Off the beaten track lies adventure. The off-roading enthusiast, for that reason, is looking only for the best off-road cars, or top SUVs for off-roading in India. Today, we look at the Hyundai Creta and Honda City, and find out what makes them off-road worthy vehicles in India.
In this article, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Hyundai Creta vs Honda City – an in-depth look at their variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars handle water-wading, rough or muddy terrains, or traverse through sand? Are they capable of mild to serious off-roading? Let’s find out.
What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
- Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
- Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
- Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
- Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
- Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
- Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features
For off-roading enthusiasts, the ideal vehicle combines ruggedness, durability, and capability. Key features include high ground clearance for navigating uneven terrain, powerful engines for challenging conditions, and durable suspension systems.
All-wheel or four-wheel drive is crucial for traction, while additional features like hill descent control and differential lock enhance off-roading capability. Comfort, while navigating rough terrains, and safety features like robust airbags and ABS are also significant considerations.
Why Hyundai Creta and Honda City are Popular
The Hyundai Creta and Honda City are popular among off-roading enthusiasts for several reasons.
Hyundai Creta, known for its robust build and high ground clearance, makes it a suitable choice for rough terrains. It offers variants with powerful engines, essential for the demands of off-roading. Additionally, the Creta’s all-wheel-drive options provide the necessary traction for varied landscapes.
Honda City, on the other hand, stands out for its stability and smooth power delivery, crucial for maintaining control on unpredictable surfaces. Though traditionally seen as an urban vehicle, certain City variants offer attributes like good ground clearance and robust suspension, making them adaptable for mild off-road adventures.
Both vehicles provide a blend of comfort, safety, and durability, making them attractive to off-roading enthusiasts.
Hyundai Creta and Honda City Variants Shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range
For Honda City, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 8 January 2024 |
| SV | ₹11,49,000 |
For Hyundai Creta, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 8 January 2024 |
| E | ₹10,87,000 |
| EX | ₹11,81,000 |
| E Diesel | ₹11,96,000 |
Honda City SV
The Honda City SV, priced at INR 11,49,000, offers a balance of comfort and performance. Its key features like power steering, good ground clearance of 165 mm, and a robust suspension system make it a viable choice for mild off-roading. The linear power delivery and smooth transmission enhance control on challenging terrains. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the City with Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
Hyundai Creta E
Priced at INR 10,87,000, the Hyundai Creta E stands out with its 190 mm ground clearance, offering superior terrain navigation. The variant’s stability, courtesy of its FWD system, and the 113.18 BHP engine make it suitable for off-road adventures. Additionally, the minimal body roll and good visibility enhance the off-roading experience. If you’re a performance enthusiast on a budget, you can read out comparison of the Creta with Skoda Kushaq.
Hyundai Creta EX
At INR 11,81,000, the Creta EX builds upon the E variant with additional features like USB ports and traction control. Its 143.8 Nm torque and 190 mm ground clearance ensure it can handle challenging terrains. The variant’s stability and responsive engine make it a strong contender for off-roading enthusiasts. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Creta with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Hyundai Creta E Diesel
The diesel variant, priced at INR 11,96,000, offers the best of the Creta series for off-roading. Its diesel engine provides a higher torque of 250 Nm, essential for rough terrains. The turbocharger and robust suspension system further enhance its off-roading capabilities.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Hyundai Creta and Honda City for Off-roading Enthusiasts
The Hyundai Creta E Diesel emerges as the best variant for off-roading enthusiasts. Its price point of INR 11,96,000 offers excellent value for its features. The diesel engine’s high torque output of 250 Nm is crucial for navigating tough terrains, where power and control are paramount.
The variant’s turbocharging enhances its performance, especially in rugged landscapes. With a ground clearance of 190 mm, it comfortably surpasses obstacles that would challenge lower vehicles. The vehicle’s stability, aided by features like traction control and a robust suspension system, ensures safety and comfort during off-road adventures.
The Creta E Diesel’s combination of power, stability, and ground clearance makes it the optimal choice for off-roading enthusiasts.
The Top 3 Choices
- Hyundai Creta E Diesel
- Hyundai Creta EX
- Honda City SV
| Attribute | Hyundai Creta E Diesel | Hyundai Creta EX | Honda City SV |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | Yes (190) | Yes (190) | Yes (165) |
| Engine – Torque (Nm) | Yes (250) | Yes (143.8) | Yes (145) |
| Engine – Power (BHP) | Yes (113.98) | Yes (113.18) | Yes (119.35) |
| Transmission – Auto Type | Yes | Yes | No |
| Engine – Fuel type | Diesel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Turbocharging | Yes | No | No |
| Traction Control | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price (INR) | 11,96,000 | 11,81,000 | 11,49,000 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Hyundai Creta E Diesel leads with its high torque, ground clearance, and diesel engine, suited for rigorous off-road conditions.
- The Hyundai Creta EX follows closely, offering similar ground clearance with a petrol engine and additional features like traction control.
- The Honda City SV, while not a traditional off-roading vehicle, provides a good balance of power, comfort, and mild off-roading capabilities at a competitive price.
These variants cater to varying aspects of off-roading needs, combining performance, safety, and value for money, making them attractive choices for off-roading enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.