Diverse kinds of terrains in India surely promise adventure to us at any time, especially if you are someone who loves the wild. So, if you are an auto-enthusiast who loves to venture off the tarmac, you might be looking for a capable vehicle with a 4×4 drivetrain that will fit your needs perfectly in both off-roading and in-city drives.
Well, if you have Rs 30 lakhs to spare, we have shortlisted all the contenders offering a 4-wheel-drive option that you can look at in this price range.
Mahindra Thar Roxx
The Mahindra Thar Roxx, arguably the most popular launch in 2024, brings the perfect balance to your experience on and off the road. Yes, it does get a 4×4 drivetrain, but only in the diesel variants. The car gets a 2.2-litre diesel engine that develops 152 PS / 330 Nm with the manual transmission and 175 PS / 370 Nm with the automatic transmission. It can be had with either the 6-speed manual transmission or the 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Four-wheeling capabilities:
It boasts Crawlsmart (in which it can crawl out of minor sticky situations on its own), Intelliturn (lock the inner rear wheel for a tighter turning radius), and an electronic locking rear differential. It further flaunts some impressive stats, such as 41.7-degree approach angle, 36.1-degree departure angle, and 23.9-degree ramp over angle. The water wading depth is 650 mm.
It’s packed to the brim with features like a dual 10.25-inch for infotainment and the instrument cluster, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system, and ventilated front seats. Safety-wise, there’s a 360-degree camera, 6 airbags as standard, hill-descent control, front and rear parking sensors, and ADAS.
Mahindra Thar
Not like the Mahindra Thar Roxx, the 4×4 versions aren’t limited to the diesel versions of the 3-door Thar. Along with the 132 PS/300 Nm 2.2-litre diesels, you also get the four-wheel drive hardware with the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine that churns out 150 PS/320 Nm.
The Thar shares a similar wading ability of 650 mm with its bigger brother and also comes with the same 41.2-degree approach angle, same 36-degree departure angle, and the same 26.2-degree ramp-over angle. It also comes with a brake-locking differential and an optional mechanical locking differential.
It is full of niceties like a 77-inch touchscreen entertainment system off-road stats, Android auto and Apple car play, cruise control, manual air conditioner, and roof-mounted speakers. As far as safety is concerned, it comes with dual airbags, TPMS, electronic stability control, and a roll cage.
Mahindra Scorpio N
The Scorpio N is arguably one of Mahindra’s most iconic nameplates, and very aptly, it’s an SUV that takes off-roading like a pro. This 7-seater SUV is in every right a contender if you are looking for a comfortable ride that does justice to your family and takes you places too. The four-wheel drivetrain option comes with a 2.2-liter diesel motor and puts out 175 PS and 400 Nm. A 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque converter automatic come mated to it.
Maruti Jimny
The Maruti Jimny is a compact off-roader and also one of the most affordable vehicles in India offering a 4×4 drivetrain. It comes with a (105 PS / 134 Nm) 1.5-litre petrol engine. In transmission, you get a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic low-range gearbox.
It also gets brake limited slip differential in its off-roading hardware. The tiny size makes it perfect not only to navigate in bumper-to-bumper traffic but also narrow off-road trails with obstacles.