Off-road enthusiasts in India have 5 Best 4×4 SUVs Under ₹20 Lakh to choose from, even under ₹20 lakh. Whether you’re looking for rugged performance, modern features, or value for money, this comparison will help you pick the best option.
1. Maruti Suzuki Jimny – Most Affordable 4×4 SUV
Price: ₹12.75 – ₹14.80 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1.5L K15B Petrol (103 BHP / 134 Nm)
Transmission: 5MT / 4AT
Key Features:
- Lightweight & compact design
- Hill Hold Assist & Hill Descent Control
- NEXA premium dealership experience
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Zeta MT 4WD | ₹12.75 Lakh |
| Alpha MT 4WD | ₹13.70 Lakh |
| Zeta AT 4WD | ₹13.85 Lakh |
| Alpha AT 4WD | ₹14.80 Lakh |
Best For: Budget buyers who want a capable yet affordable 4×4 SUV.
2. Mahindra Thar – Iconic Off-Roader
Price: ₹15.20 – ₹17.62 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engines:
- 2.0L Turbo Petrol (150 BHP / 300 Nm)
- 2.2L Diesel (130 BHP / 300 Nm)
Transmission: 6MT / 6AT
Key Features: - Removable hardtop & convertible roof
- Front-facing rear seats (5-seater in 5-door)
- Mechanical locking differential
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| LX Petrol MT | ₹15.20 Lakh |
| LX Diesel MT | ₹16.12 Lakh |
| LX Petrol AT | ₹16.80 Lakh |
| LX Diesel AT | ₹17.62 Lakh |
Best For: Hardcore off-roaders & adventure seekers.
3. Force Gurkha – Rugged & No-Nonsense
Price: ₹16.75 – ₹18.00 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.6L Diesel (90 BHP / 250 Nm)
Transmission: 5MT
Key Features:
- 233mm ground clearance
- Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system
- Water wading depth of 700mm
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| 3-Door MT | ₹16.75 Lakh |
| 5-Door MT | ₹18.00 Lakh |
Best For: Buyers who need a pure off-roader with minimal frills.
4. Mahindra Scorpio N – Feature-Packed AWD SUV
Price: ₹18.35 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.2L Diesel (130 BHP / 300 Nm)
Transmission: 6MT
Key Features:
- 7-seater layout
- 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Cruise control & rear AC vents
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Z4 (E) Diesel MT 4WD | ₹18.35 Lakh |
Best For: Families needing a spacious yet capable SUV.
5. Mahindra Thar Roxx (5-Door) – More Practical Thar
Price: ₹19.39 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.2L Diesel (130 BHP / 300 Nm)
Transmission: 6MT
Key Features:
- 5-door practicality
- 10-inch touchscreen
- 6 airbags & TPMS
| Variant | Price (ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| MX5 Diesel MT | ₹19.39 Lakh |
Best For: Those who want Thar’s off-road ability with extra space.
FAQs: Top 5 Best 4×4 SUVs Under ₹20 Lakh
1. Which is the cheapest 4×4 SUV under ₹20 lakh?
The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is the most affordable 4×4 SUV in India, starting at ₹12.75 lakh (ex-showroom).
2. Does the Mahindra Thar come with an automatic transmission?
Yes, the Thar is available with a 6-speed automatic in both petrol and diesel variants.
3. Is the Force Gurkha available in a 5-door version?
Yes, the Gurkha comes in both 3-door (₹16.75 lakh) and 5-door (₹18 lakh) variants.
4. Which 4×4 SUV is best for family use?
The Mahindra Scorpio N (7-seater) and Thar Roxx (5-door) are the most family-friendly options.
5. Does the Maruti Jimny have a diesel engine?
No, the Jimny is only available with a 1.5L petrol engine (103 BHP).
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| SUV | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Maruti Jimny | Budget-friendly 4×4 | ₹12.75 Lakh |
| Mahindra Thar | Hardcore off-roading | ₹15.20 Lakh |
| Force Gurkha | Rugged, no-frills SUV | ₹16.75 Lakh |
| Scorpio N | Family-friendly AWD | ₹18.35 Lakh |
| Thar Roxx | Practical 5-door off-roader | ₹19.39 Lakh |
Each of these SUVs offers a unique blend of off-road capability and features. If budget is a priority, the Jimny is unbeatable. For pure off-roading, the Thar and Gurkha excel. If you need space, the Scorpio N or Thar Roxx are better choices.
Which one would you pick? Let us know in the comments!
