The Mahindra Thar and the Force Gurkha are two of the most iconic names in India’s off-road SUV market. Both vehicles enjoy cult status among enthusiasts who love adventure, rugged terrain, and go-anywhere capability. While the Thar has evolved into a versatile urban-meets-off-road SUV, the Gurkha continues to stay true to its military-inspired rugged character.
When comparing their base variants, the differences between the two become clearer. The Mahindra Thar appeals to those who want a balance of comfort and style, while the Force Gurkha is built for hard-core off-road enthusiasts who prioritize durability over convenience. Let’s explore how these SUVs stack up against each other.
Exterior Design: Urban Style vs Military Ruggedness
The Mahindra Thar in its base variant retains its boxy, SUV proportions, but its design has been modernized with a futuristic edge. The front fascia features a bold grille and wide stance, complemented by high ground clearance for off-road situations. Its styling feels equally at home in the city as on rugged trails, which is why it appeals to a wider audience.
The Force Gurkha, on the other hand, wears its rugged character proudly. With a military-inspired look, high-mounted snorkel, deep suspension travel, and compact build, the Gurkha looks purpose-built for terrain-bashing and rock crawling. While the Thar combines sportiness and luxury with practicality, the Gurkha remains a no-nonsense off-roader with a raw and commanding presence.
Quick Summary
Feature |
Mahindra Thar (Base) |
Force Gurkha (Base) |
|---|---|---|
Engine |
2.0-litre Petrol, ~150 bhp |
2.6-litre Diesel, ~91 bhp |
Transmission |
6-speed manual, 4×4 option |
5-speed manual, 4×4 standard |
Design |
Futuristic, urban-friendly, sporty boxy styling |
Military-inspired rugged boxy design |
Interior |
Practical layout, comfortable seats, dual airbags |
Basic cabin, minimal comforts, rugged suspension |
Safety |
Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, roll cage |
Strong body shell, simple safety equipment |
On-road Drive |
Smooth, refined, versatile for city & highways |
Less refined, focused on off-road |
Off-road Capability |
Good for trails and light off-roading |
Excellent for mud, rocks, and steep terrains |
Price (Approx, Ex-showroom) |
Rs 11 lakh (Base Petrol) |
Rs 15 lakh (Base Diesel) |
Best For |
Balanced urban + adventure use |
Pure hardcore off-roaders |
Official Website |
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Mahindra Thar base variant offers a surprisingly comfortable cabin. While the layout is designed with off-roading in mind, Mahindra has ensured that it includes enough comforts for everyday city use. Features include dual airbags, adjustable headrests, LED cabin lighting, and practical storage.
The Force Gurkha base variant goes the opposite route. Its interior is utilitarian and stripped-down, focusing more on durability than comfort. Seating is upright and firm, suspension is stiff for off-road conditions, and there are fewer amenities for daily city use. For long commutes or urban comfort, the Gurkha may feel harsh compared to the Thar.
Engine and Performance
Mahindra Thar (Base)
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol
- Power Output: ~150 bhp
- Gearbox: 6-speed manual, with 4×4 option
- Performance: Smooth on highways, refined in city conditions, capable on light trails.
Force Gurkha (Base)
- Engine: 2.6-litre diesel
- Power Output: ~91 bhp
- Torque: Strong low-end torque delivery
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual, 4×4 standard
- Performance: Less powerful on highways but excellent at climbing steep hills, mud, and rocks.
The Thar wins in terms of on-road performance and versatility, while the Gurkha takes the crown for pure off-road strength.
Safety and Build
- Mahindra Thar: Even in its base variant, Mahindra equips the Thar with dual airbags, ABS with EBD, roll cage protection, and basic crash safety standards. It is designed to meet modern crash-test requirements.
- Force Gurkha: Built on a ladder-frame chassis with robust body-on-frame construction, the Gurkha emphasizes structural strength. While it may not have as many electronic safety features, its rugged suspension and strong body shell make it extremely capable in extreme terrains.
On-Road vs Off-Road Dynamics
- Thar: Offers a good balance, making it comfortable in city traffic while being fun on weekend trails. The smoother petrol engine and refined ride give it an advantage for urban buyers who want both comfort and adventure.
- Gurkha: Built primarily for off-road conditions. Its suspension, torque delivery, and design are tailored for steep inclines, rocky paths, and muddy tracks. However, it compromises comfort and refinement on highways.
Which SUV Should You Buy?
- Choose Mahindra Thar (Base) if you want a stylish SUV that works both as a daily driver and an adventure vehicle. It offers comfort, modern design, and respectable off-road performance while being easier to live with in cities.
- Choose Force Gurkha (Base) if your priority is hardcore off-roading. It may lack modern luxuries, but its rugged build and torque-heavy diesel engine make it the better pick for serious explorers and adventure seekers.
FAQs About Mahindra Thar vs Force Gurkha
Q1. Which SUV is more powerful-Mahindra Thar or Force Gurkha?
The Mahindra Thar base petrol makes around 150 bhp, significantly more than the Force Gurkha’s 91 bhp diesel engine.
Q2. Which SUV is better for daily city use?
The Mahindra Thar is more practical and comfortable for city driving compared to the Gurkha.
Q3. Which SUV is better for hardcore off-roading?
The Force Gurkha is purpose-built for extreme off-road conditions, making it the superior choice for enthusiasts.
Q4. Do both SUVs offer 4×4?
Yes, both the Mahindra Thar and Force Gurkha offer 4×4 capability even in their base trims.
Q5. Which SUV is safer?
The Thar comes with modern safety features like airbags and ABS, while the Gurkha relies on its rugged body and strong chassis for safety in extreme terrain.
Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar (Base) and Force Gurkha (Base) may both belong to the off-road SUV segment, but they serve very different buyer profiles. The Thar is the more well-rounded choice, blending style, comfort, and decent off-road capabilities. The Gurkha, however, remains a specialist vehicle for hardcore adventurers who prioritize durability and terrain-conquering ability over modern conveniences.
In short, choose the Thar for versatility, and the Gurkha for raw, uncompromising off-road power.
For More Information Click HERE
