Mahindra Scorpio N and XUV700 are currently the most popular 7-seater SUVs in the country. The sales mark of both SUVs is up to the roof. There are many similarities between the two, they both have 7-seat configuration, common engines and gearboxes, similar features, and even the price of some of their variant clash but, they do have their differences, the XUV700 will give you a premium, more modern, and feature-rich cabin with sophisticated looks while the Scorpio N has a traditional design and more of a rugged feel with ample features.
Today, we will compare these two SUVs, we will talk about all the details from inside and out. Will discuss all the things that separate them. So that you can decide which one of them will be the right choice for you.
The new Scorpio N retains the same classic design elements as the previous model, but it has been modified and is equipped with all the necessary components for a masculine SUV, including an aggressive grille, a flat bonnet, and roof rails. Many traditional SUV lovers will go for an SUV that appears as tough and sturdy as the Scorpio N. However, many consumers seeking a stylish urban crossover will like the XUV700 because of XUV’s lower height and more horizontal stance, it doesn’t seem as heavy as the Scorpio N but it is the more sophisticated of the two due to features like flush door handles, distinctive LED lights, and more modern look. The overall design of the XUV700 is more aerodynamic than the Scorpio N which gives it the edge on the highways.
The Scorpio N interior is nothing like the original Scorpio. It has a well-meshed brown and black interior with soft-touch materials all around. On the center console, you get a piano black finish above which you get a touchscreen infotainment system. The sitting position in Scorpio N is so high that you tower over every other vehicle on the road. The windscreen offers a great view and the flat bonnet is visible till the end.
The XUV700 interior is on another level than the Scorpio N interior. XUV700 has a luxury car-like feel with 2 ultra-wide screens, a massive panoramic sunroof, and Mercedes-like front seat adjustment buttons. The seats of the XUV700 offer great comfort and the second-row seats have a reclining function which adds more luxury. The 3rd-row seats in the XUV700 are more spacious than the Scorpio N’s seats. The floor of the XUV700 is deep which makes it possible for the adults to sit in the 3rd row.
The boot opening function of both the SUVs is different, the XUV700 has a common above-opening boot lid while the Scorpio N has a door instead of a tailgate that swings out. When you put all the rows up in both the SUVs you don’t get a large boot space in either of them. You can only carry a couple of soft cabin bags in the boot when all the rows are up. If you are traveling alone or as a couple you can fold down the back seats to have a large loading space.
The Scorpio N diesel-manual 2WD top model costs Rs 19.49 lakh, while the XUV700 costs Rs 22 lakh (Ex-showroom, India). Both SUVs have similar features like leather upholstery, a touchscreen infotainment system that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, 12 Sony speakers, a powered driver seat, and all-wheel disc brakes. Talking about the safety features both SUVs are full-loaded with safety features and have 6 airbags.
The XUV700 cost 2.5 lakhs more but for this extra money it also provides value by giving a panoramic sunroof, twin screen setup (one for the instrument cluster and the other for the infotainment), reclining 2nd-row sets, and the most famous function of XUV700 which is ‘ADAS’. In the XUV700 ADAS bundle, you get adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, an autonomous emergency braking system, and more.
The Scorpio N and the XUV700 carry the same Mahindra’s mHawk 2.2-liter diesel engine. But the power output of this engine is different in both cars. In the Scorpio N, this engine is put longitudinally and produces 175hp of power and 370 Nm of torque. In the XUV700 this engine is placed transversely and produces 185hp of power and 420 Nm of torque. Both the SUVs have a 6-speed manual transmission and you can go for the AMT too. The Scorpio N is a rear-wheel drive SUV while the XUV700 has a front-wheel drive system.
The smoothness and refinement of this diesel engine in both SUVs are simply amazing. In addition to being quiet, the cabin is nearly completely vibration-free. There is an exciting feeling when you rev the engine in both the SUVs, which confirms that there is a diesel under the hood, and it’s only audible at higher speeds. Both the clutch and the manual gearbox of these SUVs are similar and are light to use.
The driving experience of both SUVs is good, the Scorpio N builds speed easily and can take quick overtakes. The Scorpio N power output is constant while the XUV700 feels smooth on the road with more boost. The overall driving experience of the XUV700 left the Scorpio N slightly behind. XUV700 can do 0 to 100kmph 2 seconds quicker and its acceleration from 20-80kmpl in third gear and 40-100kmpl in fourth gear is around 1 sec quicker than the Scorpio N. With this Boost, you can go some wheel spin too.
Due to the rear-wheel-drive layout, which gives superior traction than the front-wheel-drive XUV700, and its ability to perform well when road conditions decline, the Scorpio N will continue to be the buyer’s first choice. When compared to the previous model, its dynamics are improved by the multi-link rear suspension with a Watt’s linkage and its tough ladder-frame construction gives an indestructible feel. However, its ride is still more uneven than the XUV, and it feels top-heavy when turning.
XUV700 feels a lot more sophisticated with all-wheel independent suspension which promises smooth and plane ride quality. XUV700 tackles corners more easily and absorbs road shocks better than most of the monocoques available in the market.
