I am confused between the Scorpio N and the Tata Safari. Which one is the best buy under 25 lakh?

Autocar India

•6w

While priced in a similar ballpark, the two old Indian SUV rivals are today very different from one another. The Mahindra Scorpio N stays true to its roots - it's built on a ladder-frame chassis, has tough suspension and underpinnings, and features rear-wheel drive or 4x4, which is great for hills and rough terrain. While it has been refined in its newest avatar, it is still a little rough around the edges, with a bumpy ride, over-eager power delivery, ergonomics that aren't great, and a sub-par features list for the price. Buy only if you require its tough underpinnings, or value its rugged appeal.

For most other situations, the Tata Safari is the better bet. It is more refined, sophisticated, and spacious, with a truly usable third row. It has a far more comprehensive and modern features list, and a new petrol engine option was recently introduced as well. Its biggest advantage over the Scorpio N is its comfortable ride quality, which is good in the city or on the highway. And while it doesn't offer 4x4 as the Scorpio N does, an electric version is expected at the end of the year with AWD, but that will be outside your Rs 25 lakh budget.

Explore cars mentioned

Mahindra

Scorpio N

from ₹15.64 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Sandesh

•1d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India

•10h

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Senthil Kumar J

•2d

Hi, I am stuck between two cars with specific models: Tata Safari Adventure+ (Petrol, Automatic TC) at ₹22.62 lakh and Kia Carens Clavis 2025 model HTX(O), DVT petrol at ₹22.06 lakh (I am getting ₹2.5 lakh discount for the 2025 model in Gravity Grey). I plan to keep the car for the next 15 years. I live in a nearby town of Bangalore and don’t drive inside the city much. It's mostly towns and highways, with occasional city visits to malls. Average driving is less than 1000 km monthly. The 7-seater requirement is just a few times a year (when I club my sister's family).

Autocar India

•11h

Between the two, the Kia Carens Clavis HTX(O) petrol automatic is the better choice. It will feel easier to drive on highways and around town, and since you only need the third row a few times a year, its seating layout will work perfectly well without carrying the size and weight of a larger SUV every day.The Tata Safari does offer stronger road presence and a higher seating position, but it is a bigger and heavier vehicle to live with on a daily basis. Given your limited running and the strong Rs 2.5 lakh discount you are getting on the Carens Clavis, it also represents better overall value.

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Safari

Mohammed Aaftab

•2d

I am planning to buy a 7-seater, and my running is not very regular. Sometimes, for a long time, I don’t drive much, but when I do, I may cross 1000 km in a single trip. I need good space in the 3rd row as well. Which one should I prefer: Mahindra XUV 7XO or Tata Safari? I need full comfort and luxury, and my budget is around ₹35 lakh.

Autocar India

•12h

Between the two, the Tata Safari works slightly better as a family-oriented seven-seater. Its second row can slide forward and backwards, which helps create more legroom for passengers sitting in the third row. This flexibility makes the last row easier to use for adults on longer journeys.The Mahindra XUV 7XO, on the other hand, offers stronger performance and more features, especially in the higher variants. It is a nicer car to drive with stronger performance, but the third row is better suited to children or shorter journeys compared to the Safari.If your priority is maximum comfort for all passengers and better third-row usability, the Safari Accomplished+ diesel automatic is the better choice. If you prefer stronger performance and more tech features, the XUV 7XO AX7L diesel automatic is the one to consider.

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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