Ever since the Mahindra Thar debuted in India in its second generation avatar, the off-roading and overlanding bug has bitten a lot of people. Correspondingly, 4×4 SUV sales have definitely moved north. To capitalize on this new interest of the Indian audience, brands are introducing new models in this segment. Following the launch of the Thar we saw the highly refreshed Force Gurkha, followed by other 4×4 SUV launches, including the newest kid on the block – the Maruti Suzuki Jimny. But if your budget is tight, here is a list of the top 5 cheapest 4×4 SUVs that you can buy in India.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny – Zeta MT
The entry-spec variant of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny – the Zeta MT, is the cheapest 4×4 SUV in the country with an ex-showroom price of Rs 13.74 lakh. It is offered with a 1.5L NA petrol engine that belts out 105 Hp and 134 Nm, paired with either a 5-speed MT or a 4-speed AT. The Zeta trim is offered with 7-inch touchscreen infotainment unit, power windows, center locking and more
Mahindra Thar – AX(O) Petrol
The most affordable trim of Mahindra Thar with 4X4 drivetrain is AX(O) Petrol, priced at Rs 13.87 Lakh, ex-showroom. The 3-row offroader comes with a powerful 2.0L turbo-petrol engine that pushes out 150 PS against 300 Nm of maximum torque. Yes, AX(O) trim is also available with 2.2L Oil Burner, priced at Rs.14.49 Lakh. The Thar AX(O) lacks any sort of infotainment unit.
Force Gurkha
The Force Gurkha is available in a single trim, priced at Rs 14.75 lakh, ex-showroom. The Gurkha is on sale with a 2.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine, which is tuned to produce a peak power output of 91 Hp and peak torque of 250 Nm. The SUV gets a 5-speed manual gearbox, and gets locking front and rear differentials. Unlike the Jimny, it uses an independent suspension setup at the front and a solid axle at the rear.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara – Alpha AllGrip
With the AllGrip AWD system, the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara is on sale at an ex-showroom price of Rs 16.91 lakh, exclusively in the Alpha variant. Maruti Suzuki is offering the Grand Vitara in AWD in only one trim, and it is powered by a 1.5L NA petrol engine. A 5-speed manual gearbox has been used in it.
Mahindra Scorpio N – Z4 E
Mahindra Scorpio-N is on sale with both 4×4 and 4×2 configurations. While the 4×2 drivetrain can be had in any variant, the 4×4 setup is offered in select variants. The most affordable is the Z4 E, priced at Rs 17.69 lakh, ex-showroom. The SUV is powered by a 2.2L 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine and gets a 6-speed manual gearbox.