A few years ago, off-roading was not quite as popular as it is today. Earlier there used to be only a handful of cars that offered 4×4 capabilities but with the growth of the country and increasing buyer interest, the automakers in the country have started offering their SUVs all the required 4×4 tech in more affordable variants. The newest release from Maruti Suzuki – the Jimny – is a prime example of this but if you are one of those who are wondering what else is available in the market of affordable 4×4’s then you have stumbled upon the perfect place. So without any further ado here are the most affordable 4×4’s that you can buy in 2023.
Mahindra Thar 4×4
Prior to the launch of the new Thar, the previous generation model did not pique the interest of standard buyers in the country. It only managed to lure in the more niche off-roading enthusiasts. However with the launch of the all-new Thar Mahindra just opened a new chamber of secrets. The immense success of the Thar 4×4 in the nation just took the entire country by storm and because of this the SUV even after being out for so long still has a decent waiting time.
The current-generation Thar 4×4 comes in two variants, the AX, and the LX. Both are offered in either a petrol or a diesel engine: the former an mHawk 1.3 diesel mill and the latter an mStallion 1.5 TGDi petrol powertrain. The mHawk 1.3 is capable of putting out 130hp and 300Nm of torque while the mStallion 1.5 boasts a maximum power output of 150hp and 300Nm of torque. The Thar 4×4 starts from Rs 14 lakhs and goes all the way up to Rs 16 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Suzuki Jimny
The Jimny is the newest 4×4 SUV on this list and it also happens to be the cheapest in the list as well. The brand-new model from the country’s largest carmaker is here to make off-roading more affordable and even before its official launch this SUV has already garnered 15,000 reservations. As of now the company has not announced the price of this SUV although it is expected to start at Rs 12 lakh.
The Jimny is the only vehicle that Indo-Japanese carmaker currently provides the country with a specific off-road system. The SUV is equipped with the Suzuki AllGrip Pro system, which includes 2H, 4H, and 4L low-range transfer gear. Maruti Suzuki hasn’t formally endorsed the low-ratio gearbox’s exact ratio.
Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 4X4
Another Mahindra on this list is the one that has shaken the entire country with its steep demand. Its the Mahindra Scorpio-N. The company offers the Scorpio-N with a dedicated 4×4 system and the best part is, it is not limited to the top spec Z8 variant. Mahindra provides it second to base model the Z4 with the 4×4 system as well. Albeit there are some things that it has not given the 4×4 Z4 that the Z8 it still is capable enough to get the job done. The Scorpio-N Z4 costs around Rs 17.19 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z4 comes with two different engine options: a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.2-liter diesel engine. The Scorpio-N Z4’s diesel engine delivers 175 bhp and 370 Nm of torque, while the SUV’s petrol powerplant can produce a maximum of 203 bhp. For the Z4 version, there are two 6-speed gearbox choices: a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara AWD
Although it may not seem on the outside the Maruti Suzuki’s flagship SUV the Grand Vitara is also one of the country’s more affordable AWD vehicles. The company offers the Grand Vitara with its proprietary AllGrip AWD feature. The Japanese carmaker only offers the AWD in a single Alpha manual trim, costing Rs. 16.89 lakh (ex-showroom).
Maruti Grand Vitara is available with two petrol engine options and the 1.5 litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with mild hybrid system is the one that comes available with the AWD feature. This engine also comes mated with a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is an optional extra. The engine specs which may seem underwhelming on paper, is an outstanding performer on off-road terrains.
Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder AWD
The mechanical twin of the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder AWD is the next off-roader on this list. Like the Grand Vitara the Toyota Hyryder also gets the AWD system in the mid V variant which starts at Rs 7.19 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). This system make sit just as capable as the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Toyota offers the Urban Cruise Hyryder with two petrol engine options. There is a strong hybrid version and a mild hybrid engine. The strong hybrid version of Hyrider uses a 1.5 litre TNGA Atkinson Cycle engine (92 Ps & 122 Nm). This engine is paired with an electric motor (79 Ps & 141 Nm ). The engine along with the electric motor generates combined power of 115 Ps. Toyota Hyryder has a claimed 25 km range in just electric-only mode.
Force Gurkha 4×4
The main rival of the Mahindra Thar, the Force Gurkha is a proper 4×4 SUV and comes with low ratio transfer case. The Force Gurkha has a water wading capacity of 700 mm and can also climb up to 35 degrees slopes. The Gurkha also gets manual locking differentials for both front and rear.
Although unlike the Mahindra Thar – the Force Gurkha is only offered with a diesel engine option. It is powered by a BS6 compliant, 2.6 litre turbocharged diesel engine that generates 91 Ps and 250 Nm of peak torque. This engine is available with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard. This behemoth of an SUV is priced at Rs. 13.59 lakh, ex-showroom.
The post Affordable 4x4s for 2023: Maruti Jimny to Mahindra Scorpio N Z4 first appeared on Cartoq.