Force Gurkha 5-Door – Off-Road Beast or Outdated Box?
I recently got behind the wheel of the much-anticipated Force Gurkha 5-door, and let me tell you, it’s a beast. This thing is inspired by the legendary G-Wagon, and the boxy design gives off a tough-guy vibe. It makes sense why Mercedes doesn’t chase after Force Motors for it – they used to be partners, after all! You also might know the 2.6 Liter Diesel OM616 Engine is sourced from Mercedes. Let’s talk about Force Gurkha 5-door, what has changed, and whether it is better than before and should buy one
Force Gurkha 2024’s Updated Exterior
The Force Gurkha 2024 has been redesigned to address some of the shortcomings of the 2021 model. The most noticeable change is the addition of two rear doors, making it a five-door SUV. However, you still get the revised 3-door.
The overall design is boxy and reminiscent of the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. The car rides on 18-inch wheels, which are larger than the 16-inch wheels on the previous model.
In terms of ground clearance, the 2024 Gurkha has been improved to 233 mm, thanks in part to the redesigned lower control arms, and the 18-inch wheels. This is a significant improvement over the 2021 model, which was criticized for its low ground clearance, and the lower control arms which hit the obstacles.
Other exterior features include a redesigned grille, new headlights and taillights, and a new front bumper with integrated fog lights. The car also comes with a snorkel, which is useful for wading through deep water. Overall, the exterior of the 2024 Force Gurkha 5-door is more modern and stylish than the previous model, while still retaining its rugged and off-road capable appearance.
Stepping Inside: Screens and Basic Charm
But the real changes happen when you climb in. The interior finally has some screens! A 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system are a welcome addition. The navigation on the infotainment system worked well, but the overall look feels a bit aftermarket. The rest of the interior is still pretty basic, reminding me a lot of the Force Trax. The steering wheel is also borrowed from the Trax and lacks all the fancy buttons you find in most new cars these days. On the plus side, it adjusts for reach and rake, which even some competitors skip.
A big improvement for me is the new 4×4 selector. It’s now a dial, similar to the one in the classic Safari, and super easy to use. They’ve also added some new cubby holes, cup holders, and a foldable armrest, which are all appreciated touches. However, I was bummed about the lack of wireless charging and the fact that the rear seats still use lap belts for the middle passenger in the 2nd row.
The Space in the back seats is adequate and good, but the biggest challenge is climbing in and out of the vehicle, which takes a bit of effort. Though once you get in the seat cushion is good and comfortable, and the vehicle is wide enough it can seat 3 people in the 2nd row. You also get 3-point seat belts for all the seats.
Getting in the 3rd row is through the rear tailgate, where you get captain seats and 3-point seat belts. The boot space is not good with all the seats up, but you can unbolt the third-row seats and remove them, but we dont have a boot space figure.
Engine and Transmission
The engine performance on the previous model of the Gurkha was one of the biggest downsides, but Force Motors has worked on that. It gets the same 2.6 Liter Diesel OM616 Engine sourced from Mercedes, but the power output has gone up. It now has 138 HP and 320 NM of torque. You only get a 5-speed manual gearbox, still no automatic transmission.
Though the power band is very limited you get the torque from 1200 RPM and tops out at 3200 RPM, you can cruise but dont expect any enthusiastic driving.
Safety Features
| Safety | |
| ABS with EBD | ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts |
| 2 Airbags | Hill Assist |
| Central Locking | Day & Night Rear View Mirror (Manual) |
| Seat Belt Warning | Tyre Pressure Monitor |
Off-Road Prowess: Where the Gurkha Shines
Now, let’s talk about the most important part: how this thing handles itself off-road. The Gurkha has always been known for its off-road prowess, and that hasn’t changed. It still boasts 2 locking differentials, a feature you won’t find anywhere else in this price range. The ground clearance has also gotten a bump to 233 mm thanks to those new wheels. The approach angle is 39° with a 37° departure angle and 28° ramp over angle. You also get a water-wading capacity of 700 mm
I took it for a quick off-road jaunt, and it handled everything I threw at it with ease. Steep climbs, side slopes, even a water-wading section – no problem. This also gets a crawl mode just put in the first gear and low range mode, and you dont have to press the accelrator pedal to move. This thing can conquer more than you can imagine. If you want a rugged off-roader you should buy the Force Gurkha
Verdict: A Niche Choice for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Here’s the deal: the Force Gurkha is not for everyone and it isn’t perfect. It could use more power compared to some rivals, the interior feels a bit dated, and the rear drum brakes aren’t ideal. But, it’s a significant leap forward from the previous Gurkha. The Gurkha is worth considering if you’re looking for an old-school, hardcore off-road machine with a rugged charm. However, if comfort, modern features, and smooth on-road performance are your priorities, you might want to look elsewhere and not buy the Force Gurkha
