Force Gurkha 5 Door Expert Review

The Force Gurkha 5-door takes the rugged appeal of the original 3-door Gurkha and finally adds the practicality buyers had been asking for. The longer wheelbase, extra doors and stretched proportions make it look more substantial and purposeful without diluting its hardcore off-road character. Design ques include LED headlamps, revised bumpers and large 18-inch wheels, while signature elements like the snorkel, upright glasshouse and exposed door hinges remain intact. The Gurkha still looks unapologetically utilitarian, and that old-school charm is a big part of its appeal.
Built on the same modular ladder-frame chassis as the 3-door model, the 5-door gets significant suspension revisions. The front independent suspension has been redesigned with higher-mounted lower control arms, helping increase ground clearance from 205mm to 233mm.

The biggest improvement is practicality. The additional wheelbase transforms cabin usability, and the Gurkha now genuinely works as a family-friendly SUV rather than a niche off-roader. The second row offers generous legroom and headroom, while the new third row makes the Gurkha usable as a proper seven-seater. Access is also much easier thanks to the rear doors. However, the cabin still feels basic. The dashboard design remains utilitarian, and fit-and-finish levels are noticeably behind rivals like the Mahindra Thar Roxx. Ergonomics also feel dated, with awkward switch placement and an overall commercial-vehicle-like ambience. 
That said, visibility is excellent thanks to the tall seating position and upright windows, reinforcing the Gurkha’s commanding feel on the road.

The Gurkha 5-door gets an updated 2.6-litre Mercedes-derived diesel engine producing 140hp and 320Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It boasts more power and torque than older models and that extra power is noticeable. The engine feels stronger and more responsive than before, especially in the mid-range, making highway driving easier and reducing the sluggishness associated with the earlier Gurkha. 
However, refinement remains average. The diesel engine sounds gruff and unrefined under acceleration, and vibrations are always present. The 5-speed gearbox also feels old-fashioned, with long throws and a notchy shift action. The clutch, though, is surprisingly light and easy to modulate, making the SUV less intimidating in city traffic than expected.

The expected mileage for Gurka is around 10kmpl.

Ride quality is distinctly SUV-like but improved over the older Gurkha. The revised suspension setup absorbs bad roads well and The Gurkha feels tough and solid over broken surfaces, exactly as a hardcore off-roader should. However, handling remains a weak area. There is significant body roll, and the tall stance makes the SUV feel cumbersome through corners. The steering feels slow and heavy, while the brakes lack bite.
Off-road is where the Gurkha shines. The locking differentials, low-range gearbox and excellent articulation make it immensely capable in difficult terrain. Few SUVs at this price point feel as mechanically robust and confidence inspiring off-road.

The updated Gurkha finally gets modern essentials such as a 9-inch touchscreen, digital instrument display, TPMS and cornering lamps. 
However, the equipment list still feels sparse compared to rivals. There are only two airbags, and many convenience features expected at this price point are missing.

Priced at around Rs 17.30 lakh (ex-showroom), the Gurkha 5-door occupies a niche position in the market. Objectively, rivals offer better interiors, more features and superior on-road manners but the Gurkha counters with unmatched mechanical toughness, serious off-road capability and a distinctive old-school character.