India’s 10 super Rough-n-Tough cars: From Mahindra Bolero to Maruti Gypsy

Indian conditions are quite harsh and demand a lot from the vehicle. There are a few cars that are built like a tank. We bring you ten such cars from the budget segments that are quite rugged.

Mahindra Bolero 4X4

The Mahindra Bolero is an extremely popular vehicle in the rural areas and it is known for its ruggedness. The Bolero has remained as the highest selling UV in India for a very long time. The Bolero is built on a ladder frame and uses a simple and basic design.

The 4X4 Bolero is powered by the tried and tested 2.5-litre DI engine that produces a maximum power of 63 Bhp and 183 Nm of peak torque. The car gets a leaf spring suspension that makes the vehicle very capable. The Bolero also demands very low maintenance.

Mahindra Thar

The Mahindra Thar is a no-nonsense vehicle. The lifestyle vehicle is not very comfortable in its stock form but due to its off-road capability and solid build quality, the Thar is extremely popular among the off-roading community because the vehicle can take a lot before starting to fall apart.

The Thar also does not boast of much electronics aboard, which means that there are much fewer chances of it breaking down due to minor glitches. The Thar is offered in both 4X2 and 4X4 variants and offered with both DI and CRDe engines.

Maruti Gypsy

The Maruti Gypsy has been around for a long time now. The Indian Army uses more than 30,000 Gypsys, which is a testimony of its ruggedness. The Gypsy needs minimal maintenance and it is the only petrol powered vehicle on the list, which further brings down its maintenance cost.

Mahindra TUV300

The TUV300 looks extremely tough and rugged on the outside. The vehicle is built on the ladder frame chassis that makes it very flexible and long lasting. The boxy design of the TUV300 further adds to its rough and tough looks.

Force Trax Toofan

The Force Trax is one of the oldest SUVs offered in the market. It is built for the rural markets where it is mostly used as a people carrier. The long wheelbase of the Trax Toofan makes sure that multiple rows of seats can be accommodated. It is powered by a 2.6-litre engine that produces a maximum power of 80 Bhp and 230 Nm of peak torque. Toofan’s full metal construction makes sure that it adds a solid look to it.

Force Gurkha

The Force Gurkha looks very much inspired by the Mercedes G-Wagen. Force recently launched the BS IV version of the Gurkha and it gets a new chassis with the multi-coil suspension on all the four wheels. The Gurkha also comes with a factory fitted snorkel and is loved by the off-roading fraternity. The Gurkha is powered by a 2.6-litre diesel engine that generates 85 Bhp – 230 Nm.

Jeep Compass

The Jeeps are known for their rugged nature and the most affordable Jeep in India continues to offer the same level of ruggedness. The Jeep Compass is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. It is also available in a 4X4 variant.

Tata Xenon XT

The Xenon XT has been around for a long time now. It is more popular in the commercial segment because of its rugged built but it is also used by many private buyers. The pick-up styled vehicle competes with the Scorpio Getaway in the market and is priced below Rs. 10 lakh.

Isuzu V-Cross

The V-Cross has quickly gained popularity in India due to its massive look and stance. The V-Cross is a lifestyle vehicle and is very capable. It has a very solid build quality due to the ladder on frame design. It gets 4X4 that can take it to the most difficult terrains without much trouble.

Tata Sumo Gold

The Sumo Gold is among the oldest surviving utility vehicles on sale in the country today. Since it was designed over 3 decades ago and continues to be on sale, it goes to show how solid a product it is. Power comes from a 3.0-litre engine making 84 Bhp and 250 Nm. Prices start at Rs 6.70 lakhs for the base version.