Mahindra Scorpio N: 3 reasons to buy and 2 not to

With 1,64,842 units sold in FY2025 alone, the Mahindra Scorpio twins - the N and Classic - together amassed the most sales for the brand, accounting for over 30 percent of its total sales. Notably, Mahindra positions the Scorpio N as a larger, more premium, and technologically advanced alternative to the venerable Classic SUV. If you are thinking about bringing home this Mahindra SUV, the following reasons can help you make an informed decision. Let's start with why the Mahindra Scorpio N should be on your radar.

1. Smooth and strong powertrains

2-litre turbo-petrol, 2.2 diesel engine options.

2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Powering the Scorpio N are Mahindra's mStallion 2-litre turbo-petrol and mHawk 2.2-litre diesel engines, which also do duty in other stablemates. Starting with the 203hp, turbo-petrol mill, response right from a standstill is extremely impressive. This also translates into easy overtakes on the highway, with the engine grunt concentrated in the low to mid rev range.

Off-the-line responses are gentler with the 132hp, diesel, making it easier to manage. The diesel naturally has a stronger mid-range torque reserve, but also adds drive modes - Zip, Zap and Zoom - which translate into Eco, Normal and Sport, respectively. Also exclusive to this motor is a four-wheel drive system. The Scorpio N 4WD is tuned to make higher 175hp (see table below for more). Over the manual transmission, Mahindra offers a torque converter automatic option with the Scorpio N, which is easy-going and smooth with shifts.

2. Premium interior look and feel

Stain-resistant leatherette upholstery.

The Scorpio N's cabin impresses with its premiumness and practical nature.

An area where the Scorpio N outshines its utilitarian sibling, the Scorpio Classic, is its cabin. Step inside and you'll be welcomed by a tangible improvement in quality, ranging from mostly smooth-edged plastic trims, rich-looking and stain-resistant upholstery, to piano black and brushed silver dashboard inserts that feel premium. A few bits are also borrowed from the flagship XUV700 SUV, including the power steering wheel.

In addition to the luxurious cabin, it's practical with A-pillar-mounted grab handles and side steps that ensure an easy climb into the high-set cabin. Physical buttons for key functions like HVAC and music are always nice. The highlight, however, has to be the large door pockets, something that the Classic never offered.

3. Toughness, off-road ability

Equipped with Mahindra's 4Xplor system.

The Scorpio N is fitted with Mahindra's advanced 4WD system.

The Scorpio N's off-road hardware is as rugged as its looks. Dubbed 4Xplor, the advanced 4WD system packs a low-range gearbox and brake-locking differential, along with a set of terrain modes (accessed via a rotary dial). While the Scorpio has always been a capable off-roader, the selectable drive modes contribute to ease of use. Mahindra also claims the SUV can wade through water levels of up to 500mm.

There are a few areas, though, where the Mahindra Scorpio N needs improvement, as mentioned below.

1. Third-row seating

Restricted knee room.

The third row of the Scorpio N is best suited for children.

The seats in the last row offer a knees-up seating position with limited knee room that feels too tight for adults, as noted in our Scorpio N review. They don't get the recline function either and are best suited for kids only. AC vents are also absent here, just like cupholders and charging points. The second-row seats (with options of a single bench or 2 captain chairs) don't slide, nor can they be inclined to free up more room for the passengers at the back. Notably, only the kerb-side seat in the middle row folds and tumbles ahead, while the right-hand side just folds, which may make access to the back slightly difficult. That said, the Scorpio N gets front-facing seats at the rear, unlike the side-facing ones on the Classic, which do make for a safer and more conventional seating position for passengers.

2. Poorly designed luggage area

Narrow boot offers limited space.

Much of the boot space is eaten up by the folded third-row seats.

With all three rows up, the Scorpio N's narrow boot is good for a haversack and a small suitcase at max. The last row doesn't split, it folds and tumbles forward. This frees up more space, but the folded seats still take up a lot of room for luggage. The boot has a false floor, and the loading area is flat. Beneath this is a tool kit housing and two small covered recesses for storing small items.

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