Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic – Find out which SUV truly packs a punch.

Since both the new generation Mahindra Scorpio N and the older Scorpio Classic are selling quite well, we'll help you decide which car you should choose.

Interestingly, despite the market being flooded with front-wheel-drive SUVs like cars, the Classic's biggest and only real competitor is its own company's 7-seater Scorpio N, as both are robust 7-seater SUVs capable of handling rough roads with ease. Unlike the Classic, the Mahindra Scorpio N offers multiple powertrain options: petrol manual and automatic, as well as diesel manual and automatic, and also comes with a 4x4 option. All of this is available across several variants. Notably, the Scorpio N's diesel manual rear-wheel-drive variants are priced between ₹12.49 lakh and ₹19.49 lakh, with some variants overlapping the Classic's price range. So the question arises: will the Classic find any buyers alongside the Scorpio N? To find out, we bring both Scorpios together.

Mahindra Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic: exterior

The Classic is clearly a Scorpio, and it has a rather intimidating look. Some styling changes were made in 2022 to improve its appearance, but it retains its tall, muscular stance and traditional Scorpio styling features such as the bonnet scoop, chunky side cladding, curved roof, and distinctive roof rails.

The Scorpio N looks like an evolution of the Classic, adding some distinctive design elements and a touch of modernity, while retaining the basic headlamps, front grille, roof shape, and roof rails. However, it features sharper body lines and a cleaner profile, including elements like 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome window trim, and LED taillights. The Scorpio N is also considerably longer and wider than the Classic, but the Classic is taller, and the Scorpio N's windscreen is slightly more raked, so it doesn't look quite as imposing as the Classic.

Mahindra Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic: interior

Stepping into the Classic's cabin immediately takes you back to the early 2000s, where storage areas, charging facilities, and even fit and finish weren't given much attention. Its boxy size, wedge-shaped interior, a flat dashboard that's completely recessed into the profile, and large glass area all make it feel even bigger. Glossy faux wood on the center console and a large 9.0-inch Android-based touchscreen are new features in the Classic, but it lacks smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Owners will appreciate its commanding seating position, excellent outward visibility, and throne-like front seats. The individual armrests for the front seats are very comfortable for long-distance cruising, although shorter drivers might find the seat cushion a bit too long for comfort.

Hike into the middle row and it feels just as bright and airy, thanks to the tall windows and acres of headroom. The seat bench is flat but it is wide enough to accommodate three adults. The backrest, though, is a touch upright and, like the front, the seat squab is too long for short passengers. One of the Classic’s unique selling points is its optional side-facing seats, which can accommodate two adults. While this isn’t the safest nor the comfiest way of travelling, these jump seats have been really appreciated by owners who ferry a full load of passengers; the wide-opening tailgate makes ingress and egress convenient. It’s also favoured by the political class, whose security gain easy ingress and egress.

Stepping into the Scorpio N's cabin right after the classic model feels like a huge leap forward. The design, fit, finish, and overall feel are top-notch, giving the interior a very premium and modern feel. It's completely up-to-date, featuring soft-touch materials, a nice brown and black color theme, ample storage areas, and charging ports. All of this is bundled with excellent ergonomics. Mahindra hasn't compromised on the high seating position and excellent visibility, and the seats are well-cushioned, making them very comfortable to sit in.

The middle bench is contoured and, like the classic version, can easily accommodate three adults, although legroom and headroom are limited in the back row, making it less comfortable for adults, and the backrest is also quite upright. Opening the tailgate reveals a wide opening area, but with all rows in place, there isn't much room for anything more than your weekly groceries, and when the seats are folded down, they obstruct the creation of a flat floor.

Mahindra Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic: features, price

₹15.49 lakh and features halogen projector headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, a 9-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, rear AC vents, cruise control, and automatic climate control. Interestingly, the Scorpio N's Z4 variant, priced at ₹13.99 lakh, offers Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, cruise control, rear AC vents, and an 8-inch touchscreen. And if you can spend ₹1 lakh more, you can get a sunroof, Mahindra's AdrenoX connectivity suite, and much more, which is still significantly cheaper than the top variant of the Classic. The fully loaded variant of the Scorpio N features 6 airbags, LED headlamps, front and rear cameras, and all the other premium features.

Mahindra Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic: powertrains

Mahindra has replaced the old Scorpio's mHawk engine with a second-generation unit that is more refined. This engine also powers the Thar and Scorpio N. However, in the Classic, it produces 132 hp, which is 8 hp less than the first-generation unit. But the big news is that, thanks to its aluminum construction, it is 55 kg lighter than the previous cast iron block. As a result, those familiar with the Scorpio will immediately notice the difference in the engine's sound. The clatter of the old diesel is gone, replaced by a smooth, quiet sound. This new unit is not only more refined, but it is also very linear in terms of performance. It picks up speed easily right from idle, the throttle response is excellent, and it's one of the few diesel cars where there is almost no lag before the boost kicks in. The Classic's six-speed gearbox is also smoother than before, and its clutch is also lighter and easier to use.

However, it gets the 2.2 diesel unit from the Scorpio, producing 175 PS and 370 Nm of torque, so there's no comparison between the two in this respect. You can feel the benefit of its power almost instantly, and the acceleration times prove this. But in the Classic's defense, despite the significant lack of power and torque, it reaches 100 kph in 13 seconds, which is only 0.2 seconds more than the Scorpio N. However, after some time, this gap starts to widen. The Scorpio N leaves the Classic behind in rolling acceleration, while the difference between 20 and 80 kph in third gear is only 0.43 seconds. It covers the 40 to 100 kph range quite quickly; this difference increases to 2.07 seconds. Power performance: Mahindra Scorpio Classic S11, Mahindra Scorpio N.

Feature | Scorpio N Z8L (132 hp) | Scorpio N Z8L (175 hp)
Engine | 4-cylinder, 2179 cc, Turbo-diesel | 4-cylinder, 2179 cc, Turbo-diesel
Power | 132 hp @ 3750 rpm | 175 hp @ 3500 rpm
Torque | 300 Nm @ 1600–2800 rpm | 370 Nm @ 1500–3000 rpm
Gearbox | 6-speed Manual | 6-speed Manual
Performance (from standstill)
0–20 km/h | 1.29 s | 1.64 s
0–40 km/h | 2.99 s | 3.45 s
0–60 km/h | 5.52 s | 5.60 s
0–80 km/h | 8.49 s | 8.77 s
0–100 km/h | 13.00 s | 12.38 s
20–80 km/h (3rd gear) | 9.48 s | 9.05 s
40–100 km/h (4th gear) | 12.82 s | 10.75 s

Mahindra Scorpio N vs Scorpio Classic: Ride and Handling

Thanks to its Hawk engine and revised suspension, the Scorpio Classic feels a little more confident from behind the steering wheel compared to its older iteration. What hasn't changed in the Classic is its robust build quality, which means it handles bad roads with ease, and you can traverse rough terrain without much trouble. However, despite the suspension changes, there's still a noticeable amount of body roll inside; passengers are tossed around, and when cornering, it leans quite uncomfortably due to its height and narrow front and rear tracks, especially for the driver behind the steering wheel.

Like the Classic, the Scorpio is just as robust and feels equally sturdy, but the remarkable thing is that it's far more comfortable and better to drive in comparison, easily handling rough roads. The good thing is that its suspension absorbs shocks very well, so passengers feel much more comfortable. And although it's not as sharp as some monocoque SUVs, it doesn't exhibit the top-heavy feel and nervousness of the Classic when cornering.

Mahindra Scorpio N versus Scorpio Classic: Verdict

The Classic suffers from shortcomings in both ergonomics and dynamics, and buyers seeking a premium, sophisticated interior won't find value in it. However, its ability to handle tough conditions and its commanding presence on the road give it a unique charm and character. Furthermore, its engine runs more smoothly, the gearbox and clutch pedal are easier to operate, and its driving dynamics are slightly improved. Even more importantly, the optional side-facing seats could be a deal-maker for some.

Comparing the Mahindra Scorpio N and the Scorpio Classic is a very difficult decision. The Scorpio N easily surpasses its predecessor in almost every aspect. It's better in terms of size, comfort, luxury, and powertrain options, and it handles the roads with much more confidence. The conclusion is clear: the Scorpio N is superior and will appeal to buyers who want a thoroughly modern and robust SUV with all the features. Even more importantly, it offers significantly better value for money than the Classic. Its mid-variants are more affordable and come with more features. However, you will have to be prepared for a very long waiting period to buy one.