4×4 Cars in India

You might’ve come across the terms 4×4 and AWD. Although these seem similar from a broad perspective, AWD and 4WD are vastly different from each other – AWD is more road-biased while 4×4 is strictly for off-road usage. AWD stands for an all-wheel drive system, which automatically decides which wheel requires power for optimal traction based on driver input and road conditions. To read more about AWD and 4×4, please head to our article on the same. The most crucial bit of equipment in an SUV for hardcore off-roading is a competent 4×4 system. In other words, 4×4 separates road-based SUVs from hardcore mud pluggers that can tread the uncharted.  

Although the automotive landscape is exploding with SUVs of different shapes and sizes, only a handful of SUVs offer a true 4×4 system. Most SUVs offer an AWD system that works brilliantly on-road and light-off-road scenarios. But when the going gets risky, you certainly need a 4WD system to pull you through. India is a country where there is no dearth of SUVs. We have everything from mini SUVs to XL-sized SUVs. However, in this big club, there is a small pack of notorious backbenchers who stand out by offering a legitimate 4×4 system that is designed and built to go off-road. 

These are the authentic off-roaders that are developed from scratch with off-road performance as a priority rather than an option. These SUVs can take you anywhere and get you out of tricky and slippery situations. To keep this list fair and square, we are only considering 4×4 SUVs and not considering any AWD SUVs priced over Rs 60 lakh.

List of 4X4 Cars in India

Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is a household name when it comes to 4×4 SUVs and currently, one of the most affordable 4WD SUVs money can buy. Mahindra also offers the Thar in a 2WD version and there are two engine options to choose from – a 152 PS 1.5-litre turbo petrol and a 131 PS 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. These engines come mated to either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

In terms of the 4×4 setup, the Thar features a tried and tested manual shift part-time 4WD with high & low reduction gear, a semi-floating front axle, and a banjo rear axle. The 4×4 version of the Thar also features a brake locking differential and the option of a mechanical locking differential (only for Thar 2.2 diesel 4×4) for even more off-road ability. To add to these, the Thar features a water-wading capacity of 650mm and an impressive 226mm of ground clearance. 

Mahindra Thar Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre petrol, 2.2-litre diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed AT/MT
• Fuel Type: Petrol/Diesel
• Airbags: 2
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 4

Mahindra Thar 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 650mm
• Approach angle: 41.8 degrees
• Departure angle: 36.8 degrees
• Rampover angle: 27 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Maruti Suzuki Jimny

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is undoubtedly the most anticipated car of modern times. After a long hiatus of 5 years, Maruti Suzuki has finally decided to offer the Jimny in India, but with a 5-door body style to increase its practicality quotient. The Jimny is a legendary nameplate and it carries forward the Gypsy’s legacy as one of the most affordable and serious 4×4 SUVs in India. 

For India, the Jimny is only offered with the 1.5-litre petrol engine that develops 104 PS and 134 Nm of twist mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. What makes the Jimny special are its boxy dimensions and the Suzuki ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system with a low-range transfer gear. This little SUV also features brake LSD, a 3-link rigid axle suspension setup and a rudimentary ladder-frame chassis for the best off-road performance.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny Specifications

• Engine: 1.5-litre petrol
• Transmission: 5-speed MT/4-speed AT
• Fuel Type: Petrol
• Airbags: 6
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 300mm
• Approach angle: 36 degrees
• Departure angle: 47 degrees
• Rampover angle: 24 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha is similar to the Thar and it is one of the rare few 3-door SUVs available in India. Under the hood is a 2.6-litre turbo diesel engine good enough for 94 PS and 250Nm of torque mated solely to a 5-speed manual gearbox which comes with a 4X4 system as standard. Available as a single variant, it is priced at Rs 15.10 lakh putting it right in the midst of the competition with the Jimny and the Thar. 

What separates the Gurkha from other road-based SUVs is its off-road excellence which dates back to the 1980s with the first Gurkha. The new Gurkha features coil spring suspension instead of lead springs for better ride quality. It is the only SUV in this price range that comes with a snorkel from the factory. The Gurkha features a 4×4 high and 4×4 low which is operated manually through the gear lever in the console. The Gurkha really stands out from the competition when you consider the fact that this is the only 4×4 at this price to offer mechanically actuated differential locks for both front and rear axles and a 700mm water-wading capacity. 

Force Gurkha Specifications

• Engine: 2.6-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed MT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 2
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 4

Force Gurkha 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 700mm
• Approach angle: 37 degrees
• Departure angle: 33 degrees
• Rampover angle: 25 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Mahindra Scorpio-N

Mahindra is on a roll with its SUVs, mainly the Scorpio and the XUV 700, both having long waiting periods due to immense demand from customers. The Scorpio-N is a brand-new SUV built on a ladder-frame chassis. It is powered by the 2.0-litre mStallion turbo-petrol engine with 202 PS/370Nm or the 2.0-litre mHawk diesel motor in two states of tune: 132 PS/300Nm and 175 PS/370Nm. Gearbox options include a 6-speed manual or automatic.

Mahindra calls it the 4XPLOR off-road system. It is an electronic 4WD system with different modes to optimise grip in all conditions. There are 4 modes: Snow, Sand, Mud, or Normal with the option of 4 low and 4 high making the Scorpio-N an actual 4×4 SUV, unlike the XUV700 which features a road-based AWD system.

Mahindra Scorpio-N Specifications

• Engine: 2.2-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 6
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

Mahindra Scorpio-N Features

• Water wading depth: 500mm
• Approach angle: 27.1 degrees
• Departure angle: 17.2 degrees
• Rampover angle: 20.1 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

The Isuzu D-Max V-Cross is a popular dual-cab pickup truck in India. It is also pretty favoured among 4WD enthusiasts and adventure junkies. There is only one diesel engine on offer, a BS6-complaint 1.9-litre diesel that develops 163 PS and 360Nm to all four corners with some help from a 5-speed manual or an automatic. 

The D-Max V-Cross comes with an electronic shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with three modes. The V-Cross is inarguably one of the best lifestyle vehicles in India that also offers a practical flatbed with enough room to transport even multiple motorcycles. At the front, it features an independent suspension while it uses an old-school leaf setup for the rear like most pickup trucks. A true 4×4, the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross also offers a ground clearance of 225mm. 

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Specifications

• Engine: 1.9-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 5-speed MT/AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 6
• Body Type: Pickup
• Seating Capacity: 5

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross Features

• Water wading depth: 500mm
• Approach angle: 30 degrees
• Departure angle: 22.4 degrees
• Rampover angle: 22 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Jeep Compass

Jeep is a prominent name in the off-road space with SUVs that have always dominated any trail. The Jeep Compass might be the least expensive Jeep on sale in India but it has still got the Jeep spirit in it. There are two engines on offer: 1.4-litre turbo petrol and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine. The diesel with the 4×4 develops 170PS and 350Nm and comes mated to a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic. 

Jeep has equipped the Compass with independent suspension on all four wheels with Frequency Selective Damping. On the off-road front, there’s Jeep’s legendary 4×4 system with the Selec-Terrain management system with four modes – auto, mud, sand, and snow. However, if you are a hardcore 4×4 person, the Compass is also offered in the exclusive range-topping Trailhawk version which is a dedicated trim line for serious off-road ability. 

Jeep Compass Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/9-speed AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 6
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 5

Jeep Compass 4×4/Trailhawk 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 405/480mm
• Approach angle: 16.8/30 degrees
• Departure angle: 31.7/34 degrees
• Rampover angle: 24 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is a massive pickup truck and the ultimate lifestyle vehicle in India at the moment. It is also the world’s most popular Japanese pickup truck and an iconic nameplate. This Toyota truck is powered by a 2.8-litre diesel engine that is rated for 204 PS and 420Nm of twist (500Nm for auto) to all four wheels via a manual and an automatic gearbox, both 6-speed. 

Toyota offers the 4×4 system as standard for all Hilux variants – an electronic shift-on-the-fly system with 2 high, 4 high, and 4 low. The pickup also features an advanced active traction control system and automatically limited slip differential for the best performance when the going gets tough. All this coupled with a massive 310mm ground clearance, live rear axle, leaf-sprung suspension, and a 700mm wading depth capacity makes this one serious mud plugger.

Toyota Hilux Specifications

• Engine: 2.8-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 7
• Body Type: Pickup
• Seating Capacity: 5

Toyota Hilux 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 700mm
• Approach angle: 29 degrees
• Departure angle: 26 degrees
• Rampover angle: 25 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Jeep Meridian

The Jeep Meridian is the 7-seater version of the Compass and is underpinned by the same robust platform as the Compass. Under the hood is the same 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine that dishes out 170 PS and 350Nm mated to a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed auto just like the Compass. 

Similarly, it also gets the Jeep’s electronically controlled 4×4 system with the terrain select system that offers 4 off-road modes –  auto, mud, sand, and snow. Since the Meridian is a more road-based SUV, there is no Trailhawk variant on offer here. Nonetheless, the Meridian will be competent offroad since its basics are adequate and it is still a Jeep at heart.

Jeep Meridian Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/9-speed AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 6
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

Jeep Meridian 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: NA
• Approach angle: 21.5 degrees
• Departure angle: 23.6 degrees
• Rampover angle: 23.1 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

MG Gloster

MG had its eye on the Toyota Fortuner and their SUV for that job is the Gloster which is exceptional on paper. It is bigger than all of its rivals and comes at a price that is hard to ignore. There is a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine in two states of tune – 161 PS/375Nm and 215 PS/480Nm mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. However, the 4WD system is only offered with the more powerful twin-turbo engine option.

The Gloster comes with a dual helix independent suspension system up front with a 5-link integral unit for the rear. Adding to this are the electro-mechanical locking differential and a  BorgWarner transfer case equipped with a 4×4 system that comes with a real-time on-demand 4×4 system. This also provides various driving modes such as snow, sand, mud, and rock. The Gloster also offers 210mm of ground clearance and a water-wading capacity of 550mm. 

MG Gloster Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/ AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 7
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

MG Gloster 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 550mm
• Approach angle: 28 degrees
• Departure angle: 25 degrees
• Rampover angle: 20 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

Toyota Fortuner

The Toyota Fortuner is one SUV that needs no introduction. The latest Fortuner gets an updated exterior with the proven 2.8-litre diesel engine that puts out  204 PS and 420Nm of twist (500Nm for auto) to all four wheels with the help of a 6-speed manual and an automatic gearbox. 

What makes the Fortuner special is its impeccable chassis that has been around for ages and proven its mettle off-road. The Fortuner is utterly reliable and an absolute powerhouse of an SUV when the going gets slippery. The SUV’s diesel engine has enough torque to pull it out of sticky situations and the full-time 4X4 helps. The electronic drive control has three modes and it also gets an electronic locking differential, 700mm of water wading, and a massive 223mm of ground clearance.

Toyota Fortuner Specifications

• Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
• Transmission: 6-speed MT/ AT
• Fuel Type: Diesel
• Airbags: 7
• Body Type: SUV
• Seating Capacity: 7

Toyota Fortuner 4×4 Features

• Water wading depth: 700mm
• Approach angle: 29 degrees
• Departure angle: 25 degrees
• Rampover angle: 25 degrees
• Differential lock: Yes

4X4 Cars In India Summary

A capable 4X4 is an unstoppable SUV that has the go-anywhere ability. These SUVs can go to war grounds, deserts, and forests, reaching all corners of the earth. Without 4×4 SUVs, things would’ve been different and the world would seriously not be the same. We need 4×4 SUVs more than we know and a capable 4×4 SUV instils courage and gives us the confidence to explore new grounds. Hardcore off-roaders love these SUVs for this reason. Just like how cars are a tool for freedom, these SUVs offer the freedom to get out and drive to that location which is impossible with a normal car.

All the SUVs featured on this list are legitimate 4WD SUVs that are the best in business today. These are available at different prices but what is common in all of these SUVs is their love for slush. The price you pay for these SUVs is for their 4X4 capability and the freedom that it buys. Thanks to modern advancements, most of these SUVs are also docile in nature, and make for a great family SUV when you’re not out plugging mud.