7 SUVs that can nearly go ‘swimming’
Sports Utility Vehicles, better-known as SUVs are quite capable vehicles when it comes to off-roading as they come with several features apart from mechanical upgrades that help them scale the rough terrain. These SUVs also have impressive water wading capacity which can be pretty useful in waterlogged areas. Here are 7 such SUVs with the best water-wading capacity in India, shown here.
Ford Endeavour
Water-Wading Capacity: 800 mm, Prices: Rs. 28.20 – 33.70 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The Ford Endeavour represents the brute American power and is a definitive off-roader. The massive SUV gets powered by a matching 3.2-litre 5-cylinder diesel engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, which churns out nearly 200 Bhp power and 470 Nm of peak torque. The SUV gets a 4-wheel drive system as standard on the top variant with drive select modes. The Endeavour is a top pick for those who want a luxurious, off-road capable vehicle. The video above shows how easily can it go through water, making it look like a walk in the park.
Toyota Fortuner
Water Wading Capacity: 700 mm, prices: Rs. 27.83 – 33.60 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The Fortuner has become the poster boy of plush Indian SUVs of late. Don’t be fooled by those comfortable interiors, feature-rich cabin and behemoth size because the Fortuner is undoubtedly one of the best serious off-road SUVs in the country when talking under Rs. 40 lakh. Powering the Fortuner are 2.7-litre petrol and 2.8-litre diesel engines, which get both manual and automatic transmission options while a 4-wheel system is available in the top-end diesel trim. In short, the Fortuner is one of the best ways to enjoy off-roading while laying cocooned in luxurious interiors. The video above puts a stamp on its water wading abilities too.
Force Gurkha
Water-Wading Capacity: 550 mm, Prices: 8.20 – 11.20 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The Force Gurkha can be neglected in nearly every aspect and that’s probably the reason why it is not seen on the roads much. However, when talking about serious off-roading, the Gurkha is in a league of its own. The SUV seems to have been made for the purpose of defeating natural forces and does that with great pleasure. The video above in itself shows an unbelievable scene while ascertaining the off-road abilities of the Gurkha. Also, it’s India’s cheapest SUV to offer three differential locks. The SUV is powered by a 2.6-litre turbocharged diesel engine that churns out 85 Bhp and 230 Nm.
Ford EcoSport
Water-Wading Capacity: 550 mm, Prices: Rs. 7.81 – 11.35 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The EcoSport may be the least capable SUV here when it comes to off-roading. In fact, it is not even an SUV but a crossover utility vehicle. However, the Ecosport performs relatively well and comes with a commendable ground clearance of 200 mm. The SUV is powered by a 1.5-litre engine in both diesel and petrol trims. There’s a 1-litre, turbocharged petrol engine option too which is also the most powerful engine option. As seen in the video above, the Ecosport can wade through decent water depth when driven correctly.
Isuzu D-Max V-Cross
Water-Wading Capacity: 500 mm, Prices: Rs. 15.54 – 17.06 lakhs (ex-showroom)
Next up is the Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, which in a way has set the tune for pick-up trucks in India. The dual-cab pick-up truck gets a promising chassis and engine, which is a 2.5-litre diesel unit producing 132 Bhp of peak power and 320 Nm of peak torque. However, the V-Cross has a disadvantage of a long-wheelbase over other SUVs and this comes across as a drawback sometimes while tackling tough off-road sections. The V-Cross is overall a value-for-money product for those who want a rugged SUV with a powerful engine.
Mahindra Thar
Water-Wading Capacity: 500 mm, Prices: 9.59 – 9.99 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The Mahindra Thar is another lifestyle utility vehicle on this list that has been designed specifically for off-road usage. The Thar can easily tackle the treacherous off-road sections thanks to its short wheelbase and low range transfer box. Though it may be spartan in terms of the features it offers or cabin quality or comfort, what this beast does know is to move over any type of surface and then some. The solidly built, bare basic off-road machine is powered by a 2.5-litre cRDE diesel engine that churns out 105 Bhp power along with 247 Nm of peak torque and comes paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Jeep Compass Trailhawk
Water-Wading Capacity: 840 mm, Prices: 26.80 – 27.60 lakhs (ex-showroom)
The recently launched Compass Trailhawk is the off-road spec version of the regular Jeep Compass. It gets a full 30 mm lift thanks to raised suspension while the water wading capacity has been increased to 840 mm, which is the highest figure on this list. The 4×4 system has a 20:1 crawl ratio and comes with rock and mud modes. Powering the Trailhawk is a 2-litre turbo diesel engine that puts out 170 Bhp-350 Nm and comes mated to a 9 speed torque converter gearbox.
Written By – Devesh Mishra, Source – Cartoq.
