Mahindra Scorpio N vs Compact SUV Rivals: Specifications Compared

Retailing between Rs 11.99 lakh and Rs 19.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the 2022 Mahindra Scorpio N’s pricing puts it bang in the compact SUV territory. At present, this particular segment is being reigned by the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, the Scorpio N’s specifications seem promising and it is clear that Mahindra wants to grab a slice of the pie from this segment. So how does the SUV compare against its slightly smaller rivals? 

To find that out, we pitch it against its Korean rivals as well as offerings from Skoda, Volkswagen, MG, and the upcoming Toyota Hyryder. 

Dimensions

• No surprises here. The Mahindra Scorpio N is the largest SUV in this test and even boasts the longest wheelbase. 

• The Kushaq and Taigun are the smallest, however, they boast the longest wheelbase when compared with their monocoque compact SUV rivals. 

• The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and MG Astor have a near identical footprint. However, the MG has the smallest wheelbase of the lot. 

Features Onboard 

You get your money’s worth with all the features you would need in all these models as seen in the table above. So let’s flip the coin and see what you don’t get with all of these cars:

• Starting with the Scorpio N, it doesn’t get niceties like ventilated front seats, sunblinds for middle row occupants, a head-up display and ambient lighting as seen in certain SUVs. 

• The Hyryder, Taigun and Kushaq don't get a powered front seat, which add a premium touch to your in-cabin experience. 

• For such a well-equipped model, the Astor doesn’t get a wireless phone charger, while the Creta and Hyryder miss out on rain-sensing wipers.  

• Except for the MG Astor, none of the models in this test get Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). 

Safety Features 

• All models get bases covered with six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. 

• The MG Astor takes a leap ahead by packing an Advanced Driver Assistance System, while the Scorpio N packs a Driver Drowsiness Detection system. 

• The Seltos, Hyryder, and Astor are the only ones to get a 360-degree camera, while the Scorpio N has a camera placed at the front and rear. 

Base Petrol Engine 

• The Mahindra Scorpio N’s 2-litre turbo-petrol engine is the most powerful option in this lot. Mahindra offers the same 203PS tune for the XUV700.

• The VW Group twins come second as the small 1-litre turbo-petrol engine is the torquiest. 

• The Toyota Hyryder is the least powerful of the lot, while the MG Astor, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos put out near identical numbers. 

• All models get a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, but the Seltos goes a step ahead by offering buyers a 6-speed clutchless manual. 

• The Scorpio spins its rear wheels, while the rest of them are front-wheel driven. The Hyryder is the only one to offer optional all-wheel drive with its petrol engine.

Top Petrol Engine

• Once again, the Mahindra Scorpio N sits atop when it comes to on-paper numbers.

• But, if it’s fuel efficiency you’re looking for, then you should consider the segment-first strong-hybrid powertrain in the Hyryder. Toyota claims the car will have an average fuel economy of 26 to 28kmpl!

• The VW Group twins once again come second in terms of power output, while the MG, Hyundai, and Kia put out near identical numbers.  

• Even though the Hyryder has a hybrid powertrain, it’s the least powerful here as well. 

• Save for the Astor, Hyryder, and Creta, all SUVs here offer a choice of manual and automatic transmission options.  

Diesel Engine 

• The Scorpio N’s diesel engine is offered in two states of tune, both of which are more powerful than its Korean rivals. 

• All three of them offer manual and automatic options, while the Seltos also brings the 6-speed iMT to the table.  

• The Scorpio N is rear-wheel driven, while the Seltos and Creta are front-wheel driven. The Mahindra SUV’s diesel engine can be specced with optional four-wheel drive as well.  

• There is no diesel engine option with the Hyryder, Astor, Taigun, and Kushaq. 

Price And Verdict

The Mahindra Scorpio N has all it needs to take on the reigning compact SUV leader, the Hyundai Creta. It’s the largest of the lot, gets all the necessary features you would need, and powerful engine options, making it a lot desirable. You also get a bigger SUV for the money you pay. That said, Mahindra has to ensure that waiting periods do not cross a few months. Also, we’ll be comparing the Scorpio N with its compact SUV alternatives in the real world to see how it fares.