Best Cars for Adventure Road Trips in India: Top Picks for Comfort, Capability & Thrill
Do you enjoy daring road adventures but get stumped trying to figure out what car to use? Worry no more—allow us to take you by the hand. Whatever you're in pursuit of, having the correct vehicle will set the experience into overdrive. From comfort level to capability and everything thrilling in between, we've put together the top picks of our favorite options so that you may decide on the best vehicle for your next adventure getaway.
1. Mahindra Thar
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Engine Options: 2.0L turbo-petrol & 2.2L diesel
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Transmission: 6-speed manual / automatic
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Drive-train: 4x4 with low-range transfer case
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Ground Clearance: 226 mm
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Off-Road Features: Brake locking differential, mechanical locking rear diff, water wading capability, high approach/departure angles
Why it's great for adventure:
Designed for off-roading right from the outset. The Thar is an anywhere-go vehicle that's capable of negotiating deep ruts, rocky inclines, and water crossings. It's perfect for places such as Spiti, Zanskar, or offbeat routes in the Northeast.
Drawback: Limited space in the boot and cramped rear-seat comfort mean it's not so suited for family vacations.
2. Tata Safari
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Engine: 2.0L Kryotec turbo-diesel
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Transmission: 6-speed manual / automatic
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Drive-train: Front-wheel drive (no AWD, but terrain response modes help on mild trails)
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Interior: Panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, premium upholstery, connected car tech
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Boot Space: ~447L
Why it’s great for adventure:
While not a hardcore off-roader, the Safari’s solid build, elevated ride height, and strong torque make it capable on rough rural roads and hill routes. The comfort factor is high, making it great for long-distance family road trips.
Downside: Lack of AWD option restricts serious trail driving.
3. Toyota Fortuner
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Engine: 2.7L petrol / 2.8L diesel
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Transmission: 6-speed manual / automatic
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Drive-train: Available in 4x2 and 4x4 (diesel)
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Ground Clearance: 221 mm
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Towing/Hauling: Great at towing camping equipment, bikes, or trailers
Why it's great for adventure:
Fortuner is the reliability and capability gold standard. It's known to conquer the harshest terrains—perfect for Ladakh, Bhutan, or Arunachal Pradesh expeditions. It's also roomy and comfortable.
Downside: Expensive, and the ride can become stiff over rough city roads.
4. Maruti Suzuki Jimny
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Engine: 1.5L petrol
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Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
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Drive-train: AllGrip Pro 4x4 with low range
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Ground Clearance: 210 mm
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Weight: Light body weight enhances agility off-road
Why it's great for adventure:
The Jimny is tiny, lightweight, and supremely agile—ideal for windy mountain routes or off-pavement use. Its ladder frame and 4x4 set-up are suited for hard-off-roading. Ideal for individual or duos.
Downside: Motor power is subdued; less suited for rapid freeway driving or towing heavy payloads.
5. Kia Seltos / Hyundai Creta
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Engines: 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel / 1.5L turbo-petrol (new gen)
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Transmission: Manual, CVT, DCT, or AT based on variant
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Drive-train: Front-wheel drive only
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Comfort & Tech: Ventilated seats, big infotainment, panoramic sunroof, ADAS in top trims
Why they're great for adventure:
These are better suited to highway and light terrain adventures—coastal drives, national park roads, or hilly highways. Great fuel efficiency, comfort, and features for the money.
Downside: No AWD or off-road modes, so not for rough terrain.
6. Mahindra XUV700 AWD
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Engines: 2.0L turbo-petrol / 2.2L diesel
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Transmission: 6-speed manual / automatic
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Drive-train: AWD (in diesel variants only)
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Interior: Largest panoramic sunroof in segment, ADAS, dual digital displays
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Boot Space: Approximately 240L (with all seats up), more when third row folded
Why it's great for adventure:
Merges technology and power. AWD mode provides traction on wet, rough roads or gentle trails. Perfect for road warriors who desire comfort but will sometimes venture onto bad roads—such as Himachal or Coorg.
Drawback: AWD available only for the diesel variant, and third-row space is cramped.
While selecting the appropriate vehicle—such as a Thar, Safari, or Fortuner—lays the groundwork for an excellent road trip, minor interior accessories such as back cushions, neck pillows, and armrests can make a significant difference in comfort, particularly on long drives over challenging terrain.
1. Long Hours = Back & Neck Fatigue
Daring road adventures frequently translate into 8-10 hours on the road, sometimes on poor roads or rugged mountain roads. Even in well-engineered SUVs, perpetual motion, posture stress, and no breaks result in:
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Lower back pain
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Neck stiffness
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Shoulder fatigue
A quality lumbar support cushion maintains your spine straight, while neck pillows ease tension on long highway miles or stop-and-go hill driving.
2. Not All Cars Have Comfortable Stock Seats
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Thar and Jimny have vertical, box-like seating with little cushioning—ideal for off-roading, but not for spine comfort during hours of driving.
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Fortuner and XUV700 are improved, but even in these, hours of driving can lead to fatigue in the absence of additional support.
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Seltos/Creta provide luxurious seats, but support for neck and lower back can still use add-ons during long drives.
3. Armrests Reduce Driver Fatigue
Hours of holding the steering wheel, particularly on curved roads, can exhaust your shoulders and arms. A padded or adjustable armrest redistributes pressure and provides the driver with an opportunity to rest limbs between turns.
4. Increases Rear Passenger Comfort
Rear seats in vehicles such as the Thar or Jimny are less ergonomic. Back cushions and neck rests enhance passenger ride comfort, particularly over potholes or rough road surfaces.
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