If you love the outdoors and want a vehicle that can actually handle rough terrain, there’s good news coming your way. Indian car buyers are no longer satisfied with soft-roaders that look tough but stay on tarmac. There’s a real appetite now for genuine four-wheel-drive machines that can climb, wade, and crawl through anything the trail throws at them. Automakers have taken notice, and over the next couple of years, several new off-road SUVs in India are expected to hit showrooms. Here’s a closer look at five of the most anticipated ones.
1. Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro
Hyundai’s flagship SUV is getting a rugged makeover with the Palisade XRT Pro. This version is expected to sit higher off the ground, run on all-terrain rubber, and come wrapped in tougher bumpers and underbody protection. An AWD system with dedicated snow, mud, and sand modes should back up the styling changes. Inside, expect the usual Hyundai flagship treatment: a big sunroof, a sprawling touchscreen, and a full suite of driver-assist features. Hyundai hasn’t locked in an India launch date yet, but this one is definitely on enthusiasts’ radar.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser FJ
Toyota appears to be working on a smaller, more accessible Land Cruiser, likely to be badged the FJ. It’s expected to slot below the Prado and bring genuine body-on-frame toughness in a more compact footprint. A proper 4WD setup with a low-range transfer case and generous ground clearance should keep the Land Cruiser name’s off-road reputation intact. For buyers who want serious capability without the size and price of a full-size Land Cruiser, this could be a compelling option.
3. Mahindra Thar 5-Door (Thar Armada)
Mahindra’s answer to the “I love the Thar but need more space” complaint is the long-awaited 5-door version. It’s expected to keep the Thar’s tried-and-tested 4×4 hardware while adding real rear-seat room and a bigger boot. Petrol and diesel engines, with both manual and automatic gearboxes, should carry over. Essentially, it aims to be a Thar that the whole family can use without giving up any off-road street cred.
4. Force Gurkha 5-Door Automatic
The Gurkha already punches above its weight with front and rear diff locks and excellent wading depth. Force Motors is now expected to add an automatic gearbox to the 5-door variant, which should make daily driving far less tiring while keeping its off-road chops intact. This move could help it pull buyers away from the Thar and the Jimny.
5. Toyota Hilux Mild-Hybrid 4×4
Toyota’s Hilux pickup is also due for an update, likely with a 48V mild-hybrid diesel setup. The hybrid assist should help fuel economy and give a torque boost at low speeds, useful when you’re crawling over rocks. The low-range 4×4 system is expected to carry over unchanged.
Quick Comparison
| SUV | Body Style | Drivetrain Highlight | Key Off-Road Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Palisade XRT Pro | Premium SUV | AWD with terrain modes | Raised ground clearance, all-terrain tyres |
| Toyota Land Cruiser FJ | Compact off-roader | 4WD with low-range | Ladder-frame chassis |
| Mahindra Thar 5-Door | Lifestyle SUV | 4×4, petrol/diesel | Extra practicality, same 4×4 base |
| Force Gurkha 5-Door AT | Off-road SUV | 4×4 with diff locks | Automatic gearbox addition |
| Toyota Hilux Mild-Hybrid | Pickup truck | 4×4 with low-range | 48V mild-hybrid diesel |
Wrapping Up
The next couple of years look genuinely exciting for off-road fans in India. Whether it’s Hyundai’s premium approach, Toyota’s rugged heritage, or Mahindra and Force sharpening their existing off-roaders, buyers will have more serious 4×4 choices than ever. If weekend trail runs or long overland trips are on your bucket list, these five launches are worth tracking closely.
Rajababu Kushwaha is the Founder and Editor of AutoCrest. He covers the latest car news, reviews, comparisons, EV updates, and buying guides for Indian car buyers.