While electric power steering dominates in the majority of cars sold today, some car makers still choose the old-school hydraulic steering setup. The setup is especially known for handling rough road conditions and for use in heavy, off-road-oriented vehicles, but at the cost of fuel efficiency and due to its heavy nature, it requires more effort to use. We list the models that are still on sale today with a hydraulic steering wheel setup, from least to most affordable.
Isuzu MU-X
Price: Rs 34.53 lakh to Rs 37.98 lakh
At its starting price, the Isuzu MU-X is the most expensive SUV on this list, equipped with a hydraulic steering. It features a single 163 hp, 1.9-litre diesel engine paired with an automatic gearbox and an AWD setup. In our experience, the steering feels heavy at low speeds, though it gains weight and feedback at higher speeds. However, at the dead-centre position, the steering feels somewhat vague.
Toyota Fortuner / Legender
Price: Rs 33.64 lakh to Rs 48.85 lakh / Rs 41.54 lakh to Rs 46.75 lakh
The Toyota Fortuner, specifically the GR-S trim, is the most expensive SUV here with hydraulic power steering. The Fortuner is offered with both petrol and diesel powertrains, while the Legender is available only with a diesel. The diesel engine is a 204 hp, 500 Nm 2.8-litre unit, and the Fortuner’s petrol variant uses a 155 hp, 245 Nm 2.7-litre engine. Both models offer a 4x4 setup on diesel variants, mated to either a manual or automatic transmission. Steering effort is on the heavier side, though it delivers a fair amount of feedback during our time behind the wheel.
Toyota Hilux
Price: Rs 28.02 lakh to Rs 35.37 lakh
The Hilux is one of the few pickups on this list with hydraulic power steering assistance. It shares the same diesel engine as the Fortuner and features electronic differential locking, a shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, and both high- and low-range transfer cases. As noted in our review, steering requires quite an effort due to its heavy feel.
Isuzu D-Max Highlander / V-Cross
Price: Rs 20.34 lakh to Rs 29.65 lakh
The Isuzu D-Max is the most affordable pickup truck here with hydraulic power steering. Offered in V-Cross and Highlander trims, it uses the same diesel engine found in the MU-X. In our review of the V-Cross, we noted the typical heaviness associated with hydraulic steering at low speeds. The steering instils some confidence at highway speeds.
Toyota Innova Crysta
Price: Rs 18.65 lakh to Rs 25.36 lakh
The Innova Crysta remains the only MPV sold in India with hydraulic power steering. It comes with a single 150hp, 2.4-litre diesel engine, exclusively paired with a manual transmission. During our evaluation, the steering felt hefty at city speeds and delivered noticeable kickback, especially over potholes.
Force Gurkha (3-door / 5-door)
Price: Rs 15.95 lakh to Rs 17.26 lakh
Available in both 3-door and 5-door configurations, the Gurkha is Force Motors’ sole off-roader SUV in India. Both versions are powered by a 140hp, 2.5-litre diesel engine mated to a manual gearbox, with AWD as standard. Our reviews of both variants highlight noticeable steering play and the need for greater input. Under off-road conditions, kickback is noticeable.
Mahindra Scorpio Classic
Price: Rs 12.97 lakh to Rs 16.70 lakh
Mahindra continues to sell the previous-generation Scorpio under the ‘Scorpio Classic’ name, alongside the newer Scorpio N. Among Mahindra’s 7-seater SUVs, the Scorpio Classic is the most expensive model with hydraulic steering. It features a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 130hp and 300Nm, mated exclusively to a manual transmission. As with other hydraulic-steering vehicles, we found its steering not as effortless or as smooth as modern models.
Mahindra Bolero Neo
Price: Rs 8.49 lakh to Rs 10.49 lakh
The Bolero Neo is another Mahindra offering with a traditional hydraulic steering. It’s powered by a 100hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine, paired solely with a manual gearbox and a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) setup. Like others on this list, steering feels heavy in everyday use, requiring extra input around the centre position.
Mahindra Bolero
Price: Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 9.69 lakh
The Bolero is not only the most affordable Mahindra on this list, but also the most affordable vehicle sold in India with hydraulic power steering. It’s powered by a single 1.5-litre diesel engine producing 80hp and 210Nm, mated to a manual gearbox with an RWD layout. In our experience, the steering is heavy and lacks responsiveness, especially near the centre position.
All prices ex-showroom, India.
