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These SUVs are based on the rugged ladder frame chassis and offer 4WD capabilities on a budget
The SUVs are currently the talk of the town in the Indian automotive market and multiple new segments within the SUV space have emerged in the last decade. However, none of these models qualify for the true blue SUV tag as the majority of them are front-wheel-drive cars based on a monocoque chassis. The 4WD SUVs, on the other hand, are rugged vehicles based on ladder frame underpinnings and come with go anywhere capabilities. In this article, we will look at the top 5 four-wheel drive SUVs under Rs. 20 lakh.
1. Maurti Suzuki Jimny
At a starting price of Rs. 12.76 lakh (ex-showroom), the Jimny is currently the most affordable 4WD SUV in the Indian market. Offering a proper four-wheel drive system with a low-range transfer case as standard, the Jimny is a petrol-only model. It is powered by a 1.5-litre K15B naturally aspirated petrol engine, putting out 103 bhp and 134 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Sporting a light body weight and compact dimensions, the Jimny is supremely capable of tackling off-road trails.
Also Read: Maruti Suzuki To Launch New SUV (Creta Rival) On September 3
2. Mahindra Thar 3-Door
The Mahindra Thar 3-Door is one of the most popular SUVs in India and offers a 4WD system with both petrol and diesel powertrains. The price range of Thar 4WD starts at Rs. 15.20 lakh (ex-showroom) for the LX petrol MT hard top variant while the diesel 4WD range starts from Rs. 16.12 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is powered by a 150 PS 2.0-litre mStallion petrol and 132 PS 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engines. Both engine options are available with a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.
3. Force Gurkha
The Force Gurkha is available in body styles i.e. 3-Door and 5-Door. The Gurkha 3-Door is priced at Rs. 16.75 lakh (ex-showroom) while the 5-Door model will set you back by Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine, producing 138 bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. It is only available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of off-road equipment, the Gurkha comes loaded with a factory-fitted snorkel, lending it an impressive 700 mm of water wading capacity and manual differential locks on both axles.
Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio, Thar & Bolero Contribute to Over 62% of Total Sales In June 2025
4. Mahindra Scorpio N
The Scorpio N is the only 7-seater SUV offering a 4WD system under Rs. 20 lakh. It is priced at Rs. 18.35 lakh (ex-showroom) for the Z4 4WD variant which comes mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel engine, belting out 172 bhp and 370 Nm of peak torque. The four-wheel drive setup on the Z4 variant misses out on a low-range transfer case. The Scorpio N only offers the 4WD system with a diesel engine option.
5. Mahindra Thar Roxx
The 3rd Mahindra model in the list of 4WD SUVs under Rs. 20 lakh is the Thar Roxx. The SUV offers four-wheel drive capabilities with the range starting from 19.39 lakh (ex-showroom) for the MX5 diesel manual variant. Much like the Scorpio N, the Thar Roxx only offers 4WD with the diesel engine option. It uses the familiar 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, with power output rated at 150 bhp and 330 Nm of peak torque, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 6-speed torque converter automatic gearbox is available with the top-spec trims.
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