Mahindra, on 2nd October 2020, launched the all-new Thar SUV. The brand transformed the utilitarian workhorse into a lifestyle SUV much-demanded in the modern world. Naturally, Mahindra racked up orders in thousands, so much so that the Mahindra Thar has a long waiting list even almost a year after its debut.
Now its direct competitor, the Force Gurkha, has broken cover in a digital reveal. The Gurkha, too, was a utilitarian vehicle with only off-road capabilities in mind. But the Pune based company has now completely revamped the SUV in its new-generation, inside-out. In this technical specification comparison, we pin the Force Gurkha against the crowd favourite Mahindra Thar so that you can make an informed buying decision.
Force Gurkha Vs. Mahindra Thar – Engine Specifications
Powering the Force Gurkha is a BS6 compliant FM 2.6-litre CRCD Mercedes-Benz derived diesel engine. The BS6 engine produces 91 Hp of power and 250 Nm of torque. The engine comes with a G28 5-speed manual synchromesh gearbox. The Mahindra Thar comes with a mStallion series 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that makes 150 Bhp of power and 320 Nm for AT (300 Nm for MT). The SUV also comes with a mHawk series 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 130 Bhp of power and 300 Nm of torque. Both engines come with a 6-speed manual transmission and an optional 6-speed torque converter type automatic gearbox.
Force Gurkha Vs. Mahindra Thar – Off-Road Capabilities
The Force Gurkha features 4×4 technology with independent front and rear manual locking differentials. This enables the SUV to drive up a gradient of 35-degrees in 4×4 mode. The Gurkha also comes with an air intake snorkel that gives the SUV a water wading capability of 700mm. The Mahindra Thar also comes with 4×4 as standard and features a high and low reduction transfer case. The Thar comes with a shift-on-fly electric driveline disconnect. The SUV also gets a low crawl ratio of 42:1 with a 50:50 power split. But the Thar only comes with a Mechanical Locking Differential on the rear wheel, which automatically locks the rear differential when a wheel slip of more than 100RPM is detected.
Force Gurkha Vs. Mahindra Thar – Mechanical Specifications
The Force Gurkha comes with a Live Independent front axle and Live Rigid rear axle. The SUV also features an independent double-wishbone with coil spring suspension on the front. The vehicle comes with a multi-link with a pan hard rod & Coil Spring on the rear. The Mahindra Thar comes with an independent double-wishbone with a coil-over damper and a stabiliser bar. The rear suspension features a multi-link solid rear axle with a coil-over damper and a stabiliser bar.
Force Gurkha Vs. Mahindra Thar – Dimensions
The Force Gurkha measures 4116mm in length, 1812mm in width, 2075mm in height and comes with a wheelbase of 2400mm. The Mahindra Thar measures 3985mm in length, 1820mm in width, 1855mm in height and a wheelbase of 2450mm.
Force Gurkha Vs. Mahindra Thar – Safety and Price
While the Mahindra Thar has achieved a 4-star rating out of 5-stars at the Global NCAP, the Force Gurkha has not been put through its paces yet. We expect that Force has worked extensively on the safety front of the Gurkha to comply with the latest standards. The pricing on the Gurkha is also not available yet, but the Thar retails with a starting price of INR 12.79 lakh ex-showroom.
Also Read: 2021 Force Gurkha SUV revealed with 91 BHP Mercedes derived engine
