Best Rugged 4x4 and AWD SUVs You Can Buy

Across India's diverse terrains, SUVs equipped with 4x4, 4WD, or AWD systems offer enhanced capability for off-road adventures and challenging road conditions. 

Here is a look at popular models, their powertrains, drivetrains, available 4x4/AWD variants, price ranges (ex-showroom), and key features.

Toyota

Fortuner (4×4 Variants)

The Toyota Fortuner features a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (201 bhp, 420-500 Nm). It offers 4WD in 4 variants: 4x4 MT, 4x4 AT, Legender 4x4 AT, and GR-S 4x4 AT. 

Key features include a robust ladder-frame chassis for superior off-road prowess, seven airbags for safety, a premium interior with ventilated seats, and advanced connectivity via a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Hyryder (AWD Variant)

The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offers a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol (102 bhp, 137 Nm) and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid (115 bhp combined). It features AWD as an option on select mild-hybrid variants, including the V AWD MT, V AWD AT, and V AWD Dual Tone AT. 

Key features include e-drive mode for electric-only driving, a panoramic sunroof for airy feel, six airbags and stability control for safety, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay.

Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is powered by the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine (201 bhp, 420-500 Nm)  as the Fortuner. It comes with 4WD standard across all three of its variants -  STD, High, and High AT.

Features encompass a tough body-on-frame construction, electronic differential lock for enhanced traction, a spacious cabin with modern amenities like an 8-inch touchscreen, and an impressive payload capacity of over 1 tonne for utility purposes.

Also Read: Most Powerful Turbo Petrol SUVs Under ₹20 Lakhs
 

Maruti

Jimny

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine (103 bhp, 134 Nm), and gets 4WD standard across all variants with the AllGrip Pro system and an automatic option. 

It gets a lightweight body for agile handling, low-range transfer gear for tough terrains, a retro design with modern touches like a 9-inch touchscreen, and safety elements including six airbags and hill descent control.

Grand Vitara

The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara features a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol (102 bhp, 137 Nm) and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid (115 bhp combined). It offers AllGrip Select AWD in four of its mild hybrid variants - Alpha AWD MT, Alpha AWD AT, Alpha AWD DT MT, and Alpha AWD DT AT. 

Features include a heads-up display for driver convenience, ventilated front seats, a 360-degree camera for parking ease.

Victoris

The Maruti Suzuki Victoris offers a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol (102 bhp, 139 Nm) and 1.5-litre strong-hybrid (115 bhp combined). It features AllGrip Select AWD in select mild hybrid variants, such as the ZXI Plus AT AWD, ZXI Plus (O) AT AWD, and ZXI Plus (O) AT AWD Dual Tone. This crossover SUV shares its powertrains and underpinnings with the Grand Vitara and Hyryder. 

It gets premium upholstery, a large panoramic sunroof, and advanced safety with ADAS.

Force Motors 

Gurkha

The Force Gurkha is one of the most capable off-roaders here. It is powered by a 2.6-litre turbo-diesel engine (138 bhp, 320 Nm) and gets 4x4  with locking differentials as standard in both the three and five-door variants. 

This SUV gets a snorkel for water wading up to 700 mm, independent front suspension for better comfort, a minimalist interior with touchscreen infotainment, and exceptional off-road angles for extreme adventures.

Tata Motors

Harrier EV

The Tata Harrier EV AWD features dual electric motors,  making up to 390 bhp combined with its larger 75 kWh battery pack. 

It offers a range of over 500 km, regenerative braking for efficiency, a luxurious cabin with dual-zone climate control, and safety tech like level-2 ADAS and multiple airbags.

Mahindra

Scorpio N

The Mahindra Scorpio N comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (200 bhp, 370-380 Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (130-172 bhp, 370-400 Nm). 4x4 is offered on eight diesel variants. 

Mahindra recently added ADAS Level 2 tech in the Scorpio N. Key features include 4XPLOR terrain modes for versatility, a sunroof, wireless charging, Adrenox connected car tech, and robust safety with six airbags and disc brakes on all wheels.

Thar 

The Mahindra Thar features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (150 bhp, 300-320 Nm), 1.5-litre diesel (119 bhp, 300 Nm), and 2.2-litre diesel (132 bhp, 300 Nm). It offers 4x4 in three variants - LXT 4WD MT, LXT 4WD AT, and LXT 4WD Diesel. 

It gets washable interiors for easy cleaning, removable roof panels for open-air fun, brake locking differential for traction, and a touchscreen with off-road stats display.

Thar Roxx

The Mahindra Thar Roxx offers a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (160-175 bhp, 330-380 Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (150-172 bhp, 330-370 Nm). It gets 4x4 in four of its diesel variants: MX5 MT, AX5L AT, AX7L MT, and AX7L AT. 

Key features include panoramic sunroof, level-2 ADAS for safety, premium audio system, and enhanced ground clearance with crawl mode for superior off-roading.

XUV 7XO

The Mahindra XUV 7XO features a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (197 bhp, 380 Nm) and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (182 bhp, 420-450 Nm). It offers AWD in two diesel variants - AX7T AWD AT and AX7L AWD AT. 

Feature highlights include ventilated seats, a large infotainment screen with Adrenox, 360-degree camera, and multiple drive modes including snow and mud for all-terrain capability.

Isuzu 

V-Cross

The Isuzu V-Cross is powered by a 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine (161 bhp, 360 Nm). With its new 2026 update, it offers 4x4 as standard. 

Key features include a durable chassis, hill descent control, a premium cabin with leather seats, and advanced safety features like traction control and multiple airbags.

Isuzu MU-X

The Isuzu MU-X uses the same 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine (161 bhp, 360 Nm) from the V-Cross. It comes with 4x4 on its higher variant.

Feature highlights include roof rails for utility, a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, and safety features including ADAS and stability control.

MG 

Majestor

The new MG Majestor is powered by the more powerful 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine (213-216 bhp, 478-480 Nm), also powering the Gloster 4x4 variants. 4x4 is offered only on the top-end variants.

Key features include i-SMART connectivity, diamond-cut alloys, a powered tailgate, and safety tech like a 360-degree camera and multiple airbags.

Also Read: MG Majestor Launched in India with 215 PS Diesel and Advanced 4x4
 

Jeep 

Compass

The Jeep Compass features a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (172 bhp, 350 Nm). It offers AWD on its top two trims. 

Key features include Selec-Terrain modes, a panoramic sunroof, Uconnect infotainment, and comprehensive safety with over 70 features like blind-spot monitoring.

Meridian

The Jeep Meridian is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine (168 bhp, 350 Nm). It offers 4x4 in three variants. 

It comprises three-row seating, ventilated seats, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and off-road tech like hill start assist and all-terrain tyres.

Skoda

Kodiaq

The Skoda Kodiaq is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (201 bhp, 320 Nm). It has AWD standard across the range, with three variants.

Standout features include dynamic chassis control, a virtual cockpit, Canton sound system, and safety with nine airbags and park assist.

Also Read: Skoda Kodiaq RS to Launch by June 2026
 

Volkswagen 

Tiguan R-Line

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (201 bhp, 320 Nm) is shared with the Kodiaq. It comes with 4Motion AWD. 

Key features encompass sporty styling, digital cockpit, ambient lighting, and advanced safety like IQ.DRIVE assistance and collision avoidance.

Tayron R-Line

The Tayron R-Line, priced at ₹46.99 lakh, replaces the Tiguan AllSpace that was discontinued in 2021. It is powered by the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (201 bhp, 320 Nm) from the Tiguan R-Line and Kodiaq. Just like the Tiguan R-Line, it comes with 4Motion AWD.

It gets a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, level-2 ADAS with adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting in 30 colours, 850 litres boot space, and sporty R-Line styling.

What is 4x4?

4x4, or four-wheel drive, means all four wheels of the vehicle receive power from the engine, which greatly improves traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. Vehicles like the Mahindra Thar or Toyota Fortuner use 4x4 for serious off-roading, including mud, sand, and steep inclines. 

The main advantage is maximum control in tough conditions, but the downside is slightly lower fuel efficiency and more mechanical complexity compared to two-wheel drive systems.

What is AWD?

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) automatically sends power to the wheels that need it most, without the driver having to intervene. SUVs like the Maruti Jimny or Tata Harrier often use AWD to improve stability on wet roads or light off-road trails. 

The pros are smooth handling, better traction in rain or snow, and convenience for daily driving. The con is that it is less capable than a true 4x4 in extreme off-road conditions.

What’s the difference between 4x4 and AWD?

The key difference lies in purpose and control. 4x4 systems are usually manually activated and are built for rugged off-road adventures, letting drivers choose when all wheels get power. AWD is automatic and works seamlessly on highways and city roads to prevent wheel slip. The advantage of 4x4 is off-road dominance, while AWD is perfect for comfort, safety, and daily driving. The drawback of AWD is that it can struggle in very rough terrain compared to 4x4.

What do 2H, 4H, and 4L mean on the Thar?

These are driving modes for managing power and traction. 2H (Two-Wheel High) powers only the rear wheels, ideal for smooth city or highway driving, offering better fuel efficiency. 4H (Four-Wheel High) engages all wheels for better grip on slippery roads or light off-road trails. 4L (Four-Wheel Low) provides maximum torque at low speeds, perfect for sand, mud, or climbing steep inclines. Pros include better control and adaptability to terrain, but using 4L on normal roads can strain the vehicle and reduce efficiency.

Is AWD better than 4x4 for daily use?

For everyday driving, AWD is often more practical because it automatically distributes power, making wet roads, potholes, and light off-road paths safer and easier to handle. However, AWD cannot match the capability of 4x4 for serious off-roading or extreme terrain. The benefit is convenience and safety, while the limitation is that AWD enthusiasts seeking rugged adventures might find it insufficient.

Image Source: All Respective Carmakers