When we talk about rugged SUVs in India, two names instantly pop up — Force Motors Gurkha and Mahindra Thar. Both of these vehicles carry a legendary status among adventure seekers, off-road enthusiasts, and city buyers who want a muscular, road-dominating presence.
But here’s the million-rupee question in 2025: Should you buy the Force Gurkha or the Mahindra Thar?
Let’s break it down in detail — from price and features to comfort and hardcore off-roading ability — so you can make the smartest choice before investing your money.
The Force Gurkha has always stood apart from the crowd. It doesn’t try to be a stylish, lifestyle SUV. Instead, it sticks to its roots as a true off-road machine designed for extreme adventures.
Engine: 2.6L Mercedes-derived diesel engine
Power Output: ~91 hp and 250 Nm torque
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
Drive Type: 4x4 with low-range transfer case
Ground Clearance: 205 mm
Water Wading Capacity: 700 mm (best in class)
Design Language: Military-style boxy SUV with factory-fitted snorkel
Factory snorkel makes it ready for deep water crossings.
Built like a tank for mountain roads, rocky terrains, and riverbeds.
Simple, old-school SUV charm with extreme durability.
👉 Who should buy it? — Hardcore off-roaders, explorers, and people who prioritize adventure over luxury.
The Mahindra Thar is not just an SUV — it’s a style statement. Over the years, it has transformed from a barebones off-roader into a feature-loaded, lifestyle-friendly SUV that appeals to both adventurers and city dwellers.
Engine Options:
2.0L mStallion Petrol (150 hp, 300 Nm)
2.2L mHawk Diesel (130 hp, 320 Nm)
Transmission: 6-speed manual & 6-speed automatic
Drive Type: Available in RWD and 4x4
Ground Clearance: 226 mm
Water Wading Capacity: 650 mm
Design Language: Modern rugged SUV, convertible roof options, 18-inch alloy wheels
Dual-purpose: works as a city SUV and an off-road beast.
Premium interiors with touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and safety features.
Multiple roof options — hard-top, soft-top, and convertible.
Huge resale value and nationwide service support.
👉 Who should buy it? — Young professionals, city drivers who want comfort plus off-road ability, and lifestyle buyers who want attention on the road.
Feature | Force Gurkha | Mahindra Thar |
---|---|---|
Engine Options | 2.6L Diesel | 2.0L Petrol & 2.2L Diesel |
Power Output | 91 hp | 130–150 hp |
Transmission | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual & automatic |
4x4 Capability | Standard with snorkel | Available in select variants |
Interior Comfort | Basic, rugged | Premium with touchscreen, airbags, etc. |
Water Wading | 700 mm | 650 mm |
Ground Clearance | 205 mm | 226 mm |
On-Road Price (Approx.) | ₹16–18 lakh | ₹11–17 lakh |
Best For | Pure off-road explorers | Lifestyle + off-road enthusiasts |
Force Gurkha: Performs exceptionally well in mountainous terrain, riverbeds, and forests. It’s built for people who push their vehicles to the limits. But it lacks modern creature comforts, which might be a dealbreaker for city usage.
Mahindra Thar: Offers the best of both worlds. It’s equally good for highway drives, city traffic, and adventure trails. The higher power output makes it better for long-distance drives compared to the Gurkha.
Mahindra Thar: ₹11 lakh – ₹17 lakh (depending on variant, petrol/diesel, RWD/4x4)
Force Gurkha: ₹16 lakh – ₹18 lakh (only diesel, 4x4 standard)
👉 If you want budget flexibility and feature-rich options, the Thar wins. If you want a single hardcore machine, the Gurkha justifies its price.
✅ Choose the Force Gurkha if you are a hardcore off-roading enthusiast who values strength, endurance, and extreme capabilities over luxury. It’s not a city SUV — it’s a survival machine.
✅ Choose the Mahindra Thar if you want a modern SUV with comfort, resale value, and style that you can use every day in the city and still take for weekend adventures.
🏆 Winner: Mahindra Thar (for all-round usage)
💪 Specialist Hero: Force Gurkha (for extreme off-roaders)
The SUV market in India is growing at lightning speed. Lifestyle SUVs like the Thar attract young professionals and urban families, while rugged options like the Gurkha keep the spirit of hardcore off-roading alive. This rivalry ensures that Indian buyers get more powerful, feature-packed, and safer SUVs every year.
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