The 4×4 SUVs are vehicles that come with all-wheel drive options. They have the engine powering all four wheels, not just the front or rear. This feature allows them to drive smoothly even on rough roads. Basically, it makes this type of vehicle navigate smoothly on mud, sand, and hilly terrain.
Such SUVs are a better option for those who like to enjoy adventure or off-road trips. The appearance of these vehicles is quite strong and powerful. Here, we have come up with the top three sport utility vehicles that are available with the AWD drivetrain and are built to rule the mountain and mud.
Mahindra Thar
It is available in the Indian market with a 3-door option, whose ex-showroom price ranges from ₹14.69 to ₹16.99 lakh. It is a spacious car with good ground clearance for better off-road experience. It is available with two engine options, which are:
| Specification | Engine Options | |
| Petrol (2.0L mStallion Turbo) | Diesel (2.2L mHawk Turbo) | |
| Engine Displacement | 1,997 cc | 2,184 cc |
| Maximum Power | 150 bhp @ 5,000 rpm | 130 bhp @ 3,750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 300 Nm (MT) / 320 Nm (AT) | 300 Nm @ 1,600–2,800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 (Four-Wheel Drive) | 4×4 (Four-Wheel Drive) |
| Transmission Options | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Efficiency | 12–13 km/l | 14–15 km/l |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~10.2 seconds | ~13.1 seconds |
| Maximum Speed | ~155 km/h | ~150 km/h |
It is a great choice for adventure and off-road driving enthusiasts. It measures 3,985 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,844 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,450 mm, while the ground clearance is 226 mm, which keeps it stable even on difficult terrains.
Force Gurkha
It is available with both 3-door and 5-door options; the ex-showroom price of this SUV ranges from ₹15.95 to ₹17.40 lakh. Both come with a single engine option, which is the 2.6L FM CR (Mercedes-derived) turbo diesel. The specifications are:
| Engine Displacement | 2,596 cc (2.6 L) |
| Maximum Power | ~138 bhp |
| Maximum Torque | ~320 Nm |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 (four-wheel drive) |
| Transmission Options | 5-speed manual |
| Fuel Efficienc | ~9.5 km/l |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~20-22 seconds |
| Maximum Speed | ~135-145 km/h |
This car comes with a low-range transfer case and manual differential locks, making it a breeze to navigate even the most challenging terrain. It is mainly designed for drivers who enjoy adventure and challenging terrain. It has a ground clearance of 233 mm to ensure a smooth off-road driving experience.
It is equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, power windows, airbags, ABS, and mountain-ready suspension. The 3-door model measures 3965 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, and 2080 mm in height; the 5-door is a little larger, measuring 4390 mm in length and 2095 mm in height, and the width is 1685 mm.
Toyota Fortuner
It is a bold and muscular SUV, which is available with ex-showroom price ranges from ₹38.11 to ₹42.72 lakh. This car is available with multiple 5 doors and a 7-person seating capacity. It is available with a 2.7 L single diesel engine, whose specifications are
| Engine Displacement | 2,755 cc |
| Maximum Power | 201 bhp @ 3,400 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,600–2,800 rpm |
| Drivetrain | 4-Wheel Drive (4×4) |
| Transmission Options | 6-Speed MT / 6-Speed AT |
| Fuel Efficiency (ARAI) | ~14.2 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| 0–100 km/h Acceleration | ~13.25 sec |
| Maximum Speed | ~190 km/h |
It measures 4,795 mm in length, 1,855 mm in width, and 1,835 mm in height, which make a big SUV. The wheelbase of this car is 2,745 mm, providing excellent stability and balance. The ground clearance is 220 mm, making this car able to navigate rough terrain and off-road trails.
This car is equipped with premium features, which includes LED projector headlamps, DRLs, smart entry, push-button start, dual-zone auto climate control, and an electrically adjustable driver seat. For the safety of occupants, 7 airbags, ABS, EBD, vehicle stability control, and hill assist control are added.
