Mahindra Thar Vs Maruti Gypsy Vs Force Gurkha: Raw Offroaders of India!

Mahindra Thar, Maruti Gypsy and Force Gurkha are the only SUVs in the Indian offroad scene that are close to being true blue offroaders. Let’s see how these fare against each others when we put them on comparison.

Off-Road Ability

This is the spot where each and every one of these three have long proven their mettle in the Indian off-road space as all of these have participated in many off-road challenges across the nation. But, it is also a fact that these vehicles compete with high aftermarket modifications that are not available as standard in either one of these. So it comes down to the stock car capabilities, the ones that come standard with these three. Now, as far as low and high ratios transfer box are concerned, all of these are loaded as standard with those. Moreover, Force Gurkha gets additional off-road equipment like locking differentials on the front as well as the rear axle. Thar with its recent update finally receives a mechanically locking differential for the rear axle, thus it’s off-road ability is upped than before. Gypsy, on the other hand, neither gets locking diff on the front nor on the rear.

Also Read: Mahindra Thar Facelift Launched at 8.03 lacs

Dimensionally

This is also an important aspect in judging a better off-roader as the perfectly made out dimensions will help you in better maneuverability of the vehicle. Thar and Gurkha are both sub-4 meter vehicle, while gypsy is over 4 meter, but the narrow width of Gypsy helps it go in really tight places. Then again a narrower breadth might help you in maneuverability but it restricts you from having a better traction. This is where Thar and Gurkha come in their true color and their wider track helps them to stay sure footed in slippery terrains.

Engine

Among the three, Thar is fitted with the most advanced motor, the one that has been refined over the time and is now good for both speeds as well as low end pulling torque. It’s 2.5-litre CRDe motor produces 105 bhp of power and 247 Nm of torque. Force Gurkha powered by a 2.6 litre Merc-derived motor is good for delivering 82 bhp and 230 Nm of torque. It is not that refined but does the off-road duty fine as the low-end torque keeps it moving even on difficult terrains. Considering Gypsy, it gets the most smooth motor of the lot, simply because it is a petrol driven one. The 1.3 litre MPFI is also the quickest of in the list, thanks to its low kerb weight which allows it to float easily over difficult terrain and get into and out of danger quickly.

Here's What we expected from Thar facelift 

Verdict

When it comes to giving the best off-roader title, it will be Force Gurkha, simply because it’s off-road credentials supersedes the other two massively. But, it is also a fact that it compromises on interior comfort and that car like feel, after all you don’t go for heavy duty off-road every day. Next up is the Gypsy, first it has the same problem with the interiors and then it’s lack of A/C unit makes it further down. Also, Gypsy’s petrol motor doesn’t provide you that low end pulling torque.

So, our verdict lies with Thar, for it has the most organic and contemporary interiors, the one that will let you connect to it as a daily driver car. Second, the 2.5-litre motor is good at providing a low-end torque, at the same time, it will easily take you over 120 kmph and is low on that annoying diesel knock.

For Thar customizations, check Mahindra dealers in your city

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