The performance and specifications of the Scorpio N get more and more interesting and confusing at the same time, with all the mix and match in both the engine and the drivetrain type.

On the one hand, you have a single choice for the petrol variant that consists of an Inline-4 DOHC system fitted with a turbocharger (Tested model) giving out horsepower and torque figures like 200 bhp/380 NM. On the other hand, the diesel variant has a 130 bhp (MT) engine option and a 172 bhp option in both manual and automatic modes. 

The model we tested offers an RWD drivetrain setup with a six-speed automatic transmission and has a lag-free launch even under sudden conditions. The experience felt like being in a magnetic train chambered in a closed space when we pushed the SUV around 115 kmph on NH31; in other words, it was just thrilling.

However, the fuel efficiency of the new-gen Scorpio is not one of its strong suits. The journey to Cooch Behar returned around 13 kmpl on highway while city roads was around 11.2 kmpl. 

Ride and Handling

Since its introduction to the SUV market, Mahindra has taken pride in the ride experience and handling properties of the Scorpio N, and after the BS6 Phase 2 stage, the Scorpio N proved its worth and the reason behind its enormous popularity among petrolheads. From the moment you step inside the driver and front passenger seat, you get a sense of comfort, balance, and sturdiness. The initial 10 km were unfamiliar since it was our first experience with the model. 

However, as time went by and we stepped onto a clear road space, the Scorpio N showed effortless handling in low speed, minimal body roll in tight corners, and near to complete silence inside the cabin, even at high speeds. Thanks to the double wishbone suspension on the front and pentalink suspension with WATT’s Linkage at the rear, potholes and bumps on the road seemed like nothing.

Similar to the exterior, the cabin of the Scorpio N has an overall premium feel, thanks to its linear but upright dashboard wrapped in leather with a lot of area having soft-touch points. Also, the dark brown- and black-coloured cabin, along with the Piano Black trim and brushed metal inserts, gives you the perfect ambience, like a VIP guest.

Primarily, this new-gen SUV comes with a 7-seat configuration. As comfortable as it is to sit in the front and second-row seating space, the third-row seating area feels extensively cramped, even for a 5’7” guy like me. You will definitely want to get out of that position if you stay during a long journey ahead. Practically, children around the age of 10-12 years old will fit in that position perfectly. 

Lastly, the technological aspect of the SUV includes a fully digital gauge cluster with control buttons on the steering wheel, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging port, and, to top it off, a standard 4-speaker SONY audio system. While looking at the number and quality of top-notch features, this mid-range trim option (Scorpio N Z8 Select Petrol AT) we tested is definitely worth its price tag (18.84 lakhs).

The boot space of the SUV is a tricky one, as both Saurav and I were scratching our heads with the reality of it. You see, on paper, the Scorpio N offers a total of 460 liters of boot space, which can be accessed only if the third-row seats are folded.

Now imagine having a family of 7, and you decide to go to a relative's wedding in your Scorpio N. No, not happening with all the luggage you have to bring with you. And, if you are wondering how much luggage you can fit inside it without folding the seats, it's three school bags, as confirmed by Saurav and me.

Unlike the Scorpio Classic, the Scorpio N features a sleek and gentle-looking front fascia that doesn’t need to prove a tough outlook, and to be honest, it is very appealing to the majority of consumers. While the elevated bonnet and tall shoulder lines give it a sturdy stance, other aspects like the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, double-barrel LED headlamps, sleek DRLs, and sequential LED turn lights flaunt a commitment to modern-day aesthetics.

The highlights don’t stop there, as you can opt for other exterior features like the electronically adjustable sunroof/moonroof, roof rails, and a chrome finish exhaust pipe in the mid-range trim level (Scorpio N Z8 Select Petrol AT) like the one my partner Saurav and I tested.

One of the best aspects of the Scorpio N that has contributed to its sales (15,442 units in Jan 2025) is the safety of the SUV. The model received a 5-star safety rating for adults and a 3-star safety rating for children based on the GNCAP testing. 

Among all the safety features, the standard ones that are included in the model we tested are ABS, front and rear cameras for safe parking, six airbags, a driver drowsiness detector, electronic stability control, and a hill hold control system.

The Mahindra Scorpio N squares off against a rugged bunch, and we’ve dissected its rivals in India’s D-segment SUV arena. The Tata Safari boasts a 5-star GNCAP rating and a 2.0L diesel (170 PS, 350 Nm) with a 6-speed manual or automatic, offering plush space and a 420-litre boot, but its softer ride and no petrol option lag behind the Scorpio N’s punchy 203 PS petrol or 175 PS diesel (both 370 Nm).

The Hyundai Alcazar brings a refined 1.5L turbo-petrol (160 PS, 253 Nm) or 1.5L diesel (116 PS, 250 Nm), a slick 7-speed DCT, and premium vibes, though its 3-star safety and 180-litre boot (with third row up) don’t match the Scorpio N’s 5-star heft or 460-litre capacity.

The MG Hector Plus flexes a 1.5L turbo-petrol (143 PS, 250 Nm) or 2.0L diesel (170 PS, 350 Nm), a roomy cabin, and a 14-inch touchscreen, but its dated tech and softer handling pale against the Scorpio N’s Level 2 ADAS and 4WD grit. Toyota Innova Hycross tempts with a hybrid 2.0L petrol (186 PS combined, 23.24 kmpl) and legendary reliability, yet its MPV roots don’t rival the Scorpio N’s SUV soul.

The Jeep Compass offers a 2.0L diesel (170 PS, 350 Nm) with AWD and a 4-star NCAP score, but its smaller 438-litre boot cedes ground to the Scorpio N’s space. We see the Scorpio N dominating with power, safety, and versatility, though fuel-sippers or luxury buffs might eye Innova or Hector instead.

Despite being a new addition to the Mahindra SUV lineup, the Scorpio N is a far better choice than the Scorpio Classic, which only offers performance and the old-school Scorpio vibe. If you are looking for a perfect contender that can combine the off-road capability of a Thar and the luxury opulence of an XUV700, it's the Scorpio N that comes close to that combination compared to its rivals.