Best SUV in India

Last Updated on: 06 Nov 2026
The Mahindra Scorpio N range covers 31 variants across seven trim levels, from the entry-level Z2 petrol manual to the Z8L ADAS diesel automatic with four-wheel drive. The engine, gearbox and equipment vary by trim, while the diesel range also offers different power outputs and the option of four-wheel drive on select variants.
The base model Z2 Petrol MT pairs the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. It gets an 8-inch touchscreen, manual air conditioning, rear parking sensors and electronic stability control, but has only two airbags. Buyers looking for more safety equipment should consider the Z8S or higher trims, which get six airbags.
The top model Z8L ADAS Diesel 4WD AT pairs the more powerful 175hp diesel engine with a six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive. It adds a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree camera system and advanced driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control on automatic variants.
Which variant gets which features:
Mahindra Scorpio N Official Brochure
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I am considering to upgrade from my 2020 Hyundai Creta SX to a seven-seater vehicle. At present, I am evaluating two options: Scorpio N and Tata Safari, both in diesel base models. Help me decide between these two vehicles.
Between the Scorpio N and the Safari, we would recommend the Scorpio N as it has a more sophisticated suspension, better ride quality, and a much better diesel engine that is good in performance and refinement.However if third-row space is absolutely crucial, then we would actually recommend that you try out the Mahindra XUV 7XO as well. It gets the same engine as the Scorpio but you also get a slightly better third row and better comfort as well. The suspension and ride quality on the 7XO are a lot better compared to the Safari.The Safari would only be a recommendation if a lot of your driving is over really bad and broken roads because that is where the Tata really comes through. For everything else the Mahindra 7XO is a better bet. If you're looking for a base entry-level model, it might be slightly pricier but it will be worth spending that extra money on the 7XO rather than the Scorpio N.
Following my previous question about replacing my 2019 Tata Hexa, which has covered 1.30 lakh km, with a new SUV or MPV within a budget of Rs 35 lakh and for a daily commute of around 90 km, we had finalised between the Scorpio N and the XUV 7XO, and had found the Scorpio more familiar than the Hexa. Now I am confused about which variant of the Scorpio N to go for: the Z8T or Z8L. The Z8L has ADAS, which isn't much use for my family and me, so is the Z8T the right choice? Although we are not in a rush and can wait another year, are there any upcoming vehicles with the same RWD diesel-manual DNA that are worth waiting for?
Go for the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8T diesel manual. It is the right choice for your usage and budget. The Z8L's main differentiator is ADAS, which you have already identified as something you do not need. The Z8T gives you the same core mechanical package, the same strong diesel engine, and the same RWD and body-on-frame DNA that you liked in the Hexa, without paying extra for features you will not use. The Scorpio N is also one of the few cars in this price range that still offers a proper RWD diesel manual setup, which is exactly what you are looking for.On the question of waiting, there is no clear reason to hold off. There are no major RWD diesel manual SUVs or MPVs expected in the next year that would fundamentally change your decision. This Mahindra car is already a well-established product with a proven ownership track record, and it is one of the few cars that still offers this kind of mechanical package.The only thing to keep in mind is that the Scorpio N is a body-on-frame SUV, so it will not be as refined or as comfortable as the Hexa on long highway runs and bumpy roads as the ride is quite bouncy. But if you are looking for a tough, reliable RWD diesel manual with a strong ownership track record, the Z8T is the right choice.
I am a family of five and am actively looking for a big diesel car. Currently, I am driving Eon. I have finally shortlisted Crysta and Scorpio N Z8. I loved the performance of both engines with Scorpio N being more refined whereas Crysta offers better comfort and stability was good. My father is more inclined towards Crysta while I am leaning towards Scorpio. Should I be bothered by Crysta three-airbag setup?
Go for the Toyota Innova Crysta as it is the better family car here. It is more comfortable, more spacious and more stable on the highway, which is exactly what you want in a big diesel family car. The Scorpio N is the more exciting car to drive, but the Crysta is the car you will appreciate more over years of ownership.On the 3-airbag question: it's only on the lower variants while the higher variant come with 7 airbags . The Crysta is a fundamentally strong and well-engineered car with a proven safety record so it shouldn't be a cause for concern. The Scorpio N does get more safety features, but the Crysta's overall package of comfort, reliability and long-term ownership experience outweighs that.You are coming from an Eon, so this is a big upgrade. The Crysta will feel like a huge step up in comfort, space and refinement.
I am planning to buy a 7-seater SUV and am considering the Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L. However, I’m confused about which variant and powertrain would be best for me among petrol or diesel, and manual or automatic. My monthly running is around 400-500 km. I’m concerned that if I choose the petrol version, I might face a mileage issue. On the other hand, if I choose the diesel version, I’m worried that the low running could lead to DPF-related issues. Most of my driving is on highways, with around 300 km per month on highways and the remaining 100-200 km in the city. Could you please suggest which option would be more suitable for my usage? I would also appreciate if you could provide a comparison of the maintenance costs, fuel efficiency, and long-term ownership costs of the petrol and diesel versions, as well as manual vs. automatic.
Go for the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L diesel automatic. Your usage is predominantly on the highway, and the diesel engine is the better fit for this. The Scorpio N diesel is a strong performer on the highway, with good torque and effortless cruising ability, and the automatic gearbox makes long drives far more comfortable and stress-free. Your monthly running is low, but because most of it is highway driving, the diesel engine will regularly meet the conditions needed to keep the DPF system healthy, so DPF-related issues are unlikely to be a concern.The petrol engine is smooth and refined, but it is a large, heavy SUV and fuel efficiency will be noticeably lower than the diesel. In terms of maintenance costs, the diesel will be slightly higher over the long term, but the difference is not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of better fuel efficiency and stronger highway performance. Between manual and automatic, the automatic is the clear choice for a car like the Scorpio N. It is a big, heavy SUV and the automatic gearbox makes it much easier to drive both in the city and on the highway.Overall, the diesel automatic is the best fit for your usage and will give you the most satisfying ownership experience.
I need an automatic SUV that can handle light snow and slushy conditions. I am confused between the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L 4WD and Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T AWD. The vehicle will be used 90% on highways, with the remaining 10% involving trips to hilly areas in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and similar regions. It will not be used in extreme off-road conditions.
Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX7 T AWD. Your usage is 90% highway with occasional hill trips in Uttarakhand and Himachal, and not extreme off-road conditions. The XUV 7XO is the better fit because it is a more comfortable and refined highway cruiser, and the AWD system will give you the extra traction you need in snow and slush without compromising on-road comfort. The Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L 4WD is a more rugged, body-on-frame SUV and better suited to tougher off-road conditions, but it is not as comfortable or as refined on long highway drives. The XUV 7XO also has a more modern cabin, better ride quality and a more premium overall ownership experience. For your usage pattern, the XUV 7XO AX7 T AWD is the more balanced and sensible choice.
The Scorpio N Z6 2.2 Diesel MT is the most value for money variant of the line-up, offering all the essential features, along with a diesel engine
New 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital cluster, 540-degree camera and 65W USB Type-C charging port (first and second rows) were added with the 2026 update.
Six airbags are offered only on the Z8S, Z8, Z8T and Z8L trims of the Mahindra Scorpio N. The rest, including Z2, Z4 and Z6, feature front airbags.
A single-pane sunroof is available from the Z6 trim onwards, while the panoramic sunroof is exclusive to the top-spec Z8L trim.
All variants of the Scorpio N offer the choice of an automatic gearbox, save for the Z2 base variant.













