Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by Ali
Force Gurkha versus Mahindra Thar
Introduction
The Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar are two of the most popular off-road SUVs in the Indian market. Both vehicles offer impressive off-road capabilities, powerful engines, and unique features. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:
Design and Looks:
The Force Gurkha has a boxy and rugged design with a tall stance, while the Mahindra Thar has a more modern and stylish design. The Gurkha’s design is reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, while the Thar’s design draws inspiration from Jeep Wrangler. Both the SUVs have unique design elements, such as the Gurkha’s slatted grille and the Thar’s round headlamps.
The Gurkha’s design is more robust and practical, emphasizing usability over aesthetics. It has a straightforward design, with minimal body lines and creases. The Thar has a more modern appearance with rounded edges and smooth contours. It has a metropolitan buyer-friendly appearance that is sleek and fashionable.
Engine and Performance:
The Force Gurkha has a 2.6-liter diesel engine that produces 90 hp and 280 Nm of torque. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain. It is developed to handle rocky areas and is dependable and enduring. However, it is not as powerful as the Mahindra Thar’s engines.
The Mahindra Thar has two engine options: a 2.0-liter petrol engine that produces 150 hp and 300 Nm of torque and a 2.2-liter diesel engine that produces 130 hp and 320 Nm of torque. The 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox is available with the petrol engine, while the 6-speed manual transmission is available with the diesel engine.
In terms of performance, both SUVs offer impressive off-road capabilities, with their engines designed to tackle challenging terrain. However, the Mahindra Thar’s engines provide better acceleration and top speed, making it the best choice for highway driving.
Suspension and Handling:
The Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar come with solid axles at the front and rear. It provides excellent articulation and stability on rough terrain. The Gurkha has a leaf spring suspension setup, while the Thar has a multi-link suspension setup. While the Gurkha’s suspension is more robust for extreme off-roading, the Thar’s suspension is more advanced and provides superior ride quality.
In terms of handling, the Thar offers better on-road dynamics due to its modern suspension setup, while the Gurkha is more suited for off-road use. The Thar’s suspension provides better stability and control at high speeds, while the Gurkha’s equipment is more forgiving on rough terrain.
Interior and Comfort:
The Mahindra Thar’s interior is modern and well-equipped, with features such as a touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, and power windows. The cabin is spacious and comfortable, with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. The seats are well-cushioned and offer good support, making them ideal for long journeys.
On the other hand, the Force Gurkha’s interior is more basic, with a functional dashboard and minimal features. Taller occupants may find the back seats uncomfortable because the cabin is not as roomy as the Thar’s. However, the Gurkha’s seats are comfortable, and the interior is well-insulated from external noise.
The Force Gurkha has better insulation from external noise than the Mahindra Thar. The Gurkha’s cabin is well-sealed and has minimal wind and road noise, making it a more comfortable ride on long journeys.
While the Thar’s cabin is well-insulated, it is not as quiet as the Gurkha’s interior, especially at high speeds. It is because Thar’s design is more focused on providing a comfortable and convenient driving experience.
Price and Value for Money:
The Force Gurkha is priced at a lower range than the Mahindra Thar, with the base variant starting at Rs. 11.90 lakhs for the Xpedition variant and going up to Rs. 13.30 lakhs for the Xplorer variant. On the other hand, the Mahindra Thar has priced at Rs. 12.10 lakhs for the base petrol variant and Rs. 12.85 lakhs for the base diesel variant (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi). The top-end variants of both SUVs can cost up to Rs. 16-17 lakhs.
In terms of value for money, the Mahindra Thar offers better features and a more modern interior than the Gurkha. It also has a more powerful engine and better on-road dynamics, making it a suitable choice for off-road and city driving. However, the Gurkha offers better off-road capabilities and is more rugged and durable than the Thar. It also has a unique design and is a more exclusive vehicle than the Thar, which can appeal to some buyers.
FAQ
Gurkha or Thar, which off-road vehicle is superior?
The Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha twice are excellent off-roaders with unique strengths and weaknesses. However, when it comes to off-roading, the Force Gurkha is considered to be a better off-roader than the Mahindra Thar.
The Gurkha’s body-on-frame construction, solid axles, and low-range transfer case make it a capable off-road vehicle. It has a ground clearance of 210 mm, approach and departure angles of 44 and 40 degrees, and a water wading capacity of 550 mm. These specifications make it possible for the Gurkha to navigate through the toughest of terrains with ease.
The Mahindra Thar is also an excellent off-roader but is more focused on offering a comfortable and modern driving experience. It has a monocoque construction, independent front suspension, and a low-range transfer case, which makes it capable of handling rough terrain. It also has a ground clearance of 219 mm, approach and departure angles of 41.8 and 36.8 degrees, and a water-wading capacity of 650 mm.
While both the Thar and Gurkha are capable of handling off-road terrains, the Gurkha’s rugged build and superior off-road specs give it an edge over the Thar when it comes to off-roading.
Generally, the Force Gurkha and Mahindra Thar are excellent off-road SUVs with unique strengths and weaknesses. Buyers looking for a more modern and comfortable SUV can opt for the Thar, while those looking for a more rugged and exclusive vehicle can opt for the Gurkha. It ultimately depends on the buyer’s preference and intended vehicle use.
Mansoor Ali, a Feature Writer, embarked on his journey five years ago with showroomex.com, fueled by his enthusiasm for cars. Starting as an eager journalist, he quickly became a seasoned professional, expanding his expertise to cover both bikes and cars. (Full Bio)