Straight up, Mahindra’s three SUVs Scorpio N, XUV700, and Thar are unique in their own ways. Over the past 10 years, I have done plenty of test drives, visited showrooms, and talked to many owners. So today, from an insider perspective, I’ll share which one is strong and where it falls a bit short.
Scorpio N – Classic with a Modern Touch
Driving the Scorpio N instantly gives the old Scorpio vibe, but the interior feels modern. Honestly, in off-road conditions, its control is still excellent. But sometimes the software feels a bit slow – a friend of mine mentioned that the cruise control toggle sometimes lags slightly.
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Talking about the engine, the power is strong, but in the city, fuel consumption can be a little high. On one trip, I personally got 12 km/l, while the company claims 14-15 km/l. So in real-world driving, you need to adjust expectations.
XUV700 – Tech and Performance Combo
Inside the XUV700, it feels like the future has arrived. The features load is impressive ADAS, dual screens, and AI-assisted assistant. But a small point: during my test drive, the AI assistant sometimes got confused with commands. Generally, it works well, but there is a small real-world glitch. And yes, the pickup and highway stability are top class.
I remember a dealer showing me a demo version, and the battery range claims seemed a bit exaggerated. The company says 500 km, but my personal experience gave me 380-400 km max on the highway. So keep this in mind if you are planning long trips.
Thar – Adventure and Attitude King
Think of Thar as a fun car, serious about adventure. I remember a weekend off-road trip where Thar’s grip on muddy tracks left both Scorpio and XUV700 behind. But in city driving, the cabin sometimes feels a bit tight, and comfort for long drives is not that relaxing.
Driving the manual gearbox variant is a different kind of fun. The steering is a bit heavy, but the feedback is strong. Once at a showroom test, the salesman casually said, This car really shows its true fun off-road, and honestly, that feeling is on another level.
Who is Best for Whom?
Straight up: if you want the old Scorpio feel and heavy-duty off-road control, go for Scorpio N. If you are tech-savvy and a highway cruiser, XUV700 is the pick. And if you love weekend trips and adventure, Thar is unmatched.
From my 10 years of experience, Mahindra has established itself in every segment. But every car has little quirks that only experience reveals.And yes, what you hear in the showroom doesn't always hold true on the road. That's why it's so important to test it out yourself. In the end, it all boils down to this: choosing a Mahindra SUV shouldn't be based solely on the paperwork, but rather on the experience you get behind the wheel. Understand your needs whether it's daily commute or long weekend drives and make a decision accordingly. Be open with the dealer, as an honest conversation can often change your perspective.