There are two types of automobile enthusiasts- one who likes to ride on smooth driveways and one who dreams of conquering rough terrains with fewer footprints. For the latter, the Indian automobile industry has developed a robust collection of off-road cars.

Also, it is crucial to know that having car insurance is mandatory if you plan to buy a car in India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. It offers financial protection against hefty traffic fines, accidents, theft, and damage, thus safeguarding your investment.

Read on to find out the best off-road cars in India, add them to your car collection, and enhance the beauty of your garage.

Below are the 10 most popular off-road cars available in the Indian market.

1. Mahindra Thar | Starting ₹10.98 Lakh

Source: auto.mahindra.com

Mahindra Thar is one of the best off-road vehicles equipped with new 3rd-gen chassis and off-road mechanicals; thus, it can win any terrain. In addition, this SUV gets a 4-star child and adult safety rating by the Global NCAP, thus winning the badge of India's safest off-roader.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 130 BHP at 3750 RPM
• Torque: 300 Nm at 1600-2800 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 2184
• Suspension: Independent Double Wishbone along with a Coil-Over Damper and Stabiliser Bar (Front), Multilink Solid Rear Axle along with a Coil-Over Damper and Stabiliser Bar (Rear)
• Wheel Base: 2450 mm
• Brake Type: Disc (Front), Drum (Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 226 mm
• Seating Capacity: 4

2. Force Gurkha | Starting ₹15.09 Lakh

Source: forcegurkha.in

As one of the top off-road cars in India, Jeep Compass wins the heart of millions of car enthusiasts. With Jeep Compass and its superior 4x4 capabilities, you need not fear any challenging terrain or rough road conditions. In addition, this model comes equipped with 60+ advanced safety features which can protect you from any unexpected, unprecedented circumstances.

 So, choose an explored path, turn the keys to Jeep Compass, one of the best off-road vehicles in the world, and go on with your journey.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power and Torque: 167.67 BHP at 3750 RPM
• Torque: 350 Nm at 1750-2500 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1956
• Suspension: McPherson Strut with Lower Control Arm (Front), Multi-Link Suspension with Strut Assembly (Rear)
• Wheel Base: 2636 mm
• Brake Type: Disc (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 178 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5

3. Tata Harrier |Starting ₹15.49 Lakh

Source: tatamotors.com

Unlike other off-road cars that come with 4-wheel drive, the Tata Harrier is a front-wheel-drive SUV that does not lack power less than a 4WD. Tata Harrier, one of the best off-road cars, can easily tackle off-road conditions such as big rocks on a river bed, slippery tarmac, and diverse terrain. 

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 167.63 BHP at 3750 RPM
• Torque: 350 Nm at 1750-2500 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1956
• Suspension: Independent Lower Wishbone McPherson Strut With Coil Spring and Anti Roll Bar (Front), Semi-Independent Twist Blade with Panhard Rod and Coil Spring (Rear)
• Wheel Base: 2741 mm
• Brake Type: Disc and Drum (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 205 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5

4. Tata Safari | Starting ₹16.19 Lakh

Source: tatamotors

Tata Safari is one such car that will most likely be on the list of those looking for the best off-road cars in India. The carmakers have ensured the cabin feels highly luxurious to the driver and passenger to experience a comfortable ride. 

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 167.67 BHP at 3750 RPM
• Torque: 350 Nm at 1750-2500 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1956
• Suspension: Independent Lower Wishbone McPherson Strut with Coil Spring & Anti Roll Bar
• Wheel Base: 2741 mm
• Brake Type: Disc (for both front and rear)
• Ground Clearance: 205 mm (laden)
• Seating Capacity: 6 or 7, depending on its variant

5. Jeep Compass | Starting ₹20.49 Lakh

Source: jeep-india.com

As one of the top off-road cars in India, Jeep Compass wins the hearts of millions of car enthusiasts. With the Jeep Compass and its superior 4x4 capabilities, you need not fear challenging terrain or rough road conditions. 

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power and Torque: 167.67 BHP at 3750 RPM
• Torque: 350 Nm at 1750-2500 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1956
• Suspension: McPherson Strut with Lower Control Arm (Front), Multi-Link Suspension with Strut Assembly (Rear)
• Wheel Base: 2636 mm
• Brake Type: Disc (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 178 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5

6. Toyota Fortuner | Starting ₹33.43 Lakh

Source: toyotabharat.com

The list of top 10 off-road cars in India includes Toyota Fortuner. This model comes with a high ground clearance, making it a perfect off-road vehicle as it can save a vehicle from potholes and other road obstacles.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 201.15 BHP at 3000-3400 RPM
• Torque: 500 Nm at 1600-2800 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 2755
• Suspension: Double Wishbone (Front Suspension) 4-Link With Coil Spring (Rear Suspension)
• Wheel Base: 2745 mm
• Brake Type: Ventilated Disc (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 221 mm
• Seating Capacity: 7

7. Jeep Wrangler | Starting ₹62.65 Lakh

Source: jeep-india.com

The Jeep Wrangler is one of the top off-road cars that combine 80 years of off-road expertise, innovation, and an extreme level of 4x4 capabilities. Every Wrangler wears the Trail Rated Badge, meaning this vehicle can swiftly pass the most gruelling tests and withstand rugged terrain and harsh weather.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 268 BHP at 5250 RPM
• Torque: 400 Nm at 3000 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1998
• Suspension: Independent Double-wishbone (Front), Heavy-duty with Gas Shocks (Rear)
• Wheel Base: 3008 mm
• Brake Type: Ventilated Disc (Front), Ventilated Disc (Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 217 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5

8. Toyota Land Cruiser | Starting ₹2.10 Crore

Source: toyotabharat.com

Yet another of the best off-road cars in India is the Toyota Land Cruiser. You can take this lavish SUV for long drives with your family and loved ones. The car has a 12.3-inch floating display system, a multi-terrain monitor, and ventilated seats with temperature control. 

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 261.49 BHP at 3400 RPM
• Torque: 650 Nm at 1600-2600 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 4461
• Suspension: Ventilated Disc (Front and Rear) 
• Wheel Base: 2850 mm
• Brake Type: Ventilated Disc (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 225 mm (Unladen)
• Seating Capacity: 7

9. Land Rover Range Rover Sport | Starting ₹2.39 Crore

Source: landrover.in

Land Rover Range Rover Sport comes with decent seating capacity, robust exterior, advanced safety features, and superior ground clearance, guaranteeing nothing but a high level of off-roading experience.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power
• Power: 567.25 BHP at 6000-6500 RPM
• Torque: 700 Nm at 3500-4000 RPM
• Engine Displacement (cc): 1997 and 5000 (Petrol engine); 2993 and 3993 (Diesel engine)
• Suspension: Air suspension (Front and Rear) 
• Wheel Base: 2923 mm
• Brake Type: Ventilated Disc (Front and Rear)
• Ground Clearance: 213 mm
• Seating Capacity: 5

10. Mercedes Benz G-Class | Starting ₹2.55 Crore

Source: mercedes-benz.co.in

The Mercedes Benz G-Class is last on the list of the top 10 off-road cars in India. This segment has the DNA of off-road vehicles; hence, it efficiently delivers power-packed performance and optimal safety and driving experience. Mercedes Benz G-Class is available in two variants, namely, G63 AMG and G350d.

Key Specifications:

• Steering Type: Power Assisted (Electric - G350d); Power Assisted (Electric - G63 AMG)
• Power: 282 BHP at 3400 RPM, 600 Nm at 1200 RPM (G350d)
• Torque: 850 Nm at 2500 RPM 577 BHP at 6000 RPM (G63 AMG)
• Engine Displacement (cc): 2925 (G350d), 3982 (G63 AMG)
• Suspension: Independent, Double Wishbone with Coil Springs, Trailing-Link, Rigid Axle with Coil Springs (Front and Rear - G350d, G63 AMG)
• Wheel Base: 2915 mm (G350d), 2850 mm (G63 AMG)
• Brake Type: Ventilated Disc (Front and Rear- G350d, G63 AMG)
• Ground Clearance: 241 mm (unladen - G350d), 224 (unladen - G63 AMG)
• Seating Capacity: 5

If you like to explore challenging terrains, off-road cars are ideal. As you have adequate information on the best off-road cars in India, you can now pick the one that suits your requirements.

Also, obtaining at least third-party insurance coverage is advisable to ensure financial security in case of any unforeseen catastrophe.