2024 Force Gurkha First Drive Review

7 / 10

The Force Gurkha is known to be a lifestyle vehicle, particularly for its off-roading capability. Be it any harsh landscapes or terrain, the hard-core SUV leaves any off-road enthusiast grinning from ear to ear. Now, the 2024 Gurkha gets several updates, including a refreshed interior, uprated engine power, and new features. Notably, it's now available in a five-door body style in addition to the three-door version. The former is longer and taller but has the same front and rear track with unchanged width and overhangs even.

Still, the SUV continues to sport great road presence with its badass looks. However, in contrast to the good-looking front DRLs and headlamps, the taillamps look utilitarian and boring. Nevertheless, the new red colour pops out and grabs attention. And that's only to further add to its attractive, menacing, and purposeful design, which in 2024 still offers the classic old-world charm. Equipment including the roof carrier, ladder, and the windscreen bar are offered as accessories but are homologated and road-legal.

So, will this five-door version add a new layer of usability to the Gurkha? Let’s find out.

7 / 10

As compared to the three-door, the five-door body style brings in a lot more space with easy access to the second row. Interestingly, it's offered with a seven-seat layout featuring a bench seat in the second row and two individual seats in the third row. Yes, the entry is from the rear hatch as none of the front seats are foldable. The second-row seats can accommodate three adults, but sadly cannot be reclined, have an upright position, and lack under-thigh support that limits comfort. However, it continues to offer a commanding driving position with good all-round visibility. There's good headroom, knee room, and adequate shoulder room in the second row too. Even in the third row, the front-facing seats are usable with a large glass area elevating the sense of space and great visibility outside. That’s something preferable on a safari.

However, with all occupants aboard the five-door seven-seater Gurkha, all the luggage will have to be loaded onto the roof carrier. Also, there aren’t enough cubby holes and the slim door pads can't