Sports Utility Vehicles or SUVs have become hugely popular in the Indian market. So much so that they are right now the second largest category after the hatchback segment. However, most models currently sold in the market might be SUVs in spirit but lack the ‘Go Anywhere & Do Anything’ capability of the true-blue four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicles. There are SUVs that can still do those things, but they are a bit on the pricier side. So, if you are among those looking for a good 4×4 or AWD vehicle but are on a tight budget, then the used car market is the place for you. And here are 5 all-wheel 4×4 or AWD SUVs, which we think you should consider.
1. Mahindra Thar
You will find a decent old-gen Thar for anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its condition and model year.
The new Mahindra Thar might be a lot more premium now, but it is still a capable off-roader, so, if you have the budget, go for it. But if you don’t want to spend that much, then a used old-gen Thar might just do the trick. It’s an equally good off-roader because there aren’t too many electronics involved, it will be easier to fix if anything goes wrong. You will find a decent old-gen Thar for anywhere between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its condition and model year. All Thars get 4×4 as standard, and a slightly older model-year Thar will be even cheaper.
2. Tata Safari Storme 4×4
You can find a Tata Safari Storme 4×4 for between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its model year and condition.
he fact that the new-gen Tata Safari does not come with a 4×4 system has been quite disappointing for the Safari enthusiasts in India. The SUV was known for its 4×4 capabilities, and you can still find good ones in the used car market, however, we would advise you to look for the newer Safar Storme instead of the older one as it will be slightly easier to maintain. In fact, the Safari Storme is also in service with the Indian Army and Border Security Force. So, if you are looking for a Safari Storme then you can find a good one between Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh, depending on its model year and condition.
3. Jeep Compass 4×4
Depending on the model year and condition you can get a Jeep Compass 4×4 for around Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh.
The Jeep Compass is one of the more capable SUVs in the Indian market and it gets the brand’s legendary 4×4 credentials as well. Right from the launch of Compass, Jeep India has been offering 4×4 as an option and you can get one in the used car market for a decent price. The 4×4 is offered with the top-end Jeep Compass Limited and depending on the model year and condition you can get one for around Rs. 12 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. In comparison, the price of a brand new Compass 4×4 begins from Rs. 34 lakh (on-road, Delhi).
4. Isuzu D-Max V-Cross/ MU-X
You can get a slightly older D-Max V-Cross in the used car market for around Rs. 11 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, depending on its model year and condition.
However, if our looking for something more utilitarian but equally capable, if not more, then we would suggest the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross. It’s a purpose-built off-road pick-up truck that comes with a 5-seater cabin and a capable 4×4 system. You can get a slightly older D-Max V-Cross in the used car market for around Rs. 11 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, depending on its model year and condition. If you want a proper full-size SUV, you can look for the MU-X, which will cost you around Rs. 17 lakh to Rs. 27 lakh, depending on the model year and condition.
5. Toyota Fortuner
A brand-new entry-level Fortuner with 4×4 will cost you over Rs. 47 lakh on-road, however, in the used car market, you can get a pre-owned Fortuner for half that price.
The Fortuner is competent enough to do a cross-country drive without breaking a sweat, and it comes with a very capable 4×4 system as well. Currently, a brand-new entry-level Fortuner with 4×4 will cost you over Rs. 47 lakh on-road, however, in the used car market, you can get a pre-owned Fortuner for half that price. A slightly older previous-gen model will be even cheaper, around Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 15 lakh, depending on its model year and condition.