Force Gurkha 3-Door vs Mahindra Thar OG 3-Door: Price and Specs Compared

Two compact 4×4 SUVs compared according to their dimensions, off-road hardware, powertrains, features and pricing.

The Force Gurkha 3-Door and the Mahindra Thar OG 3-Door have a similar mechanical formula: tough ladder-frame chassis, mechanical four-wheel drive and enough underbody clearance to handle most off-roading duties. While the Force focuses on purposeful utility the most, Mahindra’s newly updated Thar OG offers modern cabin tech, reworked suspension and punchier powertrains under the classic three-door format.

Both SUVs target serious off-road enthusiasts and lifestyle buyers, but they offer real-world value in very different ways. In this piece, we have compared them across their dimensions, off-road running gear, powertrains, everyday practicality and pricing to see which one deserves a spot in your garage.

Dimensions, Ground Clearance and Off-Road Geometry

The Thar OG is slightly longer from bumper to bumper and wider as well, but the Gurkha is substantially taller and towers over almost every other vehicle on the road.

The Thar OG stretches 30 mm longer and has a 50 mm longer wheelbase. While the Thar OG is also 5 mm wider, the Gurkha is around 225 mm taller, which is roughly the height of a 1-litre water bottle above the roof of the Thar OG. So, entering low-clearance basement parking lots in the Gurkha requires careful checking.

The Gurkha also offers an unladen ground clearance of 233 mm compared to the Thar OG’s 232 mm.

Off-road angles are evenly matched. The Thar OG offers a 40-degree approach angle, a 36-degree departure angle and a 26.4-degree ramp-over angle. The Gurkha records 39 degrees, 37 degrees, and 28 degrees, respectively. The Gurkha’s 2,400 mm wheelbase has a 5.5-metre turning radius, while the Thar gets a tighter 4.95-metre turning radius (9.9-metre turning circle) as well as Electric Power Steering (EPS).

Engine, Transmission and 4×4 Hardware

Force relies on a single Mercedes-sourced diesel unit, whereas Mahindra offers three different engine options across two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.

The Gurkha’s 2.6L diesel generates 138 bhp and 320 Nm, and it delivers its highest power surge from just 1,400 rpm. However, it is paired only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The Thar OG’s 2.2L mHawk diesel produces a stronger 150 bhp and 330 Nm, and buyers can also choose an optional 6-speed torque-converter automatic alongside the standard 6-speed manual. Mahindra’s offering has a 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol as well, producing 159-160 bhp and 330 Nm for buyers who want more highway speed. And then there’s a third, budget-friendly 1.5L diesel with 117 bhp.

Underneath, the Gurkha features heavy-duty mechanical locking differentials on both the front and rear axles, operated manually with the help of physical levers present inside the cabin. When cross-axled in deep slush, locking both differentials forces all four wheels to rotate together, letting the vehicle escape spots that would trap most crossovers.

In contrast, the Thar OG uses an Electronic Locking Differential (ELD) alongside electronic brake locking. It detects wheel slip automatically and applies brake pressure to redirect power across the axle. The Thar OG also has selectable Terrain Modes (Sand, Mud, Snow) and Frequency Dependent Damping on its updated multi-link suspension, which may offer more stability at high speeds.

Water wading capability favours the Gurkha at 700 mm, which is 50 mm more than the Thar OG’s 650 mm rating.

Cabin, Equipment and Everyday Usability

Inside, the Gurkha feels completely utilitarian, while the new Thar OG feels more like a modern passenger car.

The Gurkha features four individual captain seats. Passengers can access the second row through the rear door and central walkway, where they benefit from generous legroom and wide panoramic side glass windows. With four adults on board, the Gurkha still preserves a deep 500-litre boot that can fit three full-sized suitcases.

The Thar OG uses a front-facing rear bench that folds 50:50. Passengers must climb past the front passenger seat to reach the back, where knee room can feel a bit comparatively snug. With the rear seats upright, boot space is not much in this vehicle; the given area is barely enough for two slim laptop bags. Folding the rear seats does open up some cargo space, but reduces passenger capacity to two.

In terms of technology, the Thar OG features a crisp 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless smartphone mirroring, off-road telemetry screens, an analogue-digital instrument cluster and rear AC vents. The Gurkha relies on an aftermarket-style 9-inch touchscreen with basic wired connectivity, and comes with a 7-inch digital driver display.

And regarding safety, the Thar OG offers 6 airbags on its upper ZXT trim, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), hill-hold and hill-descent control. The Gurkha compensates with dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors.

Price, Variants and Overall Running Costs

Force keeps the buying process simple with a single fully loaded trim.

But Mahindra’s offering comes in a lot of variants across 3 personas: AXT, LXT and ZXT.

At ₹16.25 lakh, the Gurkha undercuts the equivalent Thar OG 2.2L diesel 4×4 manual (LXT) by roughly ₹18,000, while including front and rear differential locks, a snorkel and 500 litres of luggage room as standard. But the Thar OG starts at a much lower price at ₹10.32 lakh. It stretches up to ₹18.99 lakh for the top-spec diesel automatic, which is around ₹2.74 lakh more than the Gurkha.

As for running costs, the Gurkha’s heavy, low-revving 2.6L diesel offers around 10 kmpl to 12 kmpl across mixed terrain, but its 5-speed manual means the engine spins at higher revs on the highways, which means more fuel consumption. In contrast, the Thar OG’s 2.2L mHawk diesel is slightly easier on the wallet, returning 11 kmpl to 13 kmpl because its taller 6-speed gearbox lets the motor cruise calmly at 100 kmph.

But buyers choosing the punchy 2.0L turbo-petrol Thar OG must prepare for heavy fuel bills, with city traffic easily dropping mileage to 7 kmpl or 8 kmpl.

AutoYugg Verdict: Force Gurkha 3-Door or Thar OG 3-Door?

Choose the Force Gurkha 3-Door if you are someone associated with regular off-roading duties, or if you have to deal with frequent non-city terrain a lot. Its factory snorkel, manual front and rear differential locks, comfortable second-row captain seats and 500-litre boot make it a highly efficient cross-country expedition machine. You must, however, live with slow highway acceleration, a relatively firm ride quality and basic cabin electronics.

Choose the Mahindra Thar OG 3-Door instead if you want a versatile, daily-drivable 4×4. With 150 bhp on tap, an optional smooth automatic gearbox, modern 10.25-inch touchscreen tech, 6 airbags and composed high-speed suspension, it handles city traffic and 100 kmph highway cruising more efficiently than the Gurkha while remaining quite capable in off-roading duties.