The Force Gurkha : The Force Gurkha stands as one of India’s most capable off-road SUVs, designed for enthusiasts who prioritize performance over luxury. With its robust build, powerful engine, and go-anywhere capability, the Gurkha is a favorite among adventure seekers and off-road lovers.
Design & Exterior Bold and Unmistakable Presence
The Gurkha’s boxy, rugged design draws from classic off-roaders such as the Mercedes G-Wagen. With a tall stance and round LED headlamps along with metal bash plates, it looks pretty cool. The snorkel itself is factory fit and enables a 700mm water-wading depth, perfect for river crossings. Its adventurous character is complemented by the spare wheel mounted on the rear door and the high ground clearance (233mm). Comes in four eye-popping colors: Green, Red, White, and Black to make sure you get noticed on or off the road.
Interior Functional Yet Improved
While the cabin leans towards utility rather than luxury, the latest Gurkha offers notable upgrades:
- A 9-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster for essential drive information
- Power windows and manual AC for basic comfort
- Four USB ports (two in front, two in the rear)
- Dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, and TPMS for safety
However, the interior still feels utilitarian compared to modern SUVs. The steering wheel is large, storage spaces are minimal, and rear seats lack folding flexibility.
Performance Built for Tough Terrains
The Gurkha is powered by a 2.6L diesel engine producing 138 BHP and 320 Nm torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The 4WD system with front & rear differential locks ensures superior off-road traction.
- City Driving: The engine offers good low-end torque, making urban commutes manageable.
- Highway Performance: Lacks punch at higher RPMs, and the bouncy ride affects stability.
- Off-Road Prowess: Excels in rough terrain with its short first gear, high ground clearance, and locking differentials.
Ride & Handling Comfortable on Rough Roads, Not on Highways
The Gurkha rides comfortably given its external, rigid axles: the suspension makes it comfortable even on pockmarked roads. But at higher velocity, body roll and vague steering will take away confidence. This is an SUV evolved to conquer slow technical off road terrain, rather than for cruising down the highway. The Gurkha is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts, off-roading enthusisats due to its high built quality, strong engine and go-anywhere ability.
Safety & Practicality
Safety features include:
- Dual airbags
- ABS with EBD
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rear parking sensors
Boot space is decent, but the lack of foldable rear seats limits cargo flexibility.
Competitors How Does It Stack Up?
The Gurkha’s main rival is the Mahindra Thar, which offers better refinement and features. Other alternatives include:
- Maruti Jimny (more urban-friendly)
- Mahindra Scorpio N (better highway manners)
- Hyundai Creta/Kia Seltos (for those prioritizing comfort)
Verdict A True Off-Road Specialist
The Force Gurkha isn’t for everyone, it’s a hardcore off-roader that you must be willing to make peace with in terms of comfort and refinement. But if you are looking for a hardcore 4×4 that can tackle trails, rivers and rocks, the Gurkha is hard to ignore. The engine has decent low-end torque and rides well in the city.
Final Thoughts
If capability is more important than creature comforts for you, then the Force Gurkha is an option you should consider. However if you want a balanced everyday use suv, may be better option mahindra scorpio N or hyundai creta. but definitely its the better choice than mahindra thar and mahindra scorpio not only N.
