Force Motors Gurkha

The 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is expected to be powered by the same 2.6-litre Mercedes-Benz derived diesel engine. This turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine is expected to produce around 90 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. It is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. The Gurkha features a robust 4x4 system with a low-range transfer case and manually operated front and rear differential locks, which are crucial for its extreme off-road capability. On-road performance is modest; the engine is tuned for low-end torque essential for off-roading, rather than outright speed. Acceleration is leisurely, and highway cruising at high speeds is not its forte. Fuel economy figures are expected to be moderate, typical for a heavy, boxy, diesel-powered 4x4 vehicle, varying significantly based on driving conditions, especially off-road use.

Ride and Handling

The 2025 Force Motors Gurkha's ride and handling characteristics are dictated by its off-road focus. The suspension setup, featuring independent front suspension and a rigid axle at the rear, is designed to handle extreme articulation and rough terrain. On paved roads, the ride is firm and can feel bouncy over uneven surfaces, especially at lower speeds. It does not offer the plush comfort of a city-focused SUV.

Handling is functional but not precise. The steering is heavy and requires effort, particularly at low speeds. Body roll is significant around corners due to the tall stance and soft suspension travel needed for off-roading. Maneuverability in tight city spaces is challenging due to its size and steering. Emergency braking performance is adequate but requires firm pedal pressure. The Gurkha is built to crawl over obstacles, not carve corners, and its on-road dynamics reflect this.

The interior of the 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is basic and utilitarian, designed for durability and ease of cleaning after off-road excursions rather than luxury. The dashboard layout is simple, featuring analogue dials and a basic infotainment system on higher variants. Material quality is rugged, primarily consisting of hard plastics built to withstand rough use.

Seating is for four occupants in the 3-door version with captain seats in the rear, offering decent individual comfort. The 5-door version offers more flexibility, typically with seating for seven occupants in a 2+3+2 layout, though the third row is quite basic. Rear-seat space in the 3-door is good for two. Cargo space is limited in both versions with all seats up, but expands significantly when the rear seats are folded or removed, offering ample room for gear. Storage spaces within the cabin are minimal.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is functional rather than feature-rich, reflecting the vehicle's utilitarian focus. Lower variants are expected to come with a very basic audio system or potentially none at all. Higher variants typically feature a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

This 7-inch touchscreen system is expected to include basic functions like Bluetooth connectivity, USB input, and potentially Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, though the interface is generally simple and response times might not be as quick as in more modern vehicles. The digital instrument cluster is basic, providing essential driving information. The system serves the purpose of providing basic entertainment and connectivity but lacks the advanced features and slick interface found in more mainstream SUVs.

The exterior design of the 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is expected to remain largely unchanged, retaining its iconic, boxy, and functional appearance inspired by classic off-roaders. It features a prominent, upright stance, a large grille with the Gurkha logo, and round headlamps, giving it a distinctive retro look. The snorkel, mounted on the A-pillar, is a standard feature emphasizing its water-wading capability.

The body is mounted on a sturdy ladder-frame chassis. Key dimensions include a length of around 4116 mm (3-door) or 4612 mm (5-door), a width of 1812 mm, and a height of 2075 mm (with roof carrier). The wheelbase is 2400 mm for the 3-door and 2825 mm for the 5-door, contributing to its off-road agility and interior space respectively. Ground clearance is a substantial 205 mm, essential for clearing obstacles. The design is purely functional, prioritizing capability and durability over aesthetics.

Safety information for the 2025 Force Motors Gurkha needs to be considered in the context of its design and purpose. As of early 2025, the Gurkha has not been independently crash-tested by bodies like BNCAP or Global NCAP. Its ladder-frame chassis provides inherent rigidity, but the lack of modern safety features is a consideration.

Standard safety features are expected to be basic, likely including dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking sensors. Higher variants might offer a rearview camera. The vehicle's performance in challenging terrains is enhanced by its mechanical capabilities, but on-road safety features are limited compared to modern monocoque SUVs. The focus is on surviving harsh environments rather than providing a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety aids.

The 2025 Force Motors Gurkha operates in a niche segment for serious off-roaders in India. Its primary rival is the Mahindra Thar, which also offers strong off-road capability but is generally considered more lifestyle-oriented and offers more modern features and engine options, including petrol and automatic transmissions. 

The Gurkha differentiates itself with its standard fitment of front and rear differential locks (on 4x4 variants), which give it a technical edge in extreme off-road scenarios compared to the Thar's brake-locking differentials. While the Thar offers more variants and broader appeal, the Gurkha appeals specifically to those who need the utmost mechanical off-road prowess. Other SUVs like the Maruti Suzuki Jimny are smaller and less powerful, targeting a different segment of off-road enthusiasts. The Gurkha's value proposition lies purely in its hardcore off-road hardware at a relatively accessible price point for its capability.

The 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is not a vehicle for everyone, but for its intended purpose, i.e. serious off-roading, it remains a highly capable machine in the Indian market. Its robust construction, powerful 4x4 system with differential locks, and utilitarian nature make it excel in challenging terrains where mainstream SUVs would struggle. It is a vehicle that prioritizes function and durability over comfort and modern amenities.

For buyers in India who specifically need a rugged, reliable, and mechanically capable off-road vehicle for extreme conditions, the 2025 Force Motors Gurkha is a compelling choice, particularly the 4x4 variants with differential locks. Its niche focus means it compromises significantly on on-road comfort, features, and safety compared to urban SUVs. If your primary need is navigating tough trails and you can live with its utilitarian nature, the Gurkha is worth considering. The 5-door variant adds practicality for carrying more passengers or gear.