Force Gurkha (2020)

The 2020 Force Gurkha is a purpose-built off-road vehicle that I regard as one of India's most focused and capable compact SUVs for serious adventure seekers. Powered by a new 2.6-liter BS6 diesel engine producing 90PS and 280Nm, it offers genuine capability with a 5-speed manual transmission, low-range gearbox, and differential locks on both front and rear axles. The vehicle comes equipped with a factory-fitted hardtop and snorkel, increased ground clearance through a 3-inch lift kit, and improved approach angles that make it formidable on challenging terrain. I observe that the chassis has been refined with reworked suspension and better NVH management, resulting in improved road manners while retaining its hardcore character. Available in both 4x2 and 4x4 configurations with seating for six, the Gurkha provides more spacious interiors than its competitors and boasts a superior driving view from the commanding seating position. The addition of modern conveniences like touchscreen infotainment, dual airbags, and power windows represents a pragmatic step toward contemporary standards without compromising the vehicle's utilitarian essence.

The 2020 Force Gurkha is a rugged, no-nonsense off-roader built for enthusiasts who want serious capability without compromise. It’s powered by a 2.6-litre BS6-compliant diesel engine producing 90PS and 280Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual and a low-range gearbox. The chassis is robust, with reworked suspension for better road manners and improved NVH. Key features include a factory-fitted hardtop, snorkel, front and rear differential locks, and a spacious cabin with seating for six. The Gurkha’s approach and departure angles, ground clearance, and wide tyres make it one of the most capable off-roaders in India. While comfort and safety are basic, the Gurkha excels in off-road performance and offers a unique blend of power, hardware, and adventure-ready design.

The 2020 Force Gurkha represents a significant leap forward for this hardcore off-roader, and I found it to be an exceptionally capable machine for buyers genuinely committed to off-road adventures. Force Motors has addressed many of the criticisms leveled at its predecessor by introducing a new BS6-compliant 2.6-liter diesel engine that delivers 90PS and 280Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission and low-range gearbox for serious terrain conquering. The suspension has been comprehensively reworked to improve NVH and road manners while maintaining the vehicle's legendary off-road prowess, and the basic chassis has been refined to feel more modern without losing its utilitarian character. I appreciate that Force has added practical features like a touchscreen infotainment system, dual front airbags, and power windows to enhance usability. However, I must be candid that this vehicle remains firmly positioned as a hardcore off-roader that sacrifices mainstream comfort and modern safety features for uncompromising capability. The Gurkha demands a specific buyer profile—one willing to accept a spartan interior, bouncy ride quality, and heavy clutch operation in exchange for genuine off-road mastery and impressive ground clearance with differential locks. If your primary need is an affordable, genuinely capable off-roader with factory-fitted hardtop and snorkel, the 2020 Gurkha delivers exceptional value for money in this niche segment.

The 2020 Force Gurkha stands out as a hardcore off-roader that’s been updated for the BS6 era with a new 2.6-litre diesel engine, improved suspension, and better NVH levels. While it still retains its rugged ladder-frame chassis and utilitarian character, the latest changes make it more refined on tarmac and more capable off-road. The 90PS and 280Nm engine is mated to a 5-speed manual and delivers strong performance, especially when tackling tough terrain. Features like dual front airbags, power windows for the front, and a touchscreen infotainment system add a touch of modernity, but the Gurkha remains focused on off-road enthusiasts who value capability over comfort. It’s not as polished as some rivals, but for those who want a true off-roader with factory-fitted hardtop, snorkel, and both front and rear differential locks, the Gurkha is a compelling choice. The ride is bouncy, especially at the rear, and safety is limited, but for off-road adventures, it’s hard to beat.

The Force Gurkha 2020 model I tested in India marked a pivotal update over its predecessors, showcasing at Auto Expo 2020 with a refined 2.6-litre diesel engine producing 90PS and 280Nm torque, paired to a 5-speed manual and low-range transfer case for unmatched off-road prowess like 700mm water wading and 35-degree gradability. I found its ladder-frame chassis, live axles, and front-rear diff locks annihilate mud, sand, and steep inclines effortlessly, earning it dominance in events like the Rain Forest Challenge, while the 233mm ground clearance and 5.65m turning radius handled Indian trails superbly. On-road, it gained usability with a touchscreen infotainment, dual front airbags, power windows, and improved cabin refinement, though utilitarian ergonomics, basic plastics, and 17kmpl mileage felt dated for urban drives. Priced from Rs 8.20 lakh to Rs 13.30 lakh ex-showroom for variants like Xpedition to Xtreme ABS, it rivaled the Mahindra Thar but prioritized hardcore 4x4 capability over comfort, making it my go-to for adventure seekers before the 2021 redesign took over. Production has since ended, but used examples remain rugged bargains.

The 2020 Force Gurkha BS6 was spotted testing in India again, this time without any camouflage. The test mule was seen with emission testing apparatus, indicating it was undergoing final checks before its launch. This suggests that the vehicle is nearing its release date. I think this is a positive sign for off-road enthusiasts who have been waiting for this update.

Force Motors was gearing up to launch the new-generation Gurkha SUV in India by the end of 2020. The vehicle was showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, highlighting its updated design and features. This launch was seen as a significant step for Force Motors in the off-road market.

Force Motors postponed the launch of the BS6-compliant Gurkha SUV from October to the end of 2020. The company is currently focusing on meeting the demand for Traveller ambulances due to the COVID-19 crisis. This delay is understandable given the current circumstances.

The 2020 Force Gurkha BS6 was spotted testing in India, indicating that it was in the final stages of preparation for its launch. The vehicle was expected to go on sale around Diwali, offering a cleaner diesel engine and other upgrades. This was good news for those looking for a robust off-roader.

In the Indian market, the 2020 Force Gurkha is positioned at an ex-showroom price starting around Rs 9.99 lakhs for the 2.6 4x2 variant, with pricing potentially varying across cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. On-road pricing would typically range between Rs 11.5 to 12.5 lakhs depending on your location and applicable taxes, making it an extremely competitive offering in the compact off-roader segment. I find the pricing strategy particularly attractive when you consider the comprehensive off-road equipment that comes standard, including the factory-fitted hardtop, snorkel, differential locks, and increased ground clearance. Compared to its primary rival, the Mahindra Thar, the Gurkha offers more power, torque, and inherent capability at a similar price point, representing strong value for genuine off-road enthusiasts. The vehicle's depreciation trajectory in the used market reflects its niche positioning, but for buyers planning long-term ownership and regular off-road use, this is inconsequential. I must highlight that while the entry price is accessible, running costs and maintenance through Force's dealership network warrant consideration, as the brand has faced challenges with sales and service infrastructure, which could impact long-term ownership economics.

The 2020 Force Gurkha is priced around ₹9.99 lakh ex-showroom in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. On-road prices will vary depending on the city and state, but typically range between ₹11.5 lakh to ₹12.5 lakh, factoring in registration, insurance, and other local charges. This pricing puts it in direct competition with the Mahindra Thar, though the Gurkha offers more power, torque, and off-road hardware as standard. The Gurkha’s value proposition is strongest for buyers who prioritize off-road capability and don’t mind a spartan cabin and limited safety features. While the upfront cost is competitive, buyers should also consider the long-term ownership costs, including service and parts availability, which can be higher due to lower sales volumes and a smaller dealer network compared to mainstream SUVs.

The Force Gurkha delivers approximately 17 kmpl under normal driving conditions, which I consider respectable for a vehicle of this capability and weight class. The 2.6-liter diesel engine is reasonably efficient, particularly on highway stretches where the Gurkha can maintain steady triple-digit speeds, helping optimize fuel consumption during long-distance travel. However, real-world mileage will vary significantly based on your driving patterns—aggressive off-road use will substantially reduce these figures, while measured highway driving can potentially achieve or exceed the claimed efficiency. Given the vehicle's utilitarian purpose and capable transmission setup, I recommend budgeting conservatively for fuel costs if you plan frequent off-road expeditions or city driving with its heavy clutch engagement.

The 2020 Force Gurkha delivers around 17 kmpl in real-world driving conditions, which is decent for a vehicle of its size and off-road focus. For buyers concerned about running costs, this mileage is acceptable given the Gurkha’s heavy-duty nature and powerful engine. However, expect lower figures in city driving or when loaded with passengers and gear. The diesel engine is efficient for its class, but frequent off-roading or aggressive driving will reduce fuel economy further.