Mahindra has introduced the Scorpio Lifestyler pickup truck for the Indian market. It utilises the same ladder-frame architecture that underpins the Scorpio N, its three-row SUV stablemate. While the rugged UV maker is no stranger to making pickup trucks, the Scorpio Lifestyler, however, is its first shot at the lifestyle pickup truck segment, which is growing in popularity. In this article, we take a deep dive into the differences between the Scorpio Lifestyler and its three-row SUV counterpart.
Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler vs Scorpio N: Exterior design
At the front end, the Scorpio N gets two-pod LED headlamps with scorpion tail-shaped LED DRLs positioned on the bumper, surrounding the fog lamps. It also gets a hexagonal grille with six vertical slats in chrome, a chrome strip at the top of the grille, a honeycomb pattern for the air intakes, and a faux silver skid plate.
The Scorpio Lifestyler, on the other hand, has slightly slimmer headlamps with L-shaped DRLs, a gloss black grille with Scorpio branding at the top, and segmented chrome slats with orange accents. It also gets a boxier design for its bumper, with a chequered section in the centre.
The biggest difference between the Scorpio Lifestyler and the Scorpio N is undoubtedly their body styles. In profile, the Scorpio Lifestyler comes with chunkier cladding for the wheel arches and lower sides of the doors. It also gets a different design for the dual-tone alloy wheels. A commonality between the two is functional roof rails. Although Mahindra has not revealed any specs as of yet, the Lifestyler can be expected to have a longer wheelbase than the Scorpio N to accommodate the rear load bed. Another important detail is that the glasshouse is quite different on both models, with the Lifestyler featuring a distinct upward kink for the rear windows.
At the rear, the Scorpio N gets vertically oriented LED tail-lamps, while the Scorpio Lifestyler gets smaller rectangular LED tail-lamps with C-shaped signatures. Moreover, while the Scorpio N has the Mahindra twin peaks logo along with Scorpio N branding, the Scorpio Lifestyler comes with large ‘Mahindra Lifestyler’ lettering on the tailgate. Lower down, it gets a rugged black bumper with square design elements, while the Scorpio N has a simpler bumper design.
Unlike the Mahindra Scorpio N, the Scorpio Lifestyler is available in different editions, namely Reef, Valley, and Trail. Depending on the edition chosen, you get slightly different liveries and unique accessories for its exterior, like a roof rack or snorkel.
Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler vs Scorpio N: interior design
On the inside, the Scorpio Lifestyler receives a revised cabin layout over the Scorpio N. While the latter gets a horizontal infotainment screen and aircon vents, the former gets a larger vertical screen and aircon vents. The steering wheel of the Scorpio Lifestyler also sports a flat-bottom design with unique switchgear over the circular steering wheel in the Scorpio N. Both models come with a digital driver’s display, but the Scorpio N features a traditional instrument binnacle, while the Lifestyler does without it. While the Scorpio Lifestyler has a single pane sunroof, the Scorpio N gets a larger panoramic unit. Another difference is that the Scorpio N has a lot more physical switchgear than the Lifestyler and also a more premium interior with leatherette trim on the dashboard, while the latter gets a more rugged dashboard layout.
Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler vs Scorpio N: Powertrains
Mahindra has not revealed detailed specifications of the Scorpio Lifestyler yet, but at the unveiling of the original Global Pik Up concept, the brand had indicated that powertrain options would be shared with the Scorpio N SUV. That means Mahindra’s venerable 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines can be expected to power the new Scorpio Lifestyler. Both engines are expected to come with a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox, and it will also come with 4WD and shift-on-the-fly capability, along with drive modes for Normal, Grass-Gravel-Snow, Mud-Rut and Sand. Mahindra could, however, tune the engine differently for the pickup truck, so the final specs remain to be seen.
Mahindra has done a commendable job in differentiating the Scorpio Lifestyler from its SUV counterpart even though both models share their underpinnings. It’s not just different on the outside, but the interior, too, looks far more feature-rich and premium despite its rugged appeal. This will now be the third model in the Scorpio range, adding to the previous-gen Classic and the N SUV models.