Good cars are getting cheap, and cheap cars are getting good. If you are a wanderlust and paved roads don’t excite you much, and if conquering the unruly terrain is what gets your adrenaline going, here are the top 5 most affordable cars with 4×4 or all-wheel-drivetrain (AWD): –
Mahindra Thar
- Price: Rs 13.53 lakh to Rs 16.03 lakh
Currently the country’s most affordable 4WD option, the Mahindra Thar has been a longstanding favorite of the people. With its new generation, the Thar increased its appeal by being more friendly on normal roads as well instead of just rough terrain. The Mahindra Thar has two engines on offer: a 2.0-liter Stallion turbocharged petrol unit pushing out 150PS and up to 320Nm of torque, and the renowned 2.2-liter mHawk turbocharged diesel engine pushing out 130PS and 300Nm of torque. Both engines are paired with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. It is torquey enough to get the best of every terrain it comes across, making the Thar a top choice.
Also Read: Mahindra Thar Now Dearer By Up To Rs 51,000
Force Gurkha
- Price: Rs 14.49 lakh
The second most affordable 4×4 car and a direct competitor to the Mahindra Thar, the Force Gurkha has also received a generational update very recently. Powered by a 90PS/250Nm 2.6-liter diesel engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission makes the Gurkha a splendid off-roading option. Included in the Gurkha’s kit is a factory-fitted snorkel that will help you plow through those deep waters.
Also Read: 5-Door Force Gurkha Spied Testing For The First Time
Isuzu D-Max V Cross
- Price: Rs 23.49 lakh onwards
The D-Max V-Cross lifestyle pickup truck offered by Isuzu was made to cater to both day-to-day use and also for those occasional off-road moments. The 4×4 system is offered in its top-of-the-line Z variant. Complementing that off-road kit is a 1.9-liter diesel engine outputting 163PS and 360Nm along with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options.
Also Read: Isuzu D-Max V-Cross and mu-X Receive New Infotainment; Prices Increased
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD
- Price: Rs 22.98 lakh onwards
The latest and most sought-after vehicle on our list, the Mahindra XUV700 has won countless accolades ever since its debut, winning the hearts of both consumers and critics alike. The AWD is offered only on the top-of-the-line AX7 variant too with the diesel-automatic combination. It offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and ruggedness. With best-in-segment interiors and ADAS tech, you can be plush while tearing through the rough terrain.
Jeep Compass and Trailhawk
- Price: Rs 27.44 lakh onwards, Trailhawk: Rs 30.97 lakh
Also Read: Jeep Compass Night Eagle Edition Launched At Rs Rs 21.95 Lakh
The Jeep Compass has always been a stellar offering in the premium mid-size SUV segment, and with its ongoing facelift version, it is even more compelling. The Compass, in its top variants, offers you 4×4, rugged build quality, and the powerful 2.0-liter multi-jet turbo-diesel engine that produces 170PS and 350Nm of peak torque, paired to a 9-speed torque converter automatic transmission. If you’re willing to shell out an extra Rs 3 lakh, you can opt for the more rugged Trailhawk variant, which is catered specifically towards off-roading.
