in two variants – the Xpedition and Xplorer, the Gurkha has a rugged look, especially with the distinct snorkel. However, the Gurkha is meant for those who are really into off-roading and adventure-seeking. The 4x4 isn’t the best choice for the city.

The Mahindra Bolero is a rugged SUV. While material quality, fit and finish etc. are not the strong sides of the Bolero, the SUV has got a go-anywhere capability. The vehicle features ample amounts of space inside while also providing all the basic features you would expect. The Bolero is preferred by many who live in the ghat sections and hill stations, while some who have large acres of land use the SUV to transport goods and people. The Mahindra Bolero is also used for commercial purposes (pickup format) and even in emergency services (police vehicles, ambulances and the fire department).

Jeep Compass is an entry level model in India from the brand’s line-up. However, the Compass is more than capable of handling off-road terrain. The capabilities of tackling rough terrain is further improved in the Trailhawk variant of the Compass SUV. The Jeep Compass Trailhawk also comes with trail rated badge indicating different off-road capabilities of the SUV. This includes water fording, suspension articulation, maneuverability, ground clearance and traction.

The Toyota Fortuner is the next popular premium SUV on the market currently other than the Ford Endeavour. Introduced in 2009, it took only a short time for the Fortuner go widely popular among the Indian masses. The first model was huge and had large wheels. It also had a signature offset air intake system. The Endeavour has undergone three updates since then and the latest version features a sharp design, in line with Toyota’s global design language. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that you get the best performance on all sorts of terrain. In addition to this, the Fortuner also boasts of Toyota’s reputation for excellent reliability.

Jeep Wrangler has been on sale for many years. Jeep has updated the off-road SUV and made it more refined and comfortable, retaining its rugged off-road capabilities. The Wrangler off-road SUV features Selec-Trac 4x4 System features a full-time mode that will automatically switch from 2WD to 4WD depending on the terrain. The 2.0-litre diesel engine powering the off-roader produces 268bhp and 400Nm torque and comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport is one among the many SUVs that the brand offers. The Range Rover Sport as the name suggests is a sportier version of the standard variant. The SUV is loaded with features and offers top-notch premium comfort. However, the SUV is also offered with the brand’s famous terrain response system. This means the Range Rover Sport is not limited by any boundaries and can take the occupants anywhere cocooned in comfort. The off-road luxury SUV also features electronically adjustable dynamic air suspension as well.