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A lot of people think that cars like Sierra, Seltos, and Creta are SUVs. However, they are mistaken because a real SUV is one that is based on a ladder-frame chassis and offers a proper 4X4 system. No, your XUV 7XO with AWD is not a real SUV. Today, we are listing all the REAL SUVs that you can buy under Rs 20 lakh in India.

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny is currently India’s most affordable proper lifestyle 4X4 SUV. It starts at Rs 12.31 lakh and goes up to Rs 14.44 lakh. This small but extremely capable off-roader comes powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. It makes 103 bhp and 134.2 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic gearbox.

The Jimny is based on a lightweight ladder-frame chassis, and its compact dimensions make it extremely capable off-road. It comes equipped with Suzuki’s ALLGRIP PRO 4×4 system with a proper low-range transfer case. Its off-road geometry is also very impressive, as it offers 210 mm of ground clearance and a massive 46-degree departure angle.

Higher variants of the Jimny come equipped with a 9-inch infotainment system, cruise control, automatic climate control, LED projector headlamps, and an Arkamys-tuned sound system. The safety kit includes six airbags, ESP, hill descent control, and Brake LSD.

One of the most popular cars when it comes to proper off-roaders under Rs 20 lakh is none other than the Mahindra Thar three-door. Although it may not have the best reputation due to the hooligans in the country, it cannot be forgotten that it is built on a tough body-on-frame chassis and has been specifically designed for off-roading and adventure driving. Prices for the 4×4 variants generally range from around Rs 15.26 lakh and go up to Rs 17.62 lakh ex-showroom.

Mahindra offers the Thar three-door with two engine options. The first is a 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, which makes 130 bhp and 300 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the second is a 2.0-litre mStallion turbo petrol engine that makes 150 bhp and up to 320 Nm of torque. Both engines can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

What makes the Thar truly capable is its dedicated 4WD system with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes. It also gets 226 mm of ground clearance, a 41.2-degree approach angle, and 650 mm of water-wading capability. As for the features, it gets a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, roof-mounted speakers, cruise control, ESP, and others.

The Thar Roxx is Mahindra’s more premium and practical version of the Thar three-door model. Unlike the standard Thar, the Roxx focuses more on comfort, technology, and everyday usability. However, this does not mean that it lacks serious off-road hardware.

The SUV comes offered in multiple 4×4 trims, including MX5, AX5L, and AX7L. Prices for select 4×4 variants start at Rs 19.04 lakh ex-showroom and go up to Rs 22.81 lakh. Powering this SUV is the time-tested 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, which makes 172 bhp and 370 Nm of torque.

The Thar Roxx comes with Mahindra’s advanced 4XPLOR 4WD system. It also gets terrain modes, an electronic locking differential, a brake locking differential, and off-road assist technologies like CrawlSmart and IntelliTurn.

As for the features, the top-of-the-line variants come loaded with features like dual 10.25-inch screens, a panoramic sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, ventilated seats, a 360-degree camera, Dolby Atmos audio, and Level 2 ADAS.

If you are someone who wants a proper seven-seater SUV with real 4×4 capability, the Scorpio-N is one of the best vehicles for you. Its 4X4 variants start at Rs 18.02 lakh and go up to Rs 24.95 lakh. This SUV also comes powered by the same 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine, which makes 172 bhp and 370 Nm of torque, as the Thar Roxx. It comes paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a proper shift-on-the-fly 4WD system with 2H, 4H, and 4L modes.

Its list of features includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, rear AC vents, cruise control, and electrically adjustable ORVMs. Safety features include ESC, hill descent control, hill hold assist, dual airbags, and all-wheel disc brakes. It is a 5-star Global NCAP safety-rated vehicle, which makes it a good choice for family buyers.

The Force Gurkha is one of the most hardcore off-road SUVs available in India today. This SUV is available in both three-door and five-door configurations, and its price starts at Rs 16.30 lakh and goes up to Rs 17.62 lakh. Both models use the same 2.6-litre Mercedes-derived diesel engine, which makes 138 bhp and 320 Nm of torque. The engine comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

As for the off-road equipment, it comes offered with front and rear locking differentials, a shift-on-the-fly 4×4 system, 233 mm of ground clearance, and a factory-fitted snorkel, which enables 700 mm of water-wading capability. Force Motors offers this SUV with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, TPMS, a roof rack, and alloy wheels.