First Drive|17 Jul 2021
Mahindra Bolero Neo review, test drive
Delhi
Delhi
Last Updated on: 06 Oct 2025
Mahindra Bolero Neo
Autocar score
View full review
โน9.77 - โน12.48 Lakh
On road price, Delhi
Delhi
Startingโน14,158 /month
EMI calculator
Mahindra Bolero Neo Latest Updates
Mahindra Bolero Neo Features and specifications
Our Rating | |
Mileage | |
Engine | |
Fuel Type | |
Transmission | |
Seats | |
Body Style | |
Doors | |
Max Power | |
Max Torque | |
Warranty Distance | |
Warranty Duration |
Mahindra Bolero Neo price & variants
VariantsOn road price
Airbags
Parking sensors
Rear passenger adjustable seats
Adjustable ORVM
Power windows
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Rear wiper
Rear defogger
Steering mounted controls
Autocar's pick
Cruise control
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Rear wiper
Rear defogger
Cruise control
Airbags
Integrated (in-dash) music system
Rear wiper
Rear defogger
Mahindra Bolero Neo expert review
Autocar score
We like
Bad-road friendly
Feels built to last
We don't like
Not refined like other compact SUVs
Some missing features
Reviewed by: Saumil Shah
Mahindra Bolero Neo reviews
Mahindra Bolero Neo comparison
Transmission
Manual
Engine
1493 cc
Fuel type
Diesel
Mileage
18.04 kmpl
Transmission
Manual, AMT Auto, Dual-Clutch Auto
Engine
1199 cc - 1497 cc
Fuel type
CNG, Diesel, Petrol
Mileage
17.01 kmpl - 24 km/kg
Mahindra Bolero Neo mileage
| Fuel type | Displacement | Transmission | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 1493 cc | Manual | 18.04 kmpl |
Mahindra Bolero Neo news
Mahindra Bolero Neo videos
video|23 Apr 2024
Bolero Neo, Kia Carens, Honda Amaze Global NCAP crash test results video
video|17 Jul 2021
Mahindra Bolero Neo video review
video|06 Oct 2025
2025 Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo walkaround video
Mahindra Bolero Neo Colours
Mahindra Bolero Neo FAQs
Need an expert opinion on your car related queries?
Trending Questions on Mahindra Bolero Neo - Answered by Autocar Experts
J
Asked by: Jitendrasinhon Nov 26, 2025
I am a police officer and want to buy an SUV with a budget of around โน11/12 lakh. My job involves some rough driving, and about 80 percent of my driving is on the highway. I plan to keep the vehicle for at least 5-7 years without selling it. I want a diesel car with good mileage, and my daily running is 50/60 km.
Given your requirements for rugged and tough suspension, the Mahindra Bolero Neo will be a good option to consider. It has a torquey diesel engine that has good power delivery, and thanks to the rear-wheel drive layout, it is a bit better in hilly areas as well. The N10 (O) variant will fit in your budget and gets a decent kit like a reversing camera, cruise control and a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen.
The other option that is good over rough roads and highways is the Tata Nexon diesel in the Pure Plus variant. It has more power and is more modern-looking, but it isn't as tough as the Bolero, and in this price range, you won't get many features. Also, its front-wheel drive layout puts it at a disadvantage when it comes to driving uphill and in challenging terrain.
J
Asked by: Jagadishon Nov 18, 2025
We are a family of six, and I am looking to buy a 7-seater manual SUV under 16 lakh. I prefer a body-on-frame design. My shortlisted options are the Scorpio Classic, Bolero Neo, and Bolero. Among these, please suggest the better choice for balanced city and highway use.
Among the three options on your shortlist, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic is the best option. It's got the most powerful engine of the three, which you will particularly appreciate on highway drives.
The Scorpio Classic S is the one that will fit your budget, but it comes with basic features. If you need more features, the Bolero Neo N10 packs in a fair bit.
It must be highlighted that all three options you are considering have side-facing third row seats. These are not as safe as front-facing seats, and we'd strongly advise against this configuration.
It must be highlighted that all three options you are considering have side-facing third row seats. These are not as safe as front-facing seats, and we'd strongly advise against this configuration.
There isn't any body on frame alternative within your budget, but you should instead consider monocoque MPVs like the Kia Carens Clavis and Maruti Suzuki Ertiga.
D
Asked by: Debasis Sahooon Nov 11, 2025
Iโm a frequent reader of this section. Iโm looking for a car that can comfortably seat five people. My priorities are safety, fuel efficiency, and low maintenance. My budget is below โน10 lakh, and Iโm open to hatchbacks, sedans, or compact SUVs. Please suggest.
Given your requirement for seating five passengers, an SUV would be a good choice. Under โน10 lakh, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is a good option. This Mahindra car has a roomy cabin with good space for five and a frugal diesel engine that offers low running costs and low maintenance.
If not the Bolero Neo, you can check out the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, but beware, you will only get the base version under your budget, which will not be as well-equipped.
Z
Asked by: zulfiqar alion Nov 9, 2025
Iโm 30 years old and currently drive a 2011 Santro Xing. I want to buy a new car (budget โน9โ12 lakh). I drive 40โ50 km per day and live in Kargil, Ladakh, so the car must handle high altitude, cold starts, rough/uneven roads, and be reliable. What car would you recommend and why?
There are plenty of options in your price range of Rs 9-12 lakh. However, if you mean that the conditions you drive through are rough and mountainous, then perhaps an SUV would suit you better than a sedan or a hatchback. Check out the Mahindra Bolero Neo, which has recently been given a facelift and an update, including a more modern touchscreen option. With its tough ladder-frame chassis, robust suspension, torquey diesel engine and rear-wheel-drive layout, it is excellent in hilly conditions and over rough surfaces.
P
Asked by: Pankaj Singhon Nov 6, 2025
I want to buy a new car for my dad. His daily run is 50 km, occasionally 150-200 km, plus two village trips of about 1,600 km round trip. He wants an SUV under โน10 lakh. Please suggest at least two options and the recommended variant.
The best option for the mentioned commute would be the Mahindra Bolero Neo. It has a strong, smooth, and powerful diesel engine, a comfortable ride on B-roads and highways, and easy seating thanks to the high seating position.
The second option would be the Mahindra XUV 3XO, the MX3 Pro variant with the petrol engine and manual gearbox. It is also easy to drive, but the diesel-engine versions would be out of budget.
We recommend the Bolero Neo as the preferred choice.
P
Asked by: pritam kalitaon Oct 30, 2025
My budget is โน12โ13 lakh. I drive about 1,500โ2,000 km monthly and make frequent trips to hill stations. EV and CNG are not options. I need a reliable, mileage-oriented vehicle I can keep for at least 10 years. Please suggest suitable models.
Based on your requirement, the Bolero Neo is a good choice. It has a punchy diesel engine that offers low running costs, and being rear-wheel drive, it is better to drive in hilly areas with no struggles. You can get the N10 version with the manual gearbox.
If the Bolero Neo is not to your taste, the Tata Nexon Pure + S Diesel variant is a good option too. But it is a front-wheel drive SUV and not as hardy as the Bolero is.
A
Asked by: Avi Rohilaon Oct 30, 2025
My weekly commute is around 500 km, solo, and 95% of my driving is on highways. I want a car that offers both power and fuel efficiency. My budget is โน10 lakh.
The Tata Altroz diesel manual would be a good choice as it fits your budget and offers decent power for highway use, along with good efficiency. If you prefer an SUV, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is also a solid option.
P
Asked by: Prakashon Oct 13, 2025
I want a sub-4-metre car with rear-seat comfort for three adults. Should I go for a used car or a new one? My budget is โน11 lakh.
The Dzire, Brezza, Nexon, and XUV3XO are all sub-4-metre options that are reasonably comfortable for three adults at the rear. If you're fine with its relatively utilitarian approach, the Mahindra Bolero Neo is also wide enough for three adults at the back. Besides these, there aren't any other sub-4-metre used cars that are more comfortable.
B
Asked by: Bharaton Oct 13, 2025
My budget is โน12 lakh, and I want to buy a Bolero Neo. My monthly drive is 2,500 km, with 30% on highways, 40% on hilly roads, and the rest in the city. I am a bit confused about diesel car prospects. Should I go for a diesel or consider another car?
The Mahindra Bolero Neo fits your requirements as itโs rugged and capable on both hilly roads and highways, which make up the majority of your driving. Bolero Neo price starts with โน9.71 lakh in Ghaziabad, which is within your budget. There are no issues in going for a diesel currently. Moreover, the Bolero Neo is one of the few models that still offer a diesel engine at this price point, which is a real advantage.
Upcoming Cars
Mahindra Cars
Trending Cars
Can't decide which car to buy?
Ask our experts and get answers to all your car related queries.