How different is the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler from the Scorpio N?

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 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 daytime running lamps (DRLs) positioned on the bumper, surrounding the fog lamps. It also gets a hexagonal grille with six vertical chrome slats, 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 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 sports chunkier cladding on 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 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, 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 three editions: Reef, Valley and Trail. Depending on the edition chosen, you get slightly different liveries and unique exterior accessories, such as a roof rack or a snorkel.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler vs Scorpio N: Interior design

Inside, the Scorpio Lifestyler receives a revised cabin layout. While the Scorpio N gets a horizontal infotainment screen and air-con vents, the pickup truck gets a larger vertical screen and air-con vents. The Scorpio Lifestyler’s steering wheel has a flat-bottom design with unique switchgear compared to the circular steering wheel in the Scorpio N. While both models come with a digital driver’s display, the Scorpio N features a traditional instrument binnacle, whereas the Lifestyler does not. Another difference is that the Scorpio N has a lot more physical switchgear than the Lifestyler and a more premium interior, featuring leatherette trim on the dashboard and a panoramic sunroof. On the other hand, the Lifestyler gets a more rugged dashboard layout and a single-pane sunroof.

Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler vs Scorpio N: Powertrains 

Mahindra has not yet revealed detailed specifications of the Scorpio Lifestyler, 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 the new Scorpio Lifestyler could utilise Mahindra’s venerable 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines. Both engines are expected to be available with 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options. The pickup truck is also likely to be offered 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 engines differently for the Lifestyler, so the final specs remain to be seen.

The brand appears to have 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; the interior, too, looks far more rugged. This will now be the third model in the Scorpio range, adding to the previous-gen Classic and the N SUV models.