Best 4×4 cars in India 2024 - Price, mileage, specifications

Let’s be honest though — not everyone really needs a 4x4 car. Until they do, that is. A 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle sends power to all four wheels, which is useful for rough terrain, and unpredictable road conditions. There are just more situations a 4x4 can get you out of, versus 2WD (two-wheel drive) vehicles, such as FWD (front-wheel drive) cars or RWD (rear-wheel drive) cars. 

The advantages of a 4x4 vehicle versus a two-wheel drive vehicle are improved traction off-road, on varied surfaces including mud, snow and slippery terrain. Not to mention that most 4x4 vehicles also offer improved ground clearance, a more commanding view of the road, and are equipped with tyres designed to grip slippery surfaces better. This is especially useful in the monsoons when many parts of the country experience significant waterlogging. 

Currently, your options of 4x4 cars in India is a relatively short list. The functionality of 4x4 is only on offer in the SUV body style with a ladder-frame chassis, except for one luxury SUV. The price range on 4x4 off-road cars in India is quite wide, going from the cheapest 4x4 SUV you can buy in India, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny, starting at Rs 12.74 lakh (ex-showroom), to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class starting at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom). 

If you’re looking for the best 4x4 vehicles in India, here are your options including price, specifications, and off-road features to help you make an informed decision. Think you would like in-depth discussions, updates and more on 4x4 cars in India? Don’t forget to join the official CARS24 auto community, Clutch. 

List of best 4x4 models In India

Maruti Suzuki Jimny | Rs 12.74 lakh - Rs 15.05 lakh

The Maruti Jimny picks up where the Gypsy left off, as a fun, affordable 4x4. In fact, given its starting price, the Jimny is the cheapest 4x4 you can buy in India currently. That’s even before you factor in the regular discounts that are offered on it. Initially available internationally as a 3-door version with more off-road capability, the 5-door Jimny debuted in India and there’s no doubting the extra practicality it brings versus other 3-door SUVs. The Jimny is available only with a 103bhp/134Nm petrol engine, mated to a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. 

The Jimny is compact, light and nimble on the road and off it — with the exception of a wide turning radius. Despite the relatively long wheelbase considering its overall length, the Jimny manages impressive approach, breakover and departure angles. Suzuki’s AllGrip Pro system refers to the 4x4 transfer case with low- and high-range four-wheel drive, along with the brake locking differential on the rear axle to help with matters of traction. 

Maruti Suzuki Jimny specifications

Maruti Suzuki Jimny 4x4 features

Mahindra Thar | Rs 14.3 lakh - Rs 17.6 lakh

The original lifestyle off-roader, and one many consider the best 4x4 in India, the Mahindra Thar is now in its second generation. Sitting on an all-new chassis, independent front suspension and multi-link rear, and with new engines and redesigned interiors, the Thar is now an SUV that’s as suited to off-road adventures as it is to daily commutes. The Mahindra Thar is available with a 150bhp/300Nm (320Nm for the AT) petrol or a 130bhp/300Nm diesel, both available with 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. The Mahindra Thar is one of the most affordable diesel automatic cars in India that also features 4x4 capabilities. 

It also packs a serious 226mm of ground clearance, and impressive approach and departure angles, which help it tackle obstacles without touching at the front or the rear. Other 4x4 features on the Thar include a traction control system that works in tandem with an electronically-controlled BLD (brake locking differential), which can brake individual wheels to stop them from spinning on slippery surfaces, while the previously standard MLD (manually locking differential) on the rear axle to split torque to each rear wheel equally is now optional on certain diesel variants only. Mahindra also offers the Thar in a 2WD variant with a 1.5-litre diesel for buyers who want the SUV’s image and capabilities but don’t necessarily need the full breadth of a 4x4’s abilities. 

Mahindra Thar specifications

Mahindra Thar 4x4 features

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Thar Cars in India.

Force Gurkha | Rs 16.75 lakh - Rs 18 lakh

With the 2024 Force Gurkha, the company has widened the lineup by bringing back the 5-door model to join the 3-door in the range. In the process, the Gurkha received a slew of updates including subtle exterior changes, improved convenience features, significantly more power, up to 7 seats, and larger alloy wheels. At 233mm, the Gurkha leads the list of cars with highest ground clearance in the segment and even segments above. The Gurkha has just one engine/gearbox option - a Mercedes-derived 138bhp/320Nm diesel paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. 

While the new Gurkha is still one of the most rugged 4x4 cars you can buy, it ditches the earlier model’s 4x4 lever and moves that functionality to a shift-on-fly rotary dial which is friendlier to use in switching from 2H to 4L and 4H. For hardcore off-roaders, the 3-door will likely be of more interest thanks to its 425mm shorter wheelbase, and better approach, breakover and departure angles. Both Gurkhas, however, can climb inclines up to 35 degrees, and can wade water up to 700mm depth safely thanks to the standard-fitted snorkel. It also helps that the Gurkha is the only off-roader at this price point to offer mechanical differential lockers front and rear, which are far more robust and effective at getting a vehicle unstuck than any electronic brake lock differential system. 

Force Gurkha specifications

Force Gurkha 4x4 features

Mahindra Scorpio-N | Rs 18 lakh - Rs 24.54 lakh

The Mahindra Scorpio has been on sale for a little over two decades and in its latest generation, the Scorpio-N is quite the upgrade. From an updated chassis and suspension (including frequency selective damping), styling, interiors and feature set, the Scorpio-N has added more polish in every department to make for a relatively affordable 4x4 that walks the talk. 

The Scorpio-N is available with two engine options and a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes - a 197bhp/370Nm (380Nm for the AT) petrol, and a diesel in two states of tune, 130bhp/300Nm and 172bhp/370Nm (400Nm for the AT). With the tuning of Mahindra’s auto gearboxes well matched to their engines, the Scorpio-N can also make the list of best automatic cars in India. The option of a 4x4 drivetrain is only applicable to the higher-tune diesel engine. Considering the price difference of around Rs 2 lakh to the 2WD version of a similar variant, the 4WD setup does seem like value for money as it also includes more power and torque. Note, manual variants come with 17-inch wheels, while automatic variants move up to 18-inch wheels, with better choice of aftermarket, off-road specific tyres. 

Mahindra Scorpio-N specifications

Mahindra Scorpio-N 4x4 features

Check out our collection of Used Mahindra Scorpio Cars in India.

Toyota Hilux | Rs 30.4 lakh - Rs 37.9 lakh

Legendary just about begins to describe the Toyota Hilux’s reputation, the most famous 4x4 car anywhere, especially where indestructibility is concerned. The Hilux shares much of its underpinnings with the Toyota Fortuner, it is essentially a 5-seat pickup version of Toyota’s best-selling SUV. The chassis, engine, gearbox, much of the interior, front suspension are all common with the Fortuner, though the Hilux has a beefed-up chassis to deal with the extra weight it can carry. The Hilux is offered only with the 204bhp/420Nm (500Nm for the AT) diesel engine, a choice of manual or automatic gearbox, with 4x4 standard. All other off-road features carry over from the Fortuner. 

The differences in the Hilux’s off-road performance versus the Fortuner’s come largely from the fact that its overall length and wheelbase are significantly more, which don’t help it off-road. But because the Hilux also employs a leaf-spring type suspension at the rear, which allows for better wheel articulation, it translates to better traction in extreme situations and actually gives it better off-road capabilities. 

Toyota Hilux specifications

Toyota Hilux 4x4 features

Toyota Fortuner | Rs 40 lakh - Rs 51.44 lakh 

A favourite for good reasons, the Toyota Fortuner brings massive presence, tried-and-tested off-road capabilities and Toyota reliability to the table. The Fortuner was last facelifted in 2021 but has essentially stayed the same mechanically since this generation was first introduced in 2016. This means its ladder-frame chassis is as proven as they come, and recent updates to its suspension tuning give it a more comfortable ride than before. 

The Toyota Fortuner is available with a 164bhp/245Nm petrol, or a 201bhp/420Nm (500Nm for AT) diesel engine, with a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes on offer. It’s also available in both 4x2 and 4x4 variants, though 4x4 is only available with the diesel powertrain. An off-road feature worth mentioning is Toyota’s finely-tuned A-TRAC system that works as an auto limited-slip differential by braking the freely spinning wheels. It even works when the SUV is running in 2WD versus most other BLD systems that only work when the vehicle is set to either 4L or 4H.

Toyota Fortuner specifications

Toyota Fortuner 4x4 features

Check out our collection of Used Toyota Fortuner Cars in India.

Land Rover Defender | Rs 97 lakh - Rs 2.85 crore 

The Land Rover Defender is another legendary 4x4 nameplate that’s been resurrected and polished in the process. The Defender stands out because it’s built on a monocoque chassis, and not a typical ladder frame chassis like all the other 4x4 cars on this list. With it, the Defender offers better on-road manners, but doesn’t lose much in the off-road stakes either. It’s also the only 4x4 car offered in a 3-door ’90’ variant, 5-door ‘110’ variant and elongated 3-row ‘130’ variant. 

The Defender also offers a wide range of petrol and diesel powertrains, from a 296bhp/400Nm petrol, or a 296bhp/650Nm diesel, to a range-topping 626bhp/750Nm V8 petrol in the Defender Octa. All models boast permanent 4x4, adjustable ride height with a specific off-road ride height, a low-range gearbox, terrain response modes, and surround-view cameras to help in sticky situations. 

Land Rover Defender specifications

Land Rover Defender 4x4 features

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | Rs 2.10 crore 

The Land Cruiser badge is one of the most respected in the world of off-roading, overlanding, and the rich and powerful in the country. The Toyota Land Cruiser 300, brought in as a CBU in 2023, builds on that legacy but fully settles into its role as the most capable luxury SUV out there. Available internationally as both a 5- and 7-seater, India only gets the 5-seat version. The LC 300 is equipped with a 304bhp/700Nm diesel engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

Notable off-road features on the Land Cruiser 300 include a Torsen LSD (limited-slip differential) on the rear axle that mechanically distributes optimum torque across the rear wheels for maximum traction. The Multi Terrain Select off-road drive mode system has an Auto mode that negates the need for the driver’s intervention, and drive modes can even be engaged when the vehicle is set to 4H. Further, the 3D Multi-Terrain Monitor uses four cameras around the car to help the driver see past blind spots, and includes an underfloor view to better navigate obstacles. 

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 specifications

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 4x4 features

Mercedes-Benz G-Class | Rs 2.55 crore - Rs 4.00 crore 

There’s perhaps no 4x4 vehicle more recognisable than the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, an SUV whose silhouette has remained largely the same since it first went into production in 1979 as the G-Wagen (or Gelandewagen). It has an aura of its own, seen in its classic styling and heard in the signature way the doors shut. The G-Class is available with a 326bhp/700Nm diesel engine, or a 577bhp/850Nm petrol V8 engine, both mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. 

The G-Class uses a permanent 4x4 system that Mercedes calls 4Matic, with a low range option for when the going gets really tough. It’s also the only 4x4 on this list to offer three locking differentials - front, centre and rear. This makes it the most likely to be able to get itself unstuck from a slippery situation the quickest. While it doesn’t offer typical off-road drive modes, the G mode adjusts the steering, damping (in certain models), and gear shifts to make the G-Class more off-road friendly. Its abilities, though, are dictated by what tyres it has been specified with. The G63 AMG wears performance rubber, while the G 400d is shod with road-biased tyres but the inherent capabilities of the mighty G-Class still shine through. 

Mercedes-Benz G-Class specifications

Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4x4 features

FAQs

Q. What is a 4×4 car?

A 4x4 car can send power from the engine to all four wheels depending on the situation. Part-time 4x4s operate as 2WD by default but allow the user to manually select when 4WD is required. Full-time 4x4 systems operate in 4x4 by default, and feature a centre differential that can be locked. This is the distinguishing factor between full-time 4WD and AWD systems, which also send power to all four wheels at all times.    

Q. Which is the best 4×4 in India?

The best 4x4 for you depends on your budget. The Maruti Jimny is the cheapest 4x4 in India, the Mahindra Thar is the most popular 4x4 in India, and the Mercedes-Benz G-Class is the most expensive 4x4 in India. 

Q. Can an all wheel drive (AWD) go off-road?

While AWD cars can go off-road, it is generally not advised to venture too far into territory that other 4x4s might find easy to tackle. This is because AWD systems are engineered to provide control and stability on the road, and lack fully effective forms of differential locking to stop any wheel from spinning freely if you get stuck. 

Q. Which 4-wheel drive car returns the highest mileage?

The Maruti Jimny 4-wheel drive returns the highest mileage, with an ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of 16.39kmpl. Note, all 4-wheel drive cars return slightly lower mileage than their 2-wheel drive counterparts, on account of extra frictional losses in the mechanicals of the car. Expect higher efficiency when 4x4 is not engaged. 

Q. Which is the cheapest 4WD car in India?

The cheapest 4WD car in India is the Maruti Jimny with a starting ex-showroom price of Rs 12.74 lakh.

Q. Can 4x4 cars be used for towing?

All 4x4 cars can be used to tow other vehicles or caravans, but it is recommended to tow using 2WD mode. It is also important to follow manufacturer-specified guidelines for the max towing capability on each vehicle to avoid putting undue stress on the vehicle’s engine, gearbox and differentials.