2024 Force Motors Gurkha 3-door

• With 4WD and manual locking differentials, the updated 2.6-liter diesel engine produces 140 PS and 320 Nm

• Significant interior improvements include a digital instrument cluster, TPMS, and a 9-inch touchscreen.

• Priced at ₹16.78 lakh ex-showroom, it stays accessible while offering serious off-road credentials.

A Familiar Shape with Small but Key Changes

Force Motors has given the Gurkha 3-door its first proper update in years, and it’s one that feels measured. From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking little has changed. The boxy stance, upright glasshouse, snorkel, and circular headlights are all still there. It’s still unmistakably a Gurkha, still styled like a purpose-built off-roader that prioritises function over flair.

The changes, however, are in the details — both under the hood and inside the cabin.

Stronger Diesel, Same Tough Character

The Gurkha continues with its Mercedes-sourced 2.6-litre diesel, but it now makes 140 PS at 3,200 rpm and 320 Nm of torque between 1,400 and 2,600 rpm. That’s a useful bump over the outgoing version, and it helps the SUV feel more willing on both highway runs and steep trails.

The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox and full-time 4WD, complete with manually locking differentials on both axles. The system is old-school in execution but proven, and it remains one of the Gurkha’s defining traits. A rotary dial now makes it easier to switch between 2H, 4H, and 4L, which adds a touch of convenience without diluting the mechanical feel.

Cabin: Simple, But Less Spartan

Step inside, and you’ll notice the Gurkha isn’t quite as bare-bones as before. The dashboard is still upright and functional, but a new 9-inch touchscreen sits front and centre. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which feels like a significant step up for a vehicle best known for its rugged simplicity.

A digital instrument cluster replaces the old analogue dials, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) now comes standard. Other updates include tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, power windows, and manual AC. None of it feels luxurious, but it’s enough to make long drives and daily use less of a chore.

Off-Road Numbers That Still Impress

What hasn’t changed is the Gurkha’s off-road capability. Ground clearance stays at 233 mm, while water-wading depth is still rated at 700 mm — among the best in its class. Approach and departure angles remain strong, and the short 2,400 mm wheelbase continues to work in its favour when tackling tight, technical sections.

It rolls on chunky 18-inch alloys and comes factory-fitted with the snorkel, which speaks volumes about how Force sees this vehicle: built to get muddy and cross streams without needing aftermarket modifications.

The Gurkha’s compact proportions are part of its identity. At just under 4 metres long (3,965 mm), it fits into urban traffic more easily than its 5-door sibling. The boxy design also ensures a useful 500-litre boot, and with a 63.5-litre fuel tank, range anxiety is never a concern.

Seating is limited to four, with individual captain chairs at the rear. It’s a setup that trades outright space for comfort, and for buyers who want the 3-door’s personality, that feels like a fair compromise.

Priced at ₹16.78 lakh ex-showroom, the 2024 Gurkha 3-door undercuts its bigger 5-door stablemate by a fair margin. On-road prices hover near ₹20 lakh in most metros. That makes it one of the most affordable, properly engineered off-road SUVs in India.

Technical Specifications

• Engine: 2.6-litre diesel, 140 PS, 320 Nm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Full-time 4WD with manual locking diffs
• Ground Clearance: 233 mm
• Water Wading Depth: 700 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,400 mm
• Length: 3,965 mm
• Seating: Four (rear captain chairs)
• Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
• Cluster & Safety: Digital instrument cluster, TPMS, dual airbags
• Boot Capacity: 500 litres
• Fuel Tank: 63.5 litres
• Price: ₹16.78 lakh ex-showroom (~₹20 lakh on-road)

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