The Indian automotive landscape has fallen head over heels for a specific breed of vehicle: the purpose-built, lifestyle off-roader. Gone are the days when 4x4s were just utilitarian workhorses. Today, they are symbols of freedom, adventure, and raw capability. At the epicentre of this movement are three formidable contenders, each with a unique philosophy: the crowd-favourite Mahindra Thar, the nimble Maruti Suzuki Jimny, and the hardcore Force Gurkha.
As we look towards 2025, with anticipated updates like the much-awaited 5-door Thar, the battle for off-road supremacy is only getting hotter. So, if you're an adventurer with your sights set on a new 4x4, which of these mountain-tamers deserves your hard-earned money? Let's break it down.
The Contenders: A Quick Introduction
Round 1: Design and Road Presence
Mahindra Thar: The Thar is a head-turner, period. Its wide stance, muscular wheel arches, and classic round headlamps give it an immense road presence that few vehicles can match. It screams "lifestyle" and is as comfortable parked outside a fancy café as it is caked in mud. The availability of a convertible top adds a unique flair.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The Jimny is quirky, charming, and functional. Its boxy, retro design is honest and endearing. While it doesn't have the Thar's intimidating presence, its compact dimensions make it incredibly approachable and a breeze to navigate through tight city traffic and even tighter trails.
Force Gurkha: The Gurkha looks like it's on a mission. Its tall, boxy, and utilitarian design is dominated by its factory-fitted snorkel, which proudly announces its water-wading intentions. It’s imposing and rugged, caring less about style and more about function. It's a tool, and it looks the part.
Round 2: Engine and Performance
Mahindra Thar: The Thar offers the power of choice. You get a potent 2.0L turbo-petrol engine for thrilling performance and a torquey 2.2L diesel for effortless cruising and crawling. Both are available with manual and automatic transmissions, making the #MahindraThar the most versatile performer on the highway.
Maruti Suzuki Jimny: The Jimny sticks to a single, proven 1.5L naturally-aspirated petrol engine. On paper, its power figures are modest. However, its secret weapon is its low kerb weight. The engine feels peppy enough for city duties and is highly reliable and fuel-efficient, a classic Maruti trait. It’s not a speed demon, but it’s perfectly adequate.
Force Gurkha: The Gurkha is powered by a 2.6L Mercedes-derived diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual. This engine isn't built for speed; it's built for grunt. It delivers a massive wave of low-end torque, which is exactly what you need for crawling over obstacles at a snail's pace. It’s a workhorse, through and through.
Round 3: The Core Battleground – Off-Road Prowess
This is where these SUVs truly show their colours. All three come with a proper 4x4 system with a low-range transfer case.
Thar: The Thar is immensely capable out of the box. It boasts excellent approach and departure angles, good ground clearance, and a brake-locking differential that effectively mimics a mechanical locker in many situations. It will conquer 95% of the trails you throw at it with ease. The upcoming 5-door version will have a longer wheelbase, potentially impacting its breakover angle slightly but improving stability.
Jimny: The #MarutiJimny's superpower is its lightweight and compact nature. It can squeeze through gaps where the other two can't and its light footing means it "floats" over surfaces where heavier vehicles might dig in. Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro 4x4 system is incredibly effective, and its solid axles allow for fantastic wheel articulation. It’s a nimble goat that can climb almost anything.
Gurkha: This is the undisputed champion of hardcore off-roading. The #ForceGurkha is the only vehicle in this trio to offer manually locking front and rear differentials as standard. This is a game-changer. When the going gets truly extreme, being able to lock the wheels on both axles provides traction that is simply unbeatable. Combined with its factory snorkel for deep water wading and robust build, the Gurkha is built for the most brutal terrain, straight from the showroom. #4x4India
Round 4: On-Road Comfort and Practicality
Thar: The Thar offers the most car-like experience. Its cabin is modern, with features like a touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, and better ergonomics. Its ride is the most settled on the tarmac, making it a viable long-distance tourer. The arrival of the Thar 5-door in 2025 will be its final evolution into a true family adventure vehicle.
Jimny: The 5-door layout makes the Jimny surprisingly practical. Getting in and out of the rear is easy, and it can function as a small family's primary car. The ride is a bit bouncy due to its off-road-focused suspension, but it's the easiest of the three to park and live with in an urban environment.
Gurkha: Comfort is the Gurkha's weakest link. The interior is spartan and utilitarian, and the ride is stiff and truck-like. While the 5-door version adds space, its fundamental character remains that of a purpose-built tool. It's not designed to be a comfortable daily driver.
The 2025 Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
There is no single "best" SUV here; there is only the "best for you."
Buy the Mahindra Thar if: You want the ultimate all-rounder. You desire powerful performance, modern features, and immense road presence, backed by serious off-road credibility. It's the perfect blend of a daily driver and a weekend warrior. The 2025 5-door model will make it the default choice for adventurous families.
Buy the Maruti Suzuki Jimny if: Your adventures involve tight trails, and you value efficiency and reliability. You need a 4x4 that doubles as a practical, easy-to-drive city car. The Jimny is a giant-slayer in a compact package, offering incredible capability without the bulk.
Buy the Force Gurkha if: Your only priority is conquering the most extreme off-road terrain imaginable. You are a purist who values mechanical hardware (like locking differentials) above all else and sees creature comforts as secondary. The Gurkha is not a vehicle; it's a specialised piece of equipment for the serious explorer.
Ultimately, the choice between the Thar, Jimny, and Gurkha is a reflection of your adventurous spirit. Whether you choose the popular icon, the nimble challenger, or the hardcore purist, you're guaranteed a ticket to places inaccessible to most
