Best Off-Road Cars in India in 2022 – Everything You Need To Know

Sheldon Jones

editor

As the Indian summer creeps upon us, we look for things to do or places to go – either to escape the heat or to make the most of whatever holidays we have. While travelling restrictions have been removed, there is one way you can enjoy your summer with your friends and family – off-roading adventures. Exploring new cities, towns, or even tourist destinations can be a lot more fun when you have your favourite people right there beside you, in your favourite vehicle. So, what are the best off-road cars available in India for this year? Let’s find out.

Mahindra Thar

When it comes to off-roading on a budget, no other car does it better than the Mahindra Thar. And while it isn’t considered a cheap vehicle, it is relatively affordable compared to the other cars on this list. Currently, the Thar is powered by either a 2.0L Turbocharged petrol engine that generates 150Ps of power and 300Nm of torque on manual, and 150Ps of power and 320Nm of torque on automatic, or a 2.2L diesel engine that produces 130Ps of power and 300Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Thar comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard but it can be had with a 6-speed automatic transmission as well. Some of the features found on the new Thar include LED DRLs, halogen headlamps, air-conditioning, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, an instrument cluster with a digital MID, cruise control, and steering-mounted controls. For safety, the Thar has ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, parking sensors in the rear, and a seatbelt reminder in the front.

Mahindra Thar New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Thar Used Car Price in Bengaluru

Toyota Fortuner

The Fortuner from Toyota is a powerful SUV option with a plethora of upgraded features and safety elements including an automatic transmission for a superior driving experience. Offering two engine variants, the Toyota Fortuner is definitely a car that is built for long distances on all types of terrain. Under the hood of the Fortuner sits either a 2.7L petrol engine that is capable of generating 166Ps of power and 245Nm of torque or a 2.8L Turbo-diesel unit that produces 204Ps of power and 500Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission system. The Fortuner comes with premium-style features which include an 8-inch/9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 18/20 inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats up front, wireless charging, push-button ignition, kick-to-open powered tailgate, automatic climate control, 360-degree camera, and cruise control. In terms of safety, the Fortuner comes with ABS with EBD, Vehicle Stability Control, 7 airbags, brake assist, and hill assist control.

Toyota Fortuner New Car Price in Popular Cities

Toyota Fortuner Used Car Price in Hyderabad

Mahindra Scorpio

As far as Indian manufacturers go, Mahindra has to be one of the best in the country and when you think of Mahindra, the Scorpio SUV has to be the first name that comes to mind. The Scorpio has always been a vital part of Mahindra’s success and will continue to do so thanks to the 2.2L diesel engine that generates either 120Ps of power with 280Nm of torque or 140Ps of power with 319Nm of torque. In terms of transmission, the Scorpio can be had with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed manual gearbox depending on the variant. For features, the Mahindra Scorpio brings cruise control, automatic air-conditioning, and a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth connectivity, LED headlamps with LED DRLs, and AUX audio connectivity setup. The Mahindra Scorpio also has a lot of safety features including parking sensors in the back, dual airbags in front, ABS with EBD, brake assist, speed alert, and hill assist control.

Mahindra Scorpio New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Scorpio Used Car Price in New Delhi

Mahindra Bolero

With rugged looks and extremely durable building materials, the Mahindra Bolero is capable of taking on practically anything the Indian road has to throw at it. The powerful and rugged vehicle is powered by a new BSVI-compliant 1.5L diesel engine that is capable of producing up to 75Ps of power and 210Nm of torque. Mated to the diesel motor is a 5-speed manual transmission system that also features 2-Wheel-Drive for better control. The latest Mahindra Bolero comes with upgraded features including a new digital instrument cluster, keyless entry, AUX, and Bluetooth-enabled audio connectivity, power steering, and manual air-conditioning. With an off-road vehicle like the Mahindra Bolero, safety is extremely important, and here too we get everything from ABS with EBD to dual airbags in front. The Bolero also comes with parking sensors and a speed alert for better security and safety. The Mahindra Bolero has already got people preparing their RC transfer papers and is continuing to gain popularity as the months go on.

Mahindra Bolero New Car Price in Popular Cities

Mahindra Bolero Used Car Price in Mumbai

Land Rover Range Rover

If you are looking for a bit of premium quality to add to your off-road expedition, the Land Rover Range Rover has to be one of the best options you can choose. The Range Rover is the iconic Land Rover car that delivers on style, performance, and durability. With stunning looks and a performance that can match up to anything you throw at it, the Range Rover is one of the best SUVs in the world. Under the hood of the Range Rover sits either a 3.0L Inline-Six petrol engine that generates 400Ps of power and 550Nm of torque or a 3.0L Inline-Six diesel engine that produces 351Ps of power and 700Nm of torque. There is also a 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 petrol engine option reserved for the flagship variant which generates 530Ps of power and 750Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Range Rover comes with an 8-speed automatic gearbox for both engines as well as 4-Wheel-Drive. Inside the Range Rover, there are a number of features that include a 13.1-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system and a 13.7-inch digital driver’s display. Some of the other features include a Meridian Surround Sound system, cooling/heating front seats, 360-degree camera, and Electronic Air Suspension. The Range Rover also carries a number of safety features that include seven airbags, hill launch assist, dynamic stability control, ABS with EBD, and hill descent control.

Land Rover Range Rover New Car Price in Popular Cities

Land Rover Range Rover Used Car Price in Pune

MG Hector

Definitely considered one of the most premium SUVs in the Indian market, the MG Hector stands out for all the right reasons. The car boasts all the latest features and equipment and also comes with the most powerful specifications in the segment. Under the hood of the Hector sits either a 1.5L Turbo-petrol engine that produces 143Ps of power and 250Nm of torque or a 2.0L diesel engine that generates 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. The 1.5L turbo-petrol engine is also available with a 48V mild-hybrid setup which comes mated to an 8-speed CVT gearbox while the regular turbo-petrol engine can be had with either a 6-speed manual, 6-speed DCT, or an 8-speed CVT transmission. The diesel engine is only paired with a 6-speed manual transmission system. In the features department, the Hector comes with a plethora of new options including 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, wireless charger, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming IRVMs, Hinglish commands for the connected car technology, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Infinity audio system, a panoramic sunroof, cruise control, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, and powered driver seat. For safety, the Hector brings 6 airbags, parking sensors in the front and rear, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, and electronic stability control.

MG Hector New Car Price in Popular Cities

MG Hector Used Car Prices in Bengaluru

Tata Safari

When it comes to off-road vehicles, there is a lot on offer from the Tata Safari – one of the most iconic SUVs in the country. From the time it was first launched till today, the Safari has always delivered one of the best driving experiences for anyone interested in large and powerful cars. The new Safari can be had as a 6-seater as well as a 7-seater. Giving the Safari its power is a 2.0L diesel engine that is capable of generating 170Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. This is the same engine found on the Tata Harrier – another best-seller from the brand. In the transmission department, the Tata Safari comes with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. Apart from this engine option, Tata is expected to launch a 1.5L Turbo-petrol variant along with All-Wheel-Drive capabilities sometime in the near future. In terms of features, the Safari comes with a plethora of updated options including an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with iRA connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a panoramic sunroof, a 9-speaker JBL audio set up, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning with 2^nd and 3^rd seat vents, ambient lighting, and premium leatherette upholstery. The Safari also comes with new safety features including disc brakes for all four wheels, 6 airbags, corner stability control, electronic parking brake, and rollover mitigation.

Tata Safari New Car Price in Popular Cities

Tata Safari Used Car Prices in Kolkata

Hyundai Alcazar

The Hyundai Alcazar is one of the best examples of an off-road vehicle that delivers on both performance and comfort. The car is available as a 6-seater as well as a 7-seater and is perfect for large families or for friends who enjoy going on adventures together. The Alcazar is powered by either a 2.0L petrol engine that produces 159Ps of power and 191Nm of torque or a 1.5L diesel engine that generates 115Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. In the transmission department, the Alcazar is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Alcazar also comes with all the latest features including a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a 10.25-inch touchscreen instrument cluster, wireless charging, ventilated seats in the front, a voice-controlled panoramic sunroof, cruise control, automatic climate control, BlueLink connected car technology, and a 360-degree camera. Hyundai has always made safety a big part of its production and the Alcazar is fitted with up to 6 airbags, parking sensors in the front and rear, ABS with EBD, and Electronic Stability Control.

Hyundai Alcazar New Car Price in Popular Cities

Hyundai Alcazar Used Car Prices in Chennai

Jeep Compass

With a slightly higher budget, the Jeep Compass comes in as an excellent option in the SUV market. Under the hood of the Compass sits a 1.4L Turbo-petrol engine that produces 163Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. Paired to this engine is either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission. The other engine option for the Compass is a 2.0L diesel unit that generates 172Ps of power and 350Nm of torque. Mated to the diesel engine is also a 6-speed manual, but Jeep includes a 9-speed automatic gearbox for this variant as well. In terms of features, the Compass comes with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, FCA’s UConnect 5 and connected car technology, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, powered tailgate, automatic air-conditioning, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a 360-degree camera, and Electronic Parking Brake. Jeep also includes a number of safety features such as Electronic Stability Control, hill assist, 6 airbags, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, rollover mitigation, panic brake assist, and ABS with EBD.

Jeep Compass New Car Price in Popular Cities

Jeep Compass Used Car Price in Hyderabad

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross

Even though the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross isn’t designed to look like a typical off-road vehicle, it has the performance that can match up to any vehicle in its category. Under the hood of the new S-Cross sits a new 1.5L petrol engine that produces 105Ps of power and 138Nm of torque. The new petrol engine is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The Mild-Hybrid engine is paired with either a manual or an automatic transmission. Some of the features offered by Maruti on the S-Cross are rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED projector headlamps, cruise control, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Maruti Suzuki has also included a long list of safety features for the S-Cross, including dual airbags in the front, parking sensors in the rear, and ABS with EBD.

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross New Car Price in Popular Cities

Maruti Suzuki S-Cross Used Car Prices in New Delhi

Lamborghini Urus

If you’re looking to bring a lot of luxury to your next off-road expedition, the Lamborghini Urus is the only way to do it. The Urus is powered by a 4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8 petrol engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. With so much power on show, the Urus can reach 100kmph in just 3.6 seconds from a complete standstill. Clocking in at a maximum speed of 305kmph, the Urus is quicker than most SUVs available on the market. With a 75-litre fuel tank, this car offers a mileage of 8.0kmpl at a 3996cc displacement. Although the Urus is technically an SUV, the design of the car has “sports car” written all over it. The front of the car features a large grille with air dams built into it while the sleek LED headlamps are reminiscent of what other Lamborghini models have to offer. Even the rear of the car looks familiar with the sporty bumper and sleek taillights that give the car a recognizable design. On the inside, the Urus houses an all-digital dashboard with touchscreens for the control panel and infotainment system along with plush leather seats and a flat-bottom leather-encased steering wheel.

Lamborghini Urus New Car Price in Popular Cities

Force Gurkha

Force launched the Gurkha SUV recently after it was initially showcased back in 2020 at the Auto Expo. While the pandemic pushed back the launch date, nothing has changed about the car itself from what we learned about it previously. The Gurkha is fitted with a 2.6L diesel engine that generates 90Ps of power and 250Nm of torque. Paired to the engine is a 5-speed manual gearbox and features an All-Wheel Drivetrain. In terms of features, the Gurkha comes with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, manual air-conditioning, power windows in the front, a premium sound system, and LED headlights and taillights. The Force Gurkha also comes with a plethora of safety features including ABS with EBD, dual airbags in the front, parking sensors in the rear, and seatbelt warning.

Force Gurkha New Car Price in Popular Cities

Force Gurkha Used Car Prices in Chennai

MG Gloster

When it comes to delivering powerful SUVs with state-of-the-art technology, MG is a company that stands out for all the right reasons. The Gloster has been making headlines for quite some time now but it is finally ready for the Indian market. Under the hood of the Gloster, MG has included a 2.0L Turbo-diesel engine that produces 163Ps of power and 375Nm of torque. The SUV can also be had with a 2.0L Twin Turbo-Diesel engine that generates 218Ps of power and 480Nm of torque. Both the diesel engines will be mated to 8-speed automatic transmission setups with 4-Wheel-Drive capabilities available on the Twin Turbo engine and Rear-Wheel-Drive on the Turbo-diesel motor. As mentioned earlier, MG always includes some of the best technology in their cars and the Gloster gets a handful of that as well with a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, parking sensors, Google Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay connectivity, six airbags, and ABS with EBD.

MG Gloster New Car Price in Popular Cities

MG Gloster Used Car Prices in Pune

Are you looking forward to taking your next road trip? Which is your favourite off-road vehicle from the list mentioned here? The cars listed here are the best in the country when it comes to off-roading and delivers excellent and safe driving experiences no matter what the terrain. If you think we missed out on some cars, feel free to let us know.

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