Mahindra Scorpio N Review

We recently test drove the Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 L and came away quite impressed with its chassis setup, styling and overall comfort. There were a few small issues here and there that felt out of place in a ₹27 lakh on-road SUV, but nothing serious enough to be a deal breaker. Here is everything you need to know about it before the next facelift arrives very soon.

Its Road Presence Is Better Than Thar

The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 L in Everest White is still one of the most dominating SUVs you can buy in India in 2026. It does not try to look soft or urban like most modern monocoque SUVs. It proudly carries that tough, traditional SUV image. 

I tried to get my review unit in the insanely badass Napoli Black, but that colour was already taken by someone else. I ended up with the white example shown here, which looked pretty dazzling under the Gurgaon sun.

Choosing Everest White is a practical decision in India. Our roads are dusty, and white hides dirt, swirl marks and light scratches much better than darker shades like Deep Forest or Napoli Black. 

The Mahindra Scorpio-N carries a traditional body-on-frame SUV design that focuses on strength rather than flashy styling. At the front, the upright stance gives it clear road presence. The chrome-slatted grille and tall bonnet add to its solid appearance. The double-barrel LED projector headlamps, along with the sharp LED DRLs, give it a modern look, especially at night. Sequential turn indicators are also included.

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From the side, the design highlights its SUV proportions. Black cladding around the wheel arches and along the lower body adds protection and visual bulk. The fenders are slightly flared, and the strong shoulder line keeps the design looking balanced. Higher variants get 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels that fill the arches well. The raised bonnet and functional hood scoop reflect its off-road capability.

In terms of size, it measures 4662 mm in length, 1917 mm in width and 1857 mm in height, with a 2750 mm wheelbase and 187 mm ground clearance.

Rear end keeps the signature towering vertical LED taillamps, muscular bumper, and that metallic Scorpio-tail accent over the quarter glass. 

Interior is packed with features but info still glitches

The Z8 L is the top variant, but the “Luxury” tag does not feel fully justified inside. The 8-inch touchscreen now looks small compared to the large twin-screen setups in SUVs like the Mahindra XUV7X0 and Tata Safari. The Sony 12-speaker 3D audio system sound good on paper but I have heard better 8 speaker setup sit slower priced cars 

Step inside and you get either coffee-brown or black perforated leatherette upholstery. The seats are wide and supportive with good under-thigh cushioning. The ventilated front seats are genuinely useful in peak summer, and they cool quickly. The driver gets 6-way power adjustment including height and lumbar support, which makes long highway drives more comfortable.

The dashboard layout is simple and driver-focused. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster shows fuel range, tyre pressure data, trip information and alerts clearly. The 8-inch touchscreen runs AdrenoX with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It works well most of the time, but some users have reported occasional lag or random disconnections.

Sony Audio Setup Just Rocks!

 The Sony 12-speaker 3D audio system is one of the highlights, delivering strong and clear sound quality but those occasion seat belt not wearing warning can get really loud

The AdrenoX system still has lag, and wireless Android Auto can disconnect at the worst possible time, especially during complicated turns. Mahindra advertises this with a proper badge ont he vehicle, could have made sure it works!

Dual-zone climate control cools the front cabin quickly, and rear AC vents help second-row passengers stay comfortable. Ambient lighting adds a subtle premium touch at night. Features like a wireless charger, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, sunglass holder and a sunroof make the cabin feel well equipped for the price.

Third Row Comfort Is Plain Bad

Space in the first and second rows is generous. The second row offers good legroom and support, and the 6-seater captain seat version is especially comfortable for adults. The third row is usable for children or short trips but not ideal for long journeys. In some configurations, there are no dedicated third-row AC vents, which can make it uncomfortable in hot weather.

Boot space is limited when all three rows are up, and storage spaces inside the cabin are average. Lower sections of the cabin use harder plastics that can scratch easily. While overall fit and finish feel solid, some owners have reported minor electronic glitches or small squeaks over time.

Mahindra's Diesel Is A Class Apart

The 2.2 litre mHawk diesel engine is the only sensible option for an SUV this heavy. It produces 175 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, and it pulls strongly. Even though the Scorpio-N weighs close to two tonnes, it does not feel slow. 

Overtaking on single-lane highways feels confident and easy. The 6-speed torque converter gearbox from Aisin works very smoothly. In heavy traffic like Gurgaon and Delhi it does not jerk or make your head nod. This is a big advantage over dual clutch gearboxes used in rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens, which can feel jerky at low speeds.

Also Read - 2026 Mahindra Scorpio N Facelift: What To Expect

However, the diesel engine comes with one important issue. The Diesel Particulate Filter system can become a headache if you mostly drive short distances under 10 km. In that case, you may need to take the car on longer highway drives just to complete DPF regeneration and clear soot. It feels like an extra task rather than something you choose to do.

Handles Well Despite Ladder Frame Chassis

Because the Scorpio-N uses a ladder-frame chassis, it handles bad roads extremely well. Large potholes and broken rural roads do not bother it much. But on smooth highways, the ride can feel busy. There is noticeable vertical movement, and body roll is present during lane changes which is absent in its archrival Creta but still solid for a ladder frame SUV

Passengers in the second and third rows may feel uncomfortable on long drives, especially on winding hill roads.

The Level 2 ADAS features are helpful in some situations but not perfect for Indian driving conditions. Lane Keep Assist works well on expressways. However, Autonomous Emergency Braking can sometimes react too aggressively in city traffic. If a biker cuts too close, the system may brake suddenly, increasing the risk of someone hitting you from behind.

The 360-degree camera is necessary for parking such a large SUV, but the resolution is grainy compared to what Korean rivals offer.

Maintenance costs are fairly stable. A regular service usually costs between ₹11,000 and ₹15,000. One strong advantage is Mahindra’s wide service network. Even in remote areas, you are more likely to find support compared to many other brands.

In the end, the Scorpio-N Z8 L is not the most logical choice for someone who wants a smooth, tech-focused family SUV mainly for city use. It is for buyers who value road presence, toughness and the ability to handle poor roads without worry. You have to accept the cramped third row and slightly outdated infotainment system. In return, you get a commanding driving position and a feeling of strength that few SUVs in this price range can match.

Images By- Sayan Paul @Carhpindia