India’s SUV revolution shows no signs of slowing down. From crowded city streets to rugged mountain passes, SUVs have become the vehicle of choice for families, adventure-seekers, and style-conscious urbanites alike. Yet amid the influx of new crossovers and feature-packed flagships, a handful of true 4×4 icons quietly slipped away—vehicles that weren’t just about looks or features, but about genuine go-anywhere capability and a spirit of exploration. These five legendary SUVs defined eras of overlanding, weekend trailblazing, and family road trips, and their absence still leaves a gap in our driveways and dealerships. As India’s diverse terrains—from the Thar Desert to the Himalayan foothills—beckon, we can’t help but long for their return.
1. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Why We Miss It
The Pajero Sport was the go-to for serious overlanders and weekend warriors alike—combining Mitsubishi’s Dakar-honed off-road DNA with seven-seat practicality. Its muscular styling, robust ladder-frame chassis, and Super Select 4WD made it equally at home on mountain trails and city highways.
Standout Specs
- 2.5 L turbo-diesel (178 PS / 400 Nm)
- Super Select II 4WD with low-range transfer case
- Independent front suspension, multi-link rear axle
When & Why It Vanished
Mitsubishi India withdrew the Pajero Sport in mid-2021. Stricter BS6 emission norms required a costly reengineering of its diesel powertrain, and with sales volumes relatively low, Mitsubishi decided to end local assembly rather than invest in updates.
Comeback Potential
Imagine a Pajero Sport reborn with a modern mild-hybrid diesel or even a plug-in hybrid powertrain, adaptive air suspension, a full suite of ADAS, and a redesigned interior with a large touchscreen and smartphone-style connectivity. It could reclaim its status as India’s ultimate seven-seat adventure SUV.
2. Tata Safari Storme
Why We Miss It
With its heritage-inspired stance and Tata’s steel-strong build, the Storme/Dicor offered a rare blend of highway refinement and trail-ready confidence. Its commanding driving position, spacious cabin, and genuine shift-on-the-fly 4×4 made every journey an event.
Standout Specs
- 2.2 L Dicor CR4 diesel (140 PS / 320 Nm)
- Shift-on-the-fly 4×4 with low-range
- Body-on-frame construction
When & Why It Vanished
Production ceased in November 2019 when the design couldn’t meet the new BS6 norms, and the cost to rework its aging platform proved uneconomical.
Comeback Potential
A new Safari on Tata’s OMEGARC platform—featuring 2.0 L turbo-petrol/diesel engines, terrain-select drive modes, and a panoramic sunroof—would seamlessly fuse modern comfort with its rugged pedigree.
3. Tata Hexa
Why We Miss It
The Hexa surprised everyone with premium ride quality, a feature-packed cabin, and an optional AWD system that rivalled pricier SUVs. It felt more upmarket than its badge suggested, right down to its refined 2.2 L VARICOR engine.
Standout Specs
- 2.2 L VARICOR 400 diesel (156 PS / 400 Nm)
- BorgWarner AWD system
- Hill-hold, hill-descent control, ESP
When & Why It Vanished
Axed mid-2020 amid the BS6 transition and a pandemic-induced downturn, Tata chose not to invest in updating its diesel mill.
Comeback Potential
A hybrid or fully electric Hexa, complete with a digital cockpit, AdrenoX connected-car features, and a panoramic roof, could redefine the mid-size SUV segment.
4. Maruti Suzuki Vitara 4×4
Why We Miss It
Maruti Suzuki‘s this all-wheeler was a nimble, lightweight bruiser—perfect for navigating both tight forest trails and crowded urban streets. Its spirited 1.6 L petrol engine and reliable 4×4 hardware made it a true enthusiast’s pick.
Standout Specs
- 1.6 L petrol (103 PS / 138 Nm)
- Full-time 4×4 with limited-slip centre differential
- Tight turning radius and agile chassis
When & Why It Vanished
Delisted in 2015, Maruti shifted focus to its Nexa crossover range and updated its engine lineup for emissions compliance, leaving the low-volume Vitara 4×4 behind.
Comeback Potential
Bring it back with a turbo-charged 1.5 L petrol, selectable drive modes, ESC, hill-descent control, and comprehensive safety gear—and Maruti would reclaim its off-road credibility.
5. Ford Endeavour
Why We Miss It
The Endeavour set the bar for India’s full-size SUVs: refined on-road manners, a spacious, tech-laden cabin, and a Terrain Management System that let families tackle serious off-road challenges in comfort.
Standout Specs
- 3.2 L Duratorq TDCi diesel (200 PS / 470 Nm)
- Multiple drive modes (Sand, Mud, Rock, etc.)
- Ladder-frame chassis and independent rear suspension
- Panoramic sunroof, SYNC infotainment
When & Why It Vanished
Production ended in September 2021 when Ford decided to exit the Indian market entirely, citing sustained losses and a strategic global realignment.
Comeback Potential
A hybrid or mild-hybrid powertrain, advanced ADAS, air-ride suspension, and a fully digital cockpit would elevate the Endeavour back to the top of the segment—and make it a family-friendly off-road champion once more.
Wrap Up
Reintroducing these five SUVs—Pajero Sport, Safari Storme/Dicor, Hexa, Vitara 4×4, and Endeavour—with today’s hybrid tech, cutting-edge safety, and modern comforts could reignite India’s undying passion for authentic, go-anywhere adventure. Which legend are you most eager to see back on our roads? Let us know below!
