FORCE MOTORS GURKHA

The 2026 Force Motors Gurkha sold in India is a ladder-frame, hardcore off‑road SUV available in two body styles: a 3‑Door 4‑seater and a 5‑Door 7‑seater, both using the same 2.6‑litre turbo‑diesel engine and full‑time 4WD with front & rear differential locks. It is built in India, focused on rugged capability rather than luxury, and offered in exactly four monotone exterior colours.

Trim & Transmission Lineup

Both body styles share the same core powertrain: a Mercedes‑derived FM 2.6 CR CD 4‑cylinder turbo‑diesel, 5‑speed manual gearbox, and full‑time 4WD with low‑range and mechanical diff locks. Power/torque figures for the latest Gurkha generation are consistently reported around 138 bhp and 320 Nm for the new models.

(Power/torque numbers reflect the updated new‑gen Gurkha figures cited by Indian car portals and recent video reviews; the earlier 90 hp/250 Nm tune on Wikipedia refers to the previous generation.)

Dimensions

Published figures focus mainly on the 5‑Door/7‑seat Gurkha, with shared width and ground clearance across both body styles. Where data is not model‑split, values are noted as common.

Available Colors

Most portals list four monotone colours for the new Gurkha; one source lists five including an additional Grey/Orange, but the common, consistent set for the current Indian lineup is Green, Red, White, Black. These are solid/metallic off‑road‑type finishes, available on both body styles.

(Grey/Orange mentioned in one listing appear as earlier or promotional shades; the mainstream 2026 catalogue emphasises the four above for India.)

Key Features by Trim

Gurkha 3 Door (4‑Seater)

Safety & ADAS

• Dual front airbags
• ABS with EBD and 4‑wheel disc brakes (front & rear)
• Rear parking sensors
• Seat‑belt reminder and basic speed alerts (as per Indian regulations)
• Rigid ladder‑frame chassis, integrated roll‑over‑friendly high‑roof structure (off‑road safety emphasis)
• ISOFIX‑type child seat provision on rear captain chairs (inferred from family/off‑road usage norms)

Infotainment & Connectivity

• Touchscreen infotainment system (~7‑inch) with basic media, Bluetooth, USB
• 4‑speaker audio system
• Steering‑mounted audio controls (in some feature packs)
• Manual HVAC controls, physical knobs — off‑road friendly

Comfort & Interior

• 4‑seat layout with individual captain chairs (2+2); very spacious for four adults
• Fabric upholstery with hard‑wearing materials for off‑road use
• Manual air‑conditioning with roof‑mounted vents in rear (market‑typical)
• Tall, upright seating with excellent visibility
• Simple, utilitarian dashboard design with analogue cluster
• Adjustable front seats; foldable rear captain seats for cargo flexibility

Exterior

• Three‑door body with side‑hinged rear door
• Factory‑fitted snorkel for water wading and dust protection
• Distinctive round headlamps with LED DRLs (new‑gen styling)
• Heavy‑duty roof rack mounting points (aftermarket‑friendly)
• Steel wheels / all‑terrain tyres, flared wheel arches
• Side foot‑steps, rear ladder (on some builds) for roof access
• Black cladding and bumpers to suit off‑road environments

Performance / Off‑Road

• 2.6L turbo‑diesel, ~138 bhp / 320 Nm
• Full‑time 4WD with manual shift low‑range transfer case
• Front & rear mechanical locking differentials, driver‑operated levers
• High ground clearance (233 mm)
• Shorter wheelbase for tight trails and better break‑over behaviour
• Strong ladder frame, high approach/departure angles (see Off‑Road section)

Gurkha 5 Door (7‑Seater)

Safety & ADAS

• Same core safety hardware as 3‑Door: dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors
• Enhanced structural length, designed for 7‑seat family use
• Child‑seat friendly bench layouts in second row; optional third‑row belt‑integrated seating

Infotainment & Connectivity

• Similar touchscreen infotainment unit with Bluetooth/USB and basic smartphone connectivity
• 4–6 speakers depending on spec
• Roof‑mounted rear AC vents and controls (in some variants)
• Practical, straightforward interface for rural and adventure use

Comfort & Interior

• 2+3+2 seating layout (7 seats); more family‑oriented
• Second‑row bench with folding backrest to access third row
• Third‑row seats primarily for occasional use or children; can be folded/removed for luggage
• High‑roof cabin; improved legroom thanks to 2,825 mm wheelbase
• Utilitarian but slightly more practical interior compared with 3‑Door (extra doors, easier ingress/egress)
• Manual AC; rugged upholstery aimed at durability

Exterior

• Five‑door SUV body, more conventional family shape with two rear side doors plus tailgate
• Same visual identity: round headlamps, snorkel, boxy profile
• Larger side glass area for rear passengers
• Side steps on both sides; heavy‑duty bumpers and cladding
• Roof rack compatibility for overlanding setups

Performance / Off‑Road

• Same 2.6L turbo‑diesel (138 bhp / 320 Nm) and 5‑speed manual
• Full‑time 4WD, low‑range transfer case, front & rear mechanical diff locks
• Ground clearance 233 mm, long wheelbase 2,825 mm
• Slightly less nimble than 3‑Door on tight trails, but more stable on highways and loaded conditions
• Designed as a family adventure 4x4, mixing 7‑seat practicality with genuine off‑road hardware

Off‑Road Capability (Both Body Styles)

The Gurkha is engineered as a hardcore 4x4; most reviews compare it directly with serious off‑roaders like the Mahindra Thar.

Core Mechanical Hardware

• Engine: FM 2.6 CR CD 2.6‑litre, 4‑cyl turbo‑diesel, ~138 bhp, ~320 Nm
• Gearbox: 5‑speed manual (G28/5 synchromesh type)
• Drivetrain: Full‑time 4WD with a low‑range transfer case, lever‑operated
• Differential Locks: Front and rear mechanical differential locks, manually actuated — rare in the segment and key to traction on difficult terrain.
• Ground Clearance: 233 mm (≈9.2 in)

Angles & Geometry

(Exact numbers vary slightly across sources; the Gurkha is widely cited with off‑road‑class leading geometry.)

• Approach angle: ~37–39° (steep front bumper design, high clearance)
• Departure angle: ~33–35° (short rear overhang on 3‑Door; slightly lower but still strong on 5‑Door)
• Ramp‑over/break‑over angle: High on 3‑Door due to short wheelbase; more moderate on 5‑Door but still competitive for a 7‑seater.
• Water wading depth: Enhanced by the factory snorkel; typical Gurkha figures are around 550–700 mm (approx. 21.6–27.6 in). The snorkel and elevated air intake are designed for deep crossings and dusty trails.

Other Off‑Road Details

• Heavy‑duty ladder‑frame chassis tuned for durability, not on‑road agility
• Live axles front and rear with coil springs — robust articulation for uneven terrain (inferred from segment norms)
• All‑terrain tyres with strong sidewalls, mounted on tough steel wheels
• High‑mounted air intake/snorkel, raised breather lines for axles and transmission (water crossing focus)
• Minimal low‑hanging bodywork; exposed ladder frame and underbody easy to armor with aftermarket skid plates

In practice, owners and reviewers highlight that the Gurkha’s dual diff locks plus low‑range give it an advantage on rock, slush, and steep climbs where single‑lock or open‑diff rivals struggle.

Interior Layout & Practicality: 3‑Door vs 5‑Door

3‑Door Gurkha (4‑Seater, Captain Chairs)

• Seating: 2 front seats + 2 rear captain chairs (4 seats total).
• Access: Rear passengers enter via front doors and fold‑tilt front seats; more adventurous than family‑friendly.
• Space: Very generous space for four adults; rear captain chairs offer good shoulder and legroom.
• Boot/Cargo
• With all 4 seats in use, boot is medium‑sized but benefits from the high roof for vertical stacking.
• Rear captain chairs can be folded or removed to create a large cargo bay, ideal for overlanding setups, camping gear, and recovery equipment.
• Use Case: Suits enthusiasts and small groups who prioritize off‑road performance and gear carrying over 7‑seat family practicality.

5‑Door Gurkha (7‑Seater, 2+3+2)

• Seating: 2+3+2 layout — 2 front seats, a 3‑seat second‑row bench, and a 2‑seat third row.
• Access: Proper rear side doors significantly improve ingress and egress, especially for children and elderly passengers.
• Space
• Second row offers decent comfort for three occupants, with upright seating and tall roof.
• Third row is best for children or occasional adult use; intended for short trips or emergency seating.
• Boot/Cargo
• With all three rows up, boot space is small; luggage for seven requires folding/removing the third row.
• With the third row folded, cargo area becomes comparable to a mid‑size SUV, adequate for family trips with five or fewer passengers.
• Use Case: Designed as a family adventure SUV — combining genuine 4x4 capability with the ability to carry up to seven people for trips, while still offering some cargo flexibility when the third row is folded.

Overall, the 3‑Door prioritizes maximum off‑road agility and 4‑person comfort plus cargo, while the 5‑Door sacrifices some trail nimbleness for extra seats and easier access, making it better suited to families who still want a true 4x4.