Best 4×4 Cars in India 2024 - Price, Mileage, Specifications

There has been a fast growing demand for 4x4-equipped cars in India. A reason for this is the diverse terrain found in the country and the interest possessed by many to explore off the beaten tarmac. Unfortunately, however, there are not many 4WD-equipped vehicles available in the country. Still, our list of Best 4x4 cars in India tells you about the most capable off-roaders across various segments. 

1. Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is an SUV that is clearly meant for off-roading. Right from its robust exterior to the highly capable off-road gear–there’s just enough to satisfy the cravings of even the most enthusiastic off-roaders. In its second generation now, the Thar comes with a 2.2-litre diesel engine that belts out 130 PS and 300 Nm. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic unit. 4x4 with differential locks is offered as standard fitment. The SUV is priced from ₹13.59-16.29 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Thar Cars in India.

2. Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha is as capable as the Mahindra Thar and then some! Also, like the Thar, the Gurkha is in its second generation now and has got only more capable. The SUV features a 2.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a maximum power of over 89 bhp and a peak torque of 250 Nm. In terms of aesthetics, the mini G-Wagon looks will certainly impress the purists. Plus, the high ground clearance and the 4x4 gear with front and rear differential locks make it invincible off the road. On sale at an ex-showroom price of ₹14.75 lakh, this is easily among the best 4x4 cars in India that reasonable money can buy.

3. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

Isuzu has always been a brand that sells cars that know how to perform and the D-Max V-Cross is definitely their finest example. Now available in an updated avatar, the rugged pickup truck is on sale with a 1.9-litre turbocharged diesel that outputs a healthy 160.62 bhp and 360 Nm. What’s even better is that the 6-speed automatic gearbox makes life behind the wheel a tad more convenient. Prices of this off–roader start at ₹23 lakh onwards (ex-showroom).

4. Toyota Fortuner

Think SUV and chances are that the vehicle that will come to your mind would be a Toyota Fortuner. The premium SUV is available with both a petrol and diesel engine option. However, it’s only the latter that gets an optional 4x4 system. Powering the diesel-sipping SUV is a 2.8-litre turbo motor that generates a maximum of 175 bhp and 420Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic unit. While the Fortuner is not a hard-core off-roader, it’s certainly among the best 4x4 vehicles if you want to travel off the road in reasonable luxury. 

Check out our collection of Used Toyota Fortuner Cars in India.

5. Jeep Compass

In case you don’t want to spend on a Toyota Fortuner, the Jeep Compass becomes an obvious choice for anyone looking for a capable SUV that is even sufficiently premium. Like the Fortuner, the Compass is available with a diesel as well as a petrol motor. However, only the former gets a 4x4 option. Powering the diesel Compass is a 2.0-litre unit that generates 167.67 bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. Mated to the diesel engine is a 6-speed manual transmission as standard and a 6-speed auto unit as optional. However, if you select the top-spec Trailhawk variant, there’s a 9-speed automatic gearbox on offer. Available at a starting price of ₹21.09 lakh (ex-showroom), the Compass surely deserves a spot on our list of best 4x4 cars in India. 

Check out our collection of Used Jeep Compass Cars in India.

6. Jeep Meridian

In essence, the Jeep Meridian is nothing but a Compass with a few extra seats. However, it makes terrific sense as a Toyota Fortuner alternative due to its strong performance, good off-roading capabilities and a premium interior. It’s even almost as powerful with 170 bhp on tap. However, like the Fortuner, 4x4 is an optional extra on some higher trims. Also, unlike the Compass, there is a dedicated off-road version in the form of a Trailhawk variant. Still, though, the robust 4x4 hardware coupled with the high ground clearance makes this SUV highly capable off the road. Prices start at ₹29.90 lakh (ex-showroom).

7. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is not only among the best 4x4 cars in India but it’s even among the best 4x4 vehicles in the world! Under the hood of the stylish off-roader is a 2.0-litre Turbo-petrol engine that produces 265 bhp of power and 400 Nm of torque. Mated to the engine is an 8-speed Torque Converter Automatic gearbox. Priced at ₹57.85-61.85 lakh (ex-showroom), the Wrangler is expensive but it impresses with its off-road pedigree, feature-laden cabin, powerful engine and a great street presence. 

8. Mahindra Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N is nothing but the third generation of one of the most successful SUVs ever sold in India. Like its predecessor, the latest Scorpio is available with petrol and diesel engines, with the latter being on sale with an optional 4-Wheel Drive system on select variants. However, with terrain response modes and low ratio, the Scorpio N becomes one of the best 4x4 vehicles in its segment. THe diesel version of this SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre turbo unit that offers over 172 bhp and 400 Nm. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual as well as a 6-speed automatic unit. Prices start as low as ₹11.99 lakh (ex-showroom). 

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Scorpio Cars in India.

9. Mahindra XUV700

Yet another new-age Mahindra SUV that makes it to this list is the XUV700. Launched last year, the XUV700 is the successor to the XUV500. Akin to the Scorpio N, it’s available with two engine options - 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that produces 200 bhp and 380 Nm, and a 2.2-litre  diesel motor that offers 182.38 bhp and 450Nm. The latter even offers an optional All Wheel Drive system. While not a true-blue off-roader, the XUV700 is definitely sufficiently capable off the road while being quite luxurious. The icing on the cake is the attractive pricing of ₹13.45-24.95 (ex-showroom). At this price, the Mahindra XUV700 becomes a great value for money proposition. 

10. MG Gloster

MG Gloster is a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado-sized SUV that is more affordable than a Toyota Fortuner! But that’s not the only reason you should buy one. The Gloster is macho, comes with a powerful diesel engine and even offers a highly capable 4x4 hardware. Powering this mammoth SUV is a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel unit that offers 212.55 bhp and 478.5 Nm. The engine comes mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while 4x4 is being provided on the higher trims. The Gloster is a handsome SUV that is not just well priced but even offers decent off-road capability and a feature-laden cabin. No surprise, then, that it makes it to our list of best 4x4 vehicles in India. 

Check out our collection of used MG cars in India.

11. Hyundai Tucson

In its third generation now, the Hyundai Tucson is a Jeep Compass-rival which, like its arch rival, gets petrol as well as diesel engine options. It’s the latter that even offers an optional AWD system. While this makes it a tad less capable off road than the Jeep Compass, what makes it a winner is the more premium cabin, high-tech features like Level 2 ADAS and a powerful diesel motor. Speaking of the oil-burner on offer, the turbocharged unit displaces 2.0-litre and pumps out 183.72 bhp along with 416 Nm. The motor comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic unit. Prices of the highly modern and capable SUV start from ₹27.70 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). 

12. Land Rover Defender

Like the Jeep Wrangler, the Land Rover Defender is an iconic off-roader that’s among the best 4x4 cars world over. Powering the latest-gen Defender is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 296.3 bhp along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. The motor comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission that can send power to all four wheels through a highly capable 4x4 system. Priced at ₹80.72-219 lakh (ex-showroom) apiece, the Defender doesn’t come cheap. However, it’s among the only few 4x4 cars that offers a perfect blend of luxury and off-road capability. 

13. Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace

Available in a single variant priced at ₹33.50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Volkswagen Tiguan is a powerful and a premium SUV that offers a strong performance both on and off the road. It’s powered by the VW Group’s excellent 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that comes mated to a modern 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The motor pumps out a maximum power of 187.74 bhp and a peak torque of 320 Nm. Compared to the Tiguan sold earlier, the AllSpace variant even offers three rows of seats. Moreover, it comes with all the bells and whistles of its predecessor along with offering decent off-road capability through a robust AWD system. 

Check out our collection of Used Volkswagen Tiguan Cars in India.

14. Toyota Hilux

Well, the Isuzu V-Cross is not the only pickup on our list of best 4x4 cars in India. The Toyota Hilux is definitely costlier but it’s even more capable. The world class pickup truck shares its underpinnings with the Fortuner, which means it gets the same 2.8-litre diesel unit available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options. The motor goes on to output a maximum power of 204 bhp and a peak torque of 420 Nm with the manual gearbox. The torque output is bumped up to a massive 500 Nm if you opt for the automatic unit. Prices start at ₹33.99 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), but the Hilux is definitely the most capable 4x4 pickup you can buy in India.  

15. Skoda Kodiaq

The last model on our list of best 4x4 cars in India is the Skoda Kodiaq. Basically, the Kodiaq is the mechanical twin of the Taigun. What this means is that it gets exactly the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The motor offers a maximum power of 183.74 bhp along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. The motor comes mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Enhancing the driving dynamics of this premium SUV is its  Progressive Steering that can offer optimized driving based on the terrain conditions and vehicle speed. Prices start at ₹37.49 lakh onwards (ex-showroom). 

So, this was our list of best 4x4 cars in India. The models mentioned here have been handpicked from various segments and the data here should help you find the best 4x4 vehicle based on your exact requirements and budget. It’s important to mention here that all the cars here have proved their mettle in off-road situations, which means all of them pretty much make for a perfect choice for any type of off-road driving.

FAQs

What does a 4×4 car mean?

4x4, as is indicative from its name, is a system in a car that enables the engine to power all four wheels. It’s also called 4WD or 4-by-4 and is usually available on SUVs. 

Which is the best 4×4 in India?

With budget being no bar, the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender are the best 4x4 cars in India. Meanwhile, the Force Gurkha and the Mahindra Thar are the best 4x4 vehicles in the mainstream market.

Is 4×4 necessary for off-road?

As going off-road warrants maximum traction, a 4x4 system is necessary to go off-road. While one might still manage to do mild off-roading in a two wheel drive car with a high ground clearance, even a slightly tough terrain condition will prove to be more challenging. Hence, it’s always advisable to go off-road only in a 4x4-equipped model.

Can an all wheel drive (AWD) go off-road?

Yes, an all-wheel drive (AWD) car can go off-road. However, it’s not as capable as a 4x4 model, which means it might not manage to tackle tricky situations where a low transfer case is a pre-requisite.

Which 4-wheel drive car returns the highest mileage?

The highest mileage 4-wheel drive car in India is the Mahindra XUV700. It is capable of returning up to 17 kmpl and 22 kmpl in city and highway driving, respectively.

Which is the cheapest 4WD car in India?

Currently, the cheapest 4WD car in India is the Mahindra Scorpio N. Priced at ₹16.44 lakh (ex-showroom), the 4x4-equipped Z4 diesel variant of this SUV is the most affordable 4x4 you can buy in India.