Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 vs Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
Price, payload and mileage compared, with running cost, on-road price and EMI.
Updated
Quick answer
Buy the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 for more payload (1,850 kg).
Buy the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up for lower diesel cost (₹5.60 per km), a lower price (from ₹7 lakh) and more power per tonne.
Both need only an LMV licence.
₹8-9 Lakh ex-showroom
- Payload
- 1,850 kg
- Mileage
- 14 km/l
- EMI from
- ₹14,236/mo
₹7-10 Lakh ex-showroom
- Payload
- 1,300 kg
- Mileage
- 17 km/l
- EMI from
- ₹12,457/mo
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 vs Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: the verdict
The Mahindra Bolero Pik-up costs less to buy: it starts at ₹7 lakh ex-showroom against ₹8 lakh for the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4, about ₹1 lakh less. Each tonne of payload costs ₹4.59 lakh on the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 against ₹6.54 lakh on the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up. The right pick depends on your work.
Choose the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 if you
- regularly carry loads close to 1,850 kg
Choose the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up if you
- want the lower purchase price and a smaller loan
- run long distances every day, where a lower fuel cost per km adds up
- drive ghats, flyovers or highways fully loaded
- make long trips between refuels (about 969 km on a full tank)
- work in narrow city lanes, where its tighter turning circle helps
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 and Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: pros and cons
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4
Pros
- 1,850 kg payload, 550 kg more per trip
- Cheaper per tonne of payload (₹4.59 lakh)
Cons
- Higher diesel cost at ₹6.80 per km
- Wider 11 m turning radius
- Less power for its weight (22.9 HP per tonne)
- Smaller 50-litre tank, about 700 km a tank
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
Pros
- Lower starting price at ₹7 lakh
- Lower diesel cost at ₹5.60 per km
- Tighter 7 m turning radius for city lanes
- 80 HP and 220 Nm, more power for its weight
- 57-litre tank, about 969 km a tank
Cons
- Lower payload (1,300 kg)
- Costs more per tonne of payload (₹6.54 lakh)
- Top variants cost up to ₹10 lakh
Which should you buy? Answer 3 questions
The suggestion updates as you answer.
1 · How much do you usually carry per trip?
2 · Where do you mostly drive?
3 · How far do you drive in a day?
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
It matches more of what you told us: load, roads and running cost.
- Bada Dost i4You’re close to the limit. The Bada Dost i4 leaves 700 kg spare against 150 kg on the Bolero Pik-up.
- Bolero Pik-upIts tighter turning circle (7 m against 11 m) makes narrow lanes and markets easier.
- Bolero Pik-upSaves about ₹3,600 a month on fuel at 3,000 km.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 vs Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: comparison table
Only the figures that differ by more than a few per cent. The better figure is marked in green.
| Feature | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹8-9 Lakh | ₹7-10 Lakh✓ better | Bolero Pik-up: ₹1 lakh less |
| Payload | 1,850 kg✓ better | 1,300 kg | Bada Dost i4: 550 kg more |
| Fuel cost per km | ₹6.80 | ₹5.60✓ better | Bolero Pik-up: ₹1.20 less |
| Turning radius | 11 m | 7 m✓ better | Bolero Pik-up: 4 m tighter |
| Power per tonne of GVW | 22.9 HP | 27.1 HP✓ better | Bolero Pik-up: 4.2 HP more |
| Distance on a full tank | about 700 km | about 969 km✓ better | Bolero Pik-up: 269 km more |
| Price per tonne of payload | ₹4.59 lakh✓ better | ₹6.54 lakh | Bada Dost i4: ₹1.95 lakh less |
| Overall length | 5,025 mm (16 ft 6 in) | 5,219 mm (17 ft 1 in) | Bolero Pik-up: 0 ft 8 in longer |
Load body size: what fits in each
The Bada Dost i4 has the bigger deck. The Bada Dost i4 is rated to carry 550 kg more. Both decks are drawn to the same scale.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4
Carries up to (by weight)
- Cement bags (50 kg)
- 37 bags
- Fruit and vegetable crates (about 20 kg)
- 92 crates
- Grain
- 18.5 quintal
Deck of the 2590/FSD version.
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
Carries up to (by weight)
- Cement bags (50 kg)
- 26 bags
- Fruit and vegetable crates (about 20 kg)
- 65 crates
- Grain
- 13 quintal
Deck of the 3014/4WD/CBC version.
The Bada Dost i4 wins on both counts: more floor and more rated payload.
Running cost: what you’ll spend on diesel
Fuel cost at today’s Delhi price (6 Nov 2026), on each maker’s claimed mileage. Change the numbers to match your work.
Working days a month
214 litres · ₹6.80 per km
176 litres · ₹5.60 per km
Real mileage depends on load, route and driving. Fuel prices differ by state; see today’s fuel prices for yours.
Will it pay for itself? Earnings, payback and 5-year cost
Uses 3,000 km a month. Set your freight rate and driver cost.
Who drives?
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4
- Freight earned
- ₹66,000
- Loan EMI
- − ₹14,236
- Fuel
- − ₹20,400
- Driver salary
- − ₹15,000
- Service and repairs
- − ₹1,417
- Tyres
- − ₹1,200
- Insurance
- − ₹2,333
- You keep each month
- ₹11,414
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
- Freight earned
- ₹66,000
- Loan EMI
- − ₹12,457
- Fuel
- − ₹16,800
- Driver salary
- − ₹15,000
- Service and repairs
- − ₹1,250
- Tyres
- − ₹1,200
- Insurance
- − ₹2,083
- You keep each month
- ₹17,210
The Bolero Pik-up leaves you about ₹5,796 more a month, or ₹69,555 a year.
Estimates only: service about ₹17,000 (Bada Dost i4) and ₹15,000 (Bolero Pik-up) a year, a new set of tyres every 60,000 km, insurance at about 3.5% of the ex-showroom price a year, and resale of 60–65% after 3 years and 45–50% after 5 years. EMI uses the down payment and loan period you pick under On-road price and EMI.
On-road price and EMI in your city
City
Down payment
Loan period
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4
₹8.58 L onwards
5 years at 12%
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
₹7.50 L onwards
5 years at 12%
The Bolero Pik-up EMI is ₹1,780 a month lower.
On-road figures add an estimate of RTO and insurance to the lowest ex-showroom price. EMI is on the ex-showroom price at 12% a year. Dealers quote exact figures.
Can you get a loan for it?
A quick check using the rule many lenders follow: all your EMIs together should stay within about half your monthly income.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4
Loan needed ₹6.40 L · EMI ₹14,236 a month
Likely eligible
The EMI fits within half your monthly income.
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up
Loan needed ₹5.60 L · EMI ₹12,457 a month
Likely eligible
The EMI fits within half your monthly income.
Documents you’ll usually need
- Aadhaar card and PAN card
- Address proof
- Last 6 months’ bank statements
- Income proof or ITR, if you have one
- Business or transport contract, if any
This is a rough guide. Banks and NBFCs decide using your credit score, income proof and the truck’s use.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 and Mahindra Bolero Pik-up variants
This page compares the base versions. Prices change by variant and city; open a version for its own price, deck size and payload.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 variants
- Bada Dost i4 2590/CBCGet price
1,850 kg payload, Deck Body
- Bada Dost i4 2590/FSDGet price
1,350 kg payload, 9 ft 8 in deck, Deck Body
Mahindra Bolero Pik-up variants
- Bolero Pik-up 3014/4WD/CBCGet price
1,010 kg payload, 7 ft 6 in deck, Customizable body
- Bolero Pik-up 3014/4WD/Power SteeringGet price
1,010 kg payload, 7 ft 6 in deck, Deck Body
- Bolero Pik-up 3264/2WD/CBCGet price
1,010 kg payload, 8 ft 4 in deck, Customizable body
- Bolero Pik-up 3264/2WD/Manual SteeringGet price
1,010 kg payload, 8 ft 4 in deck, Deck Body
- Bolero Pik-up 3264/2WD/Power SteeringGet price
1,010 kg payload, 8 ft 4 in deck, Deck Body
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 vs Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: full specifications
Price
| Specification | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹8-9 Lakh | ₹7-10 Lakh |
| Price per tonne of payload | ₹4.59 lakh✓ better | ₹6.54 lakh |
| EMI (20% down, 12%, 5 years) | ₹14,236 a month | ₹12,457 a month✓ better |
Engine and power
| Specification | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Engine | 1,478 cc | 2,523 cc |
| Power | 80 HP | 80 HP |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Power per tonne of GVW | 22.9 HP | 27.1 HP✓ better |
| Emission norm | BS6 | BS6 |
| Gearbox | 5 Speed Manual | 5-speed Manual |
Payload and weight
| Specification | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 1,850 kg✓ better | 1,300 kg |
| Gross vehicle weight (GVW) | 3,490 kg | 2,950 kg |
| Kerb weight | 1,640 kg | 1,715 kg |
| Tyres | 4 tyres | 4 tyres |
| Axle configuration | 4x2 | 4X2 |
| Licence needed | LMV | LMV |
Dimensions
| Specification | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 5,025 mm (16 ft 6 in) | 5,219 mm (17 ft 1 in) |
| Overall width | 1,842 mm (6 ft 1 in) | 1,700 mm (5 ft 7 in) |
| Overall height | 2,061 mm (6 ft 9 in) | 1,865 mm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,590 mm (8 ft 6 in) | 3,264 mm (10 ft 9 in) |
| Ground clearance | 206 mm (8 in) | 200 mm (8 in) |
| Turning radius | 11 m | 7 m |
Mileage and range
| Specification | Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 | Mahindra Bolero Pik-up |
|---|---|---|
| Claimed mileage | 14 km/l | 17 km/l |
| Fuel cost per km | ₹6.80 | ₹5.60✓ better |
| Fuel tank | 50 litres | 57 litres |
| Distance on a full tank | about 700 km | about 969 km✓ better |
ISUZU D-MAX
Sits closest to both on payload and price: ₹8-10.19 Lakh, 1,380 kg payload, 14.4 km/l.
Where these figures come from
- Specifications, payload and mileage are the makers’ published figures.
- Fuel cost uses the Delhi fuel price on 6 Nov 2026 and each maker’s claimed mileage.
- On-road prices add an estimate of RTO and insurance to the lowest ex-showroom price. EMI assumes 12% a year.
- Ownership figures (service, tyres, insurance, resale) are our estimates, marked as such where they appear.
Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 vs Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: FAQs
Neither is better for every buyer. On the figures, the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 suits buyers who regularly carry loads close to 1,850 kg, while the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up suits buyers who want the lower purchase price and a smaller loan. The verdict at the top of this page sets out the price, payload, running cost and power differences.
The Mahindra Bolero Pik-up costs less to buy: it starts at ₹7 lakh ex-showroom against ₹8 lakh for the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4, about ₹1 lakh less. On-road prices add RTO and insurance, which vary by state; this page shows Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
The Mahindra Bolero Pik-up is cheaper to run: about ₹5.60 of fuel per km against ₹6.80 at today's Delhi prices, roughly ₹3,600 a month less over 3,000 km. Claimed figures come from the makers; real mileage depends on load, route and driving.
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 carries more: 1,850 kg of payload against 1,300 kg, or 550 kg more per trip. Loading past the rated payload invites fines, faster tyre wear and costly repairs.
Both need an ordinary LMV licence. Their GVW is within 7,500 kg, so they count as light motor vehicles.
The Mahindra Bolero Pik-up, on paper: it has 27.1 HP per tonne of GVW against 22.9 HP on the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4, which shows on climbs at full load.
About ₹8.58 lakh for the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 and ₹7.5 lakh for the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up, for the base versions. That adds an estimate of RTO and insurance to the ex-showroom price; dealers quote the exact figure.
The Mahindra Bolero Pik-up: 57 litres against 50 litres. On claimed mileage that is about 969 km a tank against 700 km.
With 20% down and a 5-year loan at 12%, the EMI starts near ₹14,236 a month for the Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 and ₹12,457 for the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up. Change the down payment and loan period in the price section above.
The Ashok Leyland Bada Dost i4 deck measures 9.7 ft × 5.7 ft (about 56 sq ft) and the Mahindra Bolero Pik-up deck 7.5 ft × 5 ft (about 38 sq ft), on the versions compared here.
Get 3 dealer quotes on either truck
Dealers quote against each other, with a written on-road breakup. Free, and no obligation to buy.