The Mahindra Alturas G4 remains one of India’s rare true large SUVs that blends rugged SUV strength with ample interior space and modern convenience. It is a seven-seater diesel automatic SUV with real off-road DNA, yet it tries hard to stay relevant for Indian city life and long highway journeys. In this detailed review, we will explore why the Alturas G4 is still a solid choice for many buyers, what it does well, and where it demands compromises. The language is simple and sentences are short for easy readability.
Quick Specification Table — Mahindra Alturas G4 (Typical Values)
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine & Fuel Type | 2.2 litre diesel (2157 cc) |
| Output / Torque | ~178 BHP, 420 Nm torque |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic (torque converter) |
| Drivetrain Options | 2WD (RWD), 4WD (on select trims) |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers (3-row SUV) |
| Dimensions (approx) | Length: 4850 mm, Width: 1960 mm, Height: 1845 mm, Wheelbase: 2865 mm |
| Ground Clearance | ~244 mm (unladen) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 litres |
| Claimed Efficiency (diesel AT) | ~12–12.5 km per litre (ideal, unladen) |
| Key Features (top trims) | Ventilated leather seats, dual-zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment with mirroring, cruise control, 360° camera, power folding mirrors, smart tailgate, ABS+EBD, stability & traction control, hill-assist, airbags |
| Typical Price Band (ex-showroom when launched) | Mid to upper SUV segment (pre-BS6 update price) |
Verdict at a Glance
The Alturas G4 delivers solid value when you need size, power, and versatility. It offers strong diesel performance, spacious seating, generous ground clearance, and a host of comfort and safety features. If you want a big SUV that can handle highways, Indian roads and occasional off-road trips while carrying a full family or luggage, the Alturas G4 is a sensible pick. It may not match premium European SUVs in refinement, but it often costs much less and works harder for its price.
What Alturas G4 Offers — Engine, Drivetrain and SUV Strength
The G4 is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that delivers robust torque, making it ideal for heavy loads, fully loaded trips, or steep inclines. This engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox (no manual option) which makes driving easier in traffic and on long drives. Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive (2WD) or a four-wheel-drive (4WD) version, giving flexibility between daily use and rugged terrain or rough road conditions. The SUV’s ladder-frame chassis provides structural strength and adds durability, especially when carrying heavy loads or driving on bumpy roads.
Driving impressions show that the diesel power and 7-step auto gearbox combine well for smooth overtakes and stable long-distance cruising. In city traffic, the tall stance and good visibility help, though care is needed while negotiating narrow lanes. On highways or off-road stretches, the torque and build of the Alturas G4 give confidence to carry a full load or tow moderate weight.
Road Presence and Exterior Looks
The Alturas G4 looks big, sturdy, and purposeful — qualities buyers often look for in a traditional large SUV. It measures nearly five metres in length, with a high ground clearance and a broad track. Its exterior design includes a bold chrome-accented grille, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Sliding back doors are not offered, but the rear door design gives good access for rear passengers and loading luggage or gear.
This SUV’s high stance, large wheel arches, and muscular body make it suitable for Indian roads — from highways to rural stretches. Its build and clearance help negotiate speed bumps, potholes, and rough patches better than compact crossovers or low-slung sedans. The overall look communicates ruggedness and practicality rather than flashiness.
Interior, Comfort, Seating and Practicality
Inside, the Alturas G4 offers a seven-seater layout that balances space and flexibility. Upholstery is often leather (or leatherette) in higher trims, and front seats come with ventilation — a useful feature for Indian summers. The driver seat is 8-way power adjustable with memory, which helps in long drives or when multiple drivers use the car.
The cabin layout includes dual-zone climate control, rear air conditioning vents, and ambient lighting. Quality of plastics and finishing is decent for the segment. Cabin space is generous: front knee room and headroom feel comfortable, second row is wide enough for adults, and the third row can accommodate adults on short trips (or children for long distances). Boot space is average when all three rows are upright. For five passengers + luggage, folding the third row gives a usable storage area for holiday trips or heavy cargo.
For urban usage and long highway runs alike, the interior balance of comfort, space, and SUV robustness works well. As with most large SUVs, fuel economy dips under heavy load or city driving, but diesel torque and the automatic transmission compensate with ease of use.
Also Read Mahindra XEV 9S Review — The New Electric Seven Seater SUV Built for Indian Roads
Features, Utility and Convenience Equipment
Alturas G4 brings many features that appeal to modern SUV buyers. On top trims, one finds touchscreen infotainment with support for smartphone mirroring, cruise control, power-folding outside mirrors, smart tailgate (for easy boot access), 360-degree parking camera and sensors, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a long list of safety features such as multiple airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, stability control, brake assist, hill-start and descent control (on 4WD), and traction control.
For Indian buyers who want a large SUV that is also usable daily — for city drives, grocery runs, school runs, weekend getaways — this equipment list makes the Alturas G4 a practical choice. It is not ultra-luxury, but it delivers a balanced feature set without overpricing.
Mileage, Running Cost and Long-Term Ownership
Given its size and diesel engine, the Alturas G4 does not offer fuel economy comparable to small sedans or compact SUVs. Official mileage claims for the diesel-automatic version hover around 12 km/l under ideal test conditions. In real-world use — with a full crew, luggage, or city traffic — numbers will vary. However, for a full-size seven-seater SUV, 10-12 km/l remains acceptable, especially since diesel prices and efficiency make diesel SUVs more affordable over long mileage.
Maintenance costs are moderate given Mahindra’s widespread service network. Spare parts are relatively affordable compared with luxury-brand SUVs. For buyers who need a utility SUV that can last many years and many kilometres, the Alturas G4 offers a reasonable trade-off between cost, capability and longevity.
Ride Quality, Handling, and Capability on Indian Roads
The suspension setup — double wishbone at front and multi-link at rear — gives a balance between comfort and load-carrying or off-road capability. On smooth roads, the ride is stable and composed. On rough or uneven roads, the SUV soaks up bumps reasonably well though some stiffness can be felt when empty. Load the car up with passengers and luggage, and the ride smoothens out further.
Steering remains light enough for urban driving but stable on highways. The high ground clearance and rugged tyres help traverse broken roads or poorly maintained stretches often found on rural highways. For occasional off-road or rough-road use, the 4WD variant and SUV geometry offer decent confidence though heavy aftermarket off-road use would still demand caution.
Strengths and Trade-Offs of Alturas G4
Strengths
- Strong and proven diesel engine with high torque suits Indian roads and loads.
- 7-speed automatic transmission balances comfort and usability.
- Large seven-seater cabin with flexibility and reasonable comfort for all rows.
- Solid build, high ground clearance, and body-on-frame construction — useful for rough or rural roads.
- Feature-rich trims with modern amenities, comfort and safety kit.
- Reasonable running and maintenance cost for a big diesel SUV.
Trade-Offs
- Fuel economy is modest, especially with heavy loads or city driving.
- Third-row seat and boot space compromise remains — typical for 7-seat body-on-frame SUVs.
- Ride can feel firm when unladen.
- Size can be a challenge for tight city parking or narrow lanes in older towns.
- Premium features mostly restricted to higher variants, raising on-road cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Is the Alturas G4 good for long family trips with luggage?
Yes. When carrying five passengers and luggage, its diesel torque, large tank, and stable ride make it suitable. Boot space is limited with all seats up, but folding the third row helps.
Q. Should I go for the 4WD version?
If you travel often on rough roads, rural routes or hill roads — yes. For mostly city and highway use, the 2WD version is adequate and gives slightly better mileage.
Q. How fuel efficient is it in real conditions?
Expect 10–12 km/l under mixed use and load. On long highway drives with light load, it may improve.
Q. Are maintenance costs high compared to compact SUVs?
Costs are higher than small cars but reasonable compared to full-size SUVs. Parts and service are widely available due to Mahindra’s service network.
Q. Can it be used as a daily urban vehicle?
Yes. The automatic transmission, decent steering and features make it manageable for city driving, though size and fuel costs mean it’s better for mixed use than purely city use.
Conclusion — Is the Alturas G4 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
The Mahindra Alturas G4 remains a strong and practical choice for buyers who need a real large diesel SUV in India. It blends space, load-carrying ability, comfort and feature-rich equipment at a relatively sensible cost. For buyers needing a reliable 7-seater SUV that can handle rough roads, long family trips and mixed city-highway use, it is an attractive and rational option.
However, it requires acceptance of trade-offs — modest fuel economy, compromises in boot space, and larger physical size. If your priority is luxury-level refinement, plushness or premium badge appeal, this may not be the ideal pick. But for practical buyers who value utility over flash, the Alturas G4 remains a value-sensitive, hard-working SUV in 2025.
