Overview
The Force Trax is a rugged multi-utility vehicle (MUV) developed by Force Motors for commercial passenger transportation, rural mobility, institutional use, and fleet operations. Known for its simple mechanical design, durable construction, and dependable diesel engine, the Trax has served Indian roads for decades. The latest Force Trax Cruiser continues this legacy with updated styling, improved comfort, enhanced safety features, and a BS6 Phase 2-compliant diesel engine. It is available in multiple seating configurations ranging from 9+Driver to 12+Driver, making it suitable for taxi operators, schools, hotels, and government organizations.
Unlike modern MPVs that prioritize luxury, the Force Trax focuses on durability, low operating costs, and the ability to tackle rough roads with ease. Its body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance make it particularly popular in rural and hilly regions where road conditions are challenging.
Variants and Price Range
The Force Trax is offered in several passenger-carrying variants.
Available Variants
Trax Cruiser 9+Driver
Trax Cruiser 10+Driver
Trax Cruiser 12+Driver
AC and Non-AC variants
Ex-showroom Price (Approximate)
₹12.49 lakh to ₹14.00 lakh
Prices vary depending on seating configuration and optional equipment.
On-Road Price
Approximate on-road prices are:
Delhi: ₹14.9–16.3 lakh
Mumbai: ₹15.5–17 lakh
Bengaluru: ₹16–18 lakh
Chennai: ₹15.8–17.5 lakh
Hyderabad: ₹15.5–17 lakh
The final price depends on insurance, registration charges, taxes, and optional accessories.
Design and Exterior
The Force Trax features a practical and rugged exterior designed for commercial applications rather than style.
Exterior highlights include:
Modern front grille
Large halogen headlamps
Wide windshield
Strong steel body
High ground clearance
Large side windows
Sliding passenger doors
Roof-mounted luggage carrier compatibility
Rear-mounted spare wheel
Durable steel wheels
Functional bumpers with optional fog lamps
The upright design maximizes passenger space while ensuring easy maintenance.
Engine and Performance
The latest Force Trax is powered by a Mercedes-derived 2.6-litre FM CR turbocharged diesel engine.
Engine Specifications
Engine: 2.6-litre FM 2.6 CR Diesel
Power: 90 hp
Torque: 250 Nm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
The engine is tuned to deliver strong low-end torque for carrying passengers even on steep roads. Performance is focused on reliability rather than speed, making it ideal for commercial use.
Dimensions
Approximate dimensions include:
Length: 5,120 mm
Width: 1,818 mm
Height: 2,027 mm
Wheelbase: 3,050 mm
Ground Clearance: Approximately 190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 63.5 litres
Its long wheelbase provides good cabin space and stability.
Transmission Options
The Force Trax is available with:
5-speed Manual Transmission
No automatic transmission is offered.
The gearbox is designed for durability and easy maintenance in commercial operations.
Mileage and Fuel Efficiency
The claimed fuel efficiency is:
13–14 km/l
Actual mileage depends on passenger load, road conditions, and driving style.
Real World Mileage
Owners generally report:
City: 10–12 km/l
Highway: 13–15 km/l
Mixed Driving: 11–13 km/l
Fully Loaded: 9–11 km/l
Commercial operators can expect consistent fuel economy with regular maintenance.
Interior and Cabin Experience
The Force Trax offers a functional cabin focused on practicality.
Interior features include:
Durable dashboard
Easy-to-read instrument cluster
Dual air-conditioning (selected variants)
Large windshield
Multiple storage spaces
Wide windows for better visibility
Vinyl upholstery
Easy-clean cabin materials
The layout prioritizes passenger capacity and ease of maintenance.
Seat Comfort
The front seats provide:
Upright driving position
Good visibility
Adequate cushioning
Adjustable driver's seat
Comfortable ergonomics for long-distance driving
Passenger seats are designed for durability and regular commercial usage.
Seating Comfort
Depending on the variant, the Trax can accommodate up to 12 passengers plus the driver.
Advantages include:
Wide cabin
Generous headroom
Large windows
Easy entry and exit
Comfortable bench seating
Good ventilation
It is particularly suitable for rural transport, employee transportation, and tourist operations.
Infotainment and Technology
The Force Trax focuses more on utility than technology.
Features include:
Basic audio system (variant dependent)
USB charging provision
Air conditioning
Cabin lighting
Instrument cluster with essential information
Power steering
Luxury and connected-car features are intentionally limited.
Boot Space and Practicality
Cargo capacity depends on seating configuration.
Practical advantages include:
Rear luggage space
Foldable luggage arrangements
Roof carrier compatibility
Large side access
High payload capability
The Trax is well suited for passenger transport with luggage.
Safety Features
The latest Force Trax includes several important safety features.
Key features include:
ABS with EBD
Front disc brakes
Seat belts
High-strength steel body
Improved crash protection
Powerful braking system
Wide track for better stability
These updates improve safety over earlier generations.
Platform
The Force Trax is built on a body-on-frame ladder chassis, designed for durability and heavy-duty commercial use.
Benefits include:
High structural strength
Better load-carrying capacity
Easy repairs
Excellent durability
Capability on rough roads
This construction makes the Trax ideal for demanding operating conditions.
Safety Concerns
Despite improvements, buyers should consider a few limitations:
Limited airbags depending on variant.
No Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Manual transmission only.
Basic safety technology compared with modern passenger MPVs.
Primarily designed for commercial use rather than premium family transport.
Ride Quality and Handling
The Force Trax is engineered for durability.
Ride characteristics include:
Stable on highways
Comfortable on rough roads
Strong suspension
Excellent load-carrying capability
Light steering at low speeds
Moderate body roll when fully loaded
The suspension performs well on broken village roads and highways.
City Driving Advantages
Although primarily a commercial vehicle, the Trax offers:
Excellent visibility
Strong low-speed torque
Good ground clearance
Durable suspension
Easy maintenance
Reliable performance in congested urban areas
Its size, however, makes parking in crowded city areas more challenging.
Color Options
Common exterior colors include:
White
Silver
Grey
Availability may vary depending on fleet orders and dealerships.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
The Force Trax is popular because of its economical ownership.
Advantages include:
Reliable diesel engine
Affordable servicing
Easily available spare parts
Simple mechanical construction
Long service intervals
Low operating costs
This makes it a preferred vehicle for commercial fleet owners.
Reliability
The Force Trax has built a strong reputation for:
Long engine life
Rugged construction
Dependable mechanicals
Low maintenance
Excellent performance under heavy usage
Many vehicles remain in service for several lakh kilometres with proper maintenance.
Target Audience
The Force Trax is ideal for:
Taxi operators
Fleet owners
Schools
Hotels and resorts
Government departments
Rural transport services
Employee transportation
Tour operators
Similar Vehicles and Competitors
The Force Trax competes with:
Force Traveller
Tata Winger
Force Urbania
Maruti Suzuki Eeco (lower seating capacity)
Toyota Hiace (where available for commercial applications)
Market Position in India
The Force Trax occupies a strong position in India's commercial MUV segment. Its combination of rugged construction, low maintenance costs, and reliable diesel performance has made it a trusted choice for passenger transport in rural, semi-urban, and tourism sectors. While newer vehicles offer more modern features, the Trax continues to attract buyers who prioritize durability and operating economy over luxury.
Who Should Buy?
The Force Trax is an excellent choice for:
Commercial passenger operators
Rural transport businesses
Staff transportation services
Educational institutions
Tourism companies
Buyers seeking a dependable people carrier with low running costs
Who May Prefer Alternatives?
You may prefer alternatives if you:
Need premium passenger comfort
Want automatic transmission
Require advanced safety technologies
Prefer modern infotainment features
Need a family-oriented MPV instead of a commercial vehicle
In such cases, the Force Urbania or Tata Winger may be more suitable options.
Final Verdict
The Force Trax remains one of India's most dependable commercial passenger vehicles. It combines a rugged ladder-frame chassis, a proven Mercedes-derived diesel engine, spacious seating, and low ownership costs into a package that is well suited for commercial and institutional use. While it lacks the premium interiors, advanced technology, and sophisticated safety features found in modern passenger MPVs, it excels in reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness. For fleet owners, rural transport operators, and businesses seeking a tough, practical, and economical people mover, the Force Trax continues to be a highly capable and trustworthy choice.
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