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2024 Force Gurkha SUV Vs Mahindra Thar: Off-Road Rivals
After much anticipation, Force Motors has finally launched the 2024 Gurkha SUV, now available in both 3-door and 5-door versions, setting the stage for direct competition with the Mahindra Thar diesel.
The comparison between these two rugged off-roaders reveals some interesting specifications, highlighting the Gurkha's enhanced power and capability over its rival. That being said, both are very capable off-road SUVs.
Dimensions & Off-road Capabilities
When comparing the 3-door variants, the new Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar show slight differences in dimensions. The Gurkha is wider and significantly taller than the Thar, though it has a shorter wheelbase.
Notably, the Gurkha surpasses the Thar in ground clearance, turning circle diameter, and water wading capacity, indicating a strong off-road performance. The Gurkha also boasts better breakover and departure angles, enhancing its capability on uneven terrains.
| 2024 Force Gurkha 3-Door | Mahindra Thar | |
| Engine | 2.6L Turbo Diesel | 2.2L Turbo Diesel |
| Power (bhp) | 138 | 130 |
| Torque (Nm) | 320 | 300 |
| Gearbox | 5-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual/Auto |
| Differentials | Manual Locking Front & Rear | Brake Locking |
| Drive Layout | 4WD | 4WD |
| Length (mm) | 3965 | 3985 |
| Width (mm) | 1865 | 1855 |
| Height (mm) | 2080 | 1844-1855 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2400 | 2450 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 233 | 226 |
| Approach Angle | 39 degrees | 41.8 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 37 degrees | 36.8 degrees |
| Breakover Angle | 28 degrees | 27 degrees |
| Water Wading (mm) | 700 | 650 |
Engine, Gearbox, & Suspension
The 2024 Gurkha is powered by a Mercedes-derived 2.6-litre turbo-diesel engine, now tuned to deliver 138bhp and 320Nm, coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission and four-wheel drive.
In contrast, the Thar's 2.2-litre diesel engine produces 130bhp and 300Nm, available with both manual and automatic transmissions, while its smaller 1.5-litre engine offers 118bhp with a rear-wheel-drive layout.
Both vehicles are equipped with transfer cases for shifting between two-wheel and four-wheel drive modes. While the Thar uses an electronic control system for its differentials, the Gurkha allows for manual locking, providing an edge in off-road conditions.
Pricing Comparison
The Mahindra Thar's pricing starts at Rs 11.25 lakh (ex-showroom) for the rear-wheel-drive version, reaching up to Rs 17.60 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top-end 4x4 automatic variant. The Thar enjoys tax benefits for its sub-1,500cc engine and lower price due to the absence of 4x4 hardware in its base model.
Prices for the newly introduced Force Gurkha will be announced shortly, offering potential buyers a new option in the competitive off-roader segment. We also expect Force Motors to competitively price the new Gurkha SUV in India.
DriveSpark Thinks
The 2024 Force Gurkha's introduction into the market brings a fresh dynamic to the off-roader competition, with its improved specifications and capabilities presenting a strong challenge to the Mahindra Thar. Off-road enthusiasts now have more choices, making the decision between the Gurkha's robust features and the Thar's established reputation even more interesting.
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