What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
For an off-roading enthusiast, a vehicle’s capability is more than just horsepower. When looking for the best cars for off-roading, ground clearance, drive type, differential locking, and low-range gearing are significant attributes. They look for vehicles with substantial boot capacity for their gear. Power delivery and engine responsiveness play a crucial role during challenging terrains.
The vehicle’s approach and departure angles, steering feedback, and hill hold assist feature further enhance the off-roading experience. Safety features such as ABS, ESC, airbags, and traction control are equally important to ensure secure off-roading adventures. Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV700 figure among the top SUVs for off-roading in India.
Why Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV700 are Popular among Off-roading Enthusiasts
As far as off-road vehicles in India go, the Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV700 are renowned for their off-roading capabilities. According to Cartoq experts, the Jeep Compass offers commendable ground clearance, differential locking, and power delivery, making it a competent off-roader. Moreover, its Limited 4×4 variant comes with a reliable 4WD system, enhancing its prowess on rugged terrains.
On the other hand, Mahindra XUV700 offers a compelling combination of power, performance, and utility. Its torque converter and superior torque delivery prove advantageous on off-road trails. The AX7 AWD Diesel AT variant is decent and can tackle reasonably dodgy or rough terrains. It’s a much bigger SUV, so you can carry more people or luggage on long trips. Moreover, it is admired for its advanced AWD system, substantial ground clearance, and excellent visibility.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
Our Variants Shortlist for Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV700
| Product | Variant | Price (INR) |
| Jeep Compass | 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT | 2,944,000 |
| Mahindra XUV700 | AX7 AWD Diesel AT | 2,441,000 |
The Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT stands out for its 4WD system that greatly enhances off-roading capability. This variant’s linear power delivery coupled with a robust torque converter transmission offers a smooth and controlled ride on rough terrains. Furthermore, the high ground clearance and minimal body roll add to its stability on uneven terrains. We have also compared Jeep Compass with Hyundai Tucson as off-roading vehicles.
On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT variant offers quick engine responsiveness, a vital attribute for navigating challenging terrains. Its AWD system, coupled with a torque converter transmission, offers superior control. With substantial ground clearance and excellent visibility, this variant ensures a safe and engaging off-roading experience. You can also check out how the XUV700 compares with Mahindra Scorpio-N in terms of their off-roading capabilities.
So, we are comparing the cheapest AWD/4WD variants above and as you can see, Jeep Compass is significantly more expensive.
Best Variant among Jeep Compass and Mahindra XUV700 for Off-roading Enthusiasts
Considering the off-roading attributes, the Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT emerges as the best variant. The 4WD system, combined with a robust engine and effective power delivery, offers excellent control on off-road trails. Its notable ground clearance and the advantageous approach and departure angles further contribute to its superior off-roading capabilities.
The Top Choices Ranked
- Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT
| Attributes | Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT | Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT |
| ABS | Yes | Yes |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 167.67 | 182.38 |
| Engine Torque (Nm) | 350 | 450 |
| Engine Responsiveness | Quick | Quick |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission | Torque Converter | Torque Converter |
The Jeep Compass 2.0 Limited 4X4 Opt Diesel AT offers a great mix of power, control, and is perfect for those who really want to take their SUV to extremely challenging terrains. It also drives very well on regular roads so if you like driving, along with off-roading, Compass is a great option.
The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT, while not the extreme off-roader, makes up for it with a more powerful engine and quick responsiveness. It is more spacious and crucially, Rs. 5 lakh cheaper. Both vehicles present a compelling mix of performance, safety, and off-roading attributes, making them ideal choices for off-roading enthusiasts. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Tata Safari.
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