Force Gurkha SUV: Would you buy the 3-door or 5-door version?

Mechanically, both SUVs are identical with the same set of features as well.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Off-road vehicles are the only category currently where the debate of 3-door vs 5-door is hot. It started off with the Mahindra Thar which was launched in a 3-door avatar. We expect to get the 5-door version later this year. When the rumours of the Maruti Jimny started coming in, a lot of people were worried about whether the 3-door version that is available internationally makes sense for India. And well, as we all know, Maruti decided to make a 5-door version for the Indian market. The latest off-roader in the market is the Force Gurkha 5-door. We’ve always had the 3-door version of the Gurkha and it has its own audience. How does the introduction of the 5-door version affect the sales? Only time will tell.

But if you had to choose between the 3-door version and the 5-door version, which one would you pick?

Mechanically, both the cars are identical with the same set of features as well. The differences are in dimensions and some other aspects as you can see from the table above. Let’s look at some of the other advantages of each body style.

Force Gurkha 3-door Pros

Shorter wheelbase: The 3-door version has a wheelbase of 2,400 mm which is 425 mm shorter than the 5-door version. As hardcore off-roaders will tell you, a shorter wheelbase is always better while tackling trails. The breakover angle or rampover angle is better if the wheelbase is short and hence, the 3-door version is better.

Shorter turning radius: The turning radius of the 3-door version is 5.5 meters vs 6.3 meters of the 5-door version. A tighter turning radius not only helps on narrow trails while off-roading but also when driving in the city. While we agree that both versions of the Gurkha would be cumbersome to drive in the city, the 3-door would be a tad bit better.

More luggage carrying capacity: This one may be a bit of a shock, but the 3-door version in fact has more storage space with all the seats occupied. The claimed luggage space for the 3-door version is 500 litres. And while the 5-door version can carry more people, with all the seats occupied, there’s barely any cargo space left. Moreover, the 3rd-row captain seats cannot be folded or flipped. Hence, you'll need to place your luggage on & around them or put it on the roof carrier.

Force Gurkha 5-door Pros

More people on board: The most obvious advantage of the 5-door version is that it can seat 6 people + the driver. In comparison, the 3-door version is strictly a 4-seater.

Practicality: In continuation of the previous point, the extra doors add more practicality to the vehicle. This will make a big difference especially if you’re travelling with 3-4 people regularly. You now have easier access to the middle row and don’t have to climb through the tailgate to sit in it.

Looks more proportionate: This may be subjective, but given the height of the vehicle, the 5-door version looks a lot more proportionate, especially compared to the 3-door version.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Indisputably the 4-door version. Looks way better and is way more practical. Ask me, I own a 2-door Thar. A longer wheelbase has its advantages in ride quality, and here we are talking about 425 mm more! If I'd buy the 4-door Gurkha, I would most likely throw the last row of seats away and use that space as a big boot.

Even in the USA where 2-door cars were once popular, the 4-door Wrangler outsells the 2-door in a 4:1 or 5:1 ratio. It will be the same in India. The 4-door Thar too will take away a lot of sales from the 2-door, as sexy as the 2-door Jeep looks.

Here's what BHPian TorquePull had to say on the matter:

Better proportions. The practicality of two more doors and more seats. Hopefully, better ride and handling due to the longer wheelbase. My vote goes for the 5-door version.

The only thing scary is the 6.3m turning radius which is much wider than bigger cars like the Fortuner.

Here's what BHPian Dippy had to say on the matter:

I would pick the 4 door Gurkha. Even though I own a 3 door Thar, the 4 door Gurkha looks just more proportionate than its 3 door sibling. And it just oozes character. That said I feel the 3 door might be more suited to hardcore offoading than the 4 door thanks to the short wheelbase.

Now if only Force gave a torque converter AT in the Gurkha. That would surely open up a new customer base.

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