Introduction: The New Face of Adventure
The Indian SUV market has always been dominated by strong players like Mahindra Thar and Maruti Suzuki Jimny, but now, a new contender has arrived with unmatched ruggedness and reliability. Force Motors has launched the 2024 Force Gurkha on 2nd May 2024, and it has already started making waves among adventure lovers.
Known for its robust build, extreme off-roading capabilities, and timeless design, the Force Gurkha has always been a favorite of hardcore SUV enthusiasts. With its 2024 update, the Gurkha is now more powerful, more feature-rich, and designed to take on any terrain – from the steep mountain passes of Ladakh to the muddy trails of the Western Ghats.
In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything about the new Force Gurkha 5-door and 3-door variants, from its engine and performance to design, comfort, and competition. We’ll also compare it with the Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny to see whether the Gurkha is finally ready to claim its crown as India’s ultimate off-roader.
At a Glance: Key Highlights of Force Gurkha 2024
| Feature | Force Gurkha 2024 (5-Door) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | 2 May 2024 | India |
| Engine | 2.6L, 4-Cylinder Diesel | Updated |
| Power Output | 132 bhp | Higher than before |
| Torque | 320 Nm | Strong low-end torque |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | Smooth shifts |
| Drivetrain | Full-Time 4WD | Locking Differentials |
| Seating Capacity | 7 (5-Door) / 4 (3-Door) | Practical option |
| Infotainment | 8-inch Touchscreen + Digital Cluster | Modern update |
| Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | ₹16.78 – ₹18.42 lakh | Competes with Thar & Jimny |
Engine and Performance: The Beating Heart of the Gurkha
The new Force Gurkha 2024 comes equipped with a 2.6-litre, four-cylinder, Mercedes-derived diesel engine. This engine has been upgraded to produce 132 bhp and 320 Nm torque, which is a significant improvement over its predecessor.
What makes this engine special is its low-end grunt. Unlike petrol-dominated rivals, the diesel heart of the Gurkha ensures that it can crawl through rocky terrains and climb steep gradients effortlessly, even when fully loaded.
- Transmission: A 6-speed manual gearbox ensures smoother power delivery.
- Drivetrain: The Gurkha is equipped with a full-time 4WD system that includes manual locking differentials on both front and rear axles. This gives the Gurkha a serious edge over competitors when it comes to extreme off-roading.
- High Torque Band: Perfect for mountain expeditions and towing capacity.
Unlike Mahindra Thar’s petrol options or Jimny’s smaller 1.5L engine, the Gurkha is a true torque monster, making it the ideal machine for enthusiasts who love challenging terrains.
Off-Roading Capabilities: Built for the Toughest Terrains
Force Gurkha has always been marketed as a hardcore off-roader, and the 2024 version lives up to this reputation. Some of the key off-road features include:
- Shift-on-the-fly 4WD
- High ground clearance (approx. 233mm)
- Manual locking differentials (Front + Rear)
- Snorkel for water wading
- Rugged ladder-frame chassis
- 33-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle
These specifications make the Gurkha a beast in rocky, sandy, or muddy terrains. Unlike Mahindra Thar and Jimny, which balance off-road capability with urban usability, the Gurkha remains unapologetically adventure-focused.
This SUV is not designed for the mall or office commute; it’s built for those who seek adventure, explore uncharted trails, and love overlanding trips.
Exterior Design: Toughness with Modern Style
Force Gurkha 2024 retains its iconic boxy silhouette but now comes with modern enhancements:
- LED headlamps with integrated DRLs
- Fog lamps
- New vertical tail lamps
- Muscular wheel arches
- Large 18-inch alloy wheels with off-road tyres
- Side steps for easy ingress and egress
Interior & Comfort: A Leap Towards Modernity
The earlier Gurkha was often criticized for its basic interiors, but Force has taken a big step in 2024. Now, the cabin feels more premium and user-friendly:
- 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- Power windows
- New three-spoke steering wheel
- All-black premium interior theme
- Spacious seating with better cushioning
The 5-door Gurkha can comfortably accommodate 7 passengers, making it suitable for family trips – something the 3-door Thar struggles with.
Safety and Build Quality
Safety has always been a strong point for the Gurkha thanks to its ladder-frame chassis and solid build. The 2024 version also comes with:
- Dual front airbags
- ABS + EBD
- Rear parking sensors
- Seat belt reminders
- ISOFIX child seat mounts (expected in higher trims)
The tall stance and commanding driving position also give drivers more confidence on highways and rugged roads alike.
Variants and Pricing
Force Gurkha 2024 is available in both 3-door and 5-door versions.
| Variant | Seating Capacity | Price (Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|---|
| Gurkha 3-Door | 4-Seater | ₹16.78 lakh |
| Gurkha 5-Door | 7-Seater | ₹18.42 lakh |
This makes it slightly more expensive than the base Thar and Jimny, but for hardcore adventurers, the extra off-road equipment and seating may justify the price.
Competition: Force Gurkha vs Mahindra Thar vs Maruti Jimny
| Feature | Force Gurkha 2024 | Mahindra Thar (2024) | Maruti Jimny (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.6L Diesel (132 bhp) | 2.0L Petrol / 2.2L Diesel | 1.5L Petrol (103 bhp) |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 300-320 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6MT / 6AT | 5MT / 4AT |
| Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD + Diff Locks | 4WD with Low Range | AllGrip Pro 4WD |
| Seating | 7 (5-door) / 4 (3-door) | 4 (3-door) / 4 (5-door in pipeline) | 5 |
| Price Range | ₹16.78 – ₹18.42 lakh | ₹11.35 – ₹17.60 lakh | ₹12.74 – ₹14.95 lakh |
| USP | Best Off-road, 7-Seater | Balance of style + power | Lightweight, affordable |
From this table, it is clear:
- Mahindra Thar is the most versatile and city-friendly.
- Maruti Jimny is budget-friendly and lightweight for mild adventures.
- Force Gurkha is the most hardcore off-roader, with serious adventure DNA.
Ownership Experience and Maintenance
As someone with 5+ years of SUV and EV reviewing experience, I can confirm that the Force Gurkha is not for everyone. If you want a car for daily city commutes, this may feel bulky. But if your heart beats for adventure, camping, off-roading, and road trips, the Gurkha will never disappoint.
- Maintenance Costs: Slightly higher than Maruti Jimny but lower than premium SUVs.
- Service Network: Limited compared to Mahindra & Maruti, but Force Motors is expanding.
- Fuel Efficiency: Around 12-14 km/l (diesel), which is decent for its segment.
Pros and Cons of Force Gurkha 2024
Pros
- Extreme off-road capability with diff locks
- Rugged and durable build
- Spacious 5-door, 7-seater option
- Strong low-end torque (great for hills and towing)
- Modern infotainment and features
Cons
- Limited dealer/service network
- Higher price than Jimny
- No automatic transmission option
- Still not as refined as Thar for daily city use
Who Should Buy the New Force Gurkha?
The Gurkha is not for everyone. If you want a stylish SUV for the city, the Thar is better. If you want a budget-friendly option with decent off-road ability, go for the Jimny.
But if you are:
- A hardcore off-roader
- A long-distance road tripper
- A mountain explorer or adventure lover
- A family that loves camping and expeditions
…then the Force Gurkha 2024 is the best SUV you can buy under ₹20 lakh.
Final Verdict
The new Force Gurkha 2024 is not just another SUV – it is a statement of freedom, toughness, and adventure. With its powerful engine, upgraded interiors, practical 5-door option, and unmatched off-road features, it has successfully positioned itself as a worthy rival to Mahindra Thar and Maruti Jimny.
For those who crave unlimited exploration and true off-road adventures, the Force Gurkha 2024 is more than a car – it’s a companion for life’s toughest journeys.
