If you are looking for an SUV that dominates the road, the Mahindra Scorpio-N—often called the “Big Daddy” of SUVs—is likely on your radar. But beyond the flashy brochure and tough looks, what is it actually like to live with?
From real-world mileage to service costs and common user complaints, here is everything you need to know before you book one.
1. Why It Turns Heads: Power and Presence
The Scorpio-N isn’t just about size; it is built on a tough ladder-frame platform designed by Mahindra’s studios in Mumbai and Pininfarina in Italy. It stands tall with a “Twin Peaks” logo, LED projector headlamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels that give it a commanding stance.
Under the bonnet, you get serious power:
- Petrol: A 2.0-litre mStallion turbo engine pushing out 200 hp.
- Diesel: A 2.2-litre mHawk engine (up to 172 hp).
- 4×4 Tech: The 4WD variants carry the ‘4Xplor’ suffix and feature a shift-on-fly system with terrain modes like Rock, Sand, Mud, and Snow.
2. Safety: A 5-Star Fortress
Safety is a massive selling point. The Scorpio-N scored a 5-star rating for adult occupant protection in Global NCAP crash tests.
- Standard Kit: Even base models get electronic stability control (ESC) and hill-hold assist.
- Top Features: Higher trims include six airbags, a driver drowsiness detector, and ISOFIX mounts.
- ADAS Update: In 2025, the top Z8L variant introduced Level 2 driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
3. The “Real” Mileage Truth
While the engines are powerful, they are thirsty. Real-world tests and owner reports paint a clear picture:
- Petrol Automatic: Expect around 7.9 kpl in the city and 9.4 kpl on the highway.
- Diesel Automatic: A bit better, offering 8.6 kpl in the city and 11.7 kpl on the highway.
- Owners’ Take: In heavy city traffic, some users report mileage dropping as low as 6–9 kpl.
To help save fuel, the petrol automatic includes an auto stop-start feature, while the diesel automatic offers drive modes: Zip (economy), Zap (comfort), and Zoom (sport).
4. Tech That Impresses (Mostly)
The cabin feels premium with a coffee-black leatherette interior and the AdrenoX system.
- Sound: A 12-speaker Sony 3D sound system provides an immersive experience.
- Connectivity: It features built-in Alexa and wireless charging.
- Navigation: It is the first SUV to feature what3words via Alexa for precise location tracking.
5. The “Niggles”: What Owners Are Complaining About
No car is perfect, and long-term users have flagged some specific annoyances:
- Cruise Control Glitches: Some owners report cruise control failing to engage after restarting the engine during highway drives.
- Infotainment Lag: The screen can be laggy, and there are reports of the system getting stuck or taking a long time to boot up.
- Camera Quality: Users have noted that the reversing camera feed can be noisy and lacks dynamic guidelines.
- Boot Door Design: Dirt and leaves tend to gather in the gap of the boot door, falling inside when opened.
6. Is It Expensive to Maintain?
Surprisingly, routine service costs are quite reasonable. According to estimates for a 10-year period:
- Diesel Manual: Average maintenance is roughly ₹739 per month for the first 5 years.
- Petrol Manual: Slightly cheaper at approximately ₹438 per month for the first 5 years.
The Verdict
The Scorpio-N is a massive improvement over its predecessor, offering great ride comfort thanks to its Watt’s Link suspension. It is perfect if you want a rugged, safe, 7-seater that can handle bad roads with ease. However, if your daily drive is mostly in bumper-to-bumper city traffic, the single-digit fuel economy and large dimensions might be a challenge.
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
Dhanush, an automobile expert with over 5 years of experience in the latest auto news and updates. Your go-to source for every development in the world of cars and bikes
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