The Mahindra Scorpio N, launched in June 2022, continues to make waves in India’s SUV market as a strong rival to the Toyota Fortuner. With its bold design, powerful engines, and budget-friendly price, the Scorpio N aims to steal the spotlight from the Fortuner, a long-time favorite in the premium SUV segment. Priced between ₹13.99 lakh and ₹25.15 lakh (ex-showroom), the Scorpio N offers a premium experience at nearly half the Fortuner’s cost. With the 2025 model year updates, Mahindra is doubling down on its mission to outshine the Fortuner. Here’s why the Scorpio N is a serious contender.
A Bold Design to Turn Heads
The Scorpio N stands out with its rugged and commanding look. Its tall stance, wide grille, and sharp LED headlights give it a modern yet tough vibe, perfect for city and off-road drives. Measuring 4,662 mm in length, 1,917 mm in width, and 1,870 mm in height, it’s slightly shorter but wider than the Fortuner. The Scorpio N’s 2,750 mm wheelbase offers a spacious cabin, while its 187 mm ground clearance handles rough roads well. The new Carbon Edition, with an all-black look, adds a stylish edge that appeals to younger buyers.
Powerful Engines for Every Road
The Scorpio N comes with two strong engine options: a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol (200 PS, 370 Nm) and a 2.2-liter diesel (130–175 PS, 300–400 Nm). Both engines offer manual or automatic gearboxes, with a 4×4 option for off-road adventures. The Fortuner, priced from ₹33.78 lakh to ₹51.94 lakh, has a 2.7-liter petrol (163 PS, 245 Nm) and a 2.8-liter diesel (201 PS, 420–500 Nm). While the Fortuner’s diesel is more powerful, the Scorpio N’s engines are smoother and more fuel-efficient, offering 14–15 kmpl compared to Fortuner’s 10–14 kmpl.
Packed with Modern Features
Mahindra has loaded the Scorpio N with features to rival the Fortuner. It offers an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker Sony sound system, wireless charging, and dual-zone climate control. Unique features like a sunroof, driver drowsiness detection, and Alexa support give it an edge over the Fortuner, which lacks these. Both SUVs have six airbags and a 5-star Global NCAP rating, but the Scorpio N adds a front camera and hill descent control, making it a strong choice for safety and convenience.
Affordable Price, Premium Value
The Scorpio N’s biggest strength is its price. Starting at ₹13.99 lakh, it’s much cheaper than the Fortuner, which begins at ₹33.78 lakh. Even the top-end Scorpio N Z8L Carbon Edition costs less than the Fortuner’s base model. This makes it a great pick for buyers wanting a premium SUV without spending a fortune. The Scorpio N also offers lower maintenance costs and better mileage, saving money in the long run. In March 2025, Mahindra sold over 14,000 Scorpio N units, showing its massive popularity.
Can It Beat the Fortuner?
While the Fortuner is known for Toyota’s reliability and powerful diesel engine, the Scorpio N offers more features, better fuel efficiency, and a lower price. Its 4×4 system and 4XPLOR terrain modes make it just as capable off-road. However, the Fortuner’s larger size and premium brand image still attract buyers willing to pay more. The Scorpio N’s modern design and tech make it a fresh choice for families and adventure lovers. With updates planned for 2025, Mahindra is clearly aiming to challenge the Fortuner’s dominance.
Key Specifications of Mahindra Scorpio N
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Petrol / 2.2L Diesel |
| Power | 200 PS (Petrol), 130–175 PS (Diesel) |
| Torque | 370 Nm (Petrol), 300–400 Nm (Diesel) |
| Mileage | 14–15 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual / Automatic |
| Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 |
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹13.99–25.15 lakh |
The Mahindra Scorpio N is a bold step to take on the Toyota Fortuner. With its stylish design, powerful engines, and feature-packed cabin at an affordable price, it’s a strong rival. While the Fortuner holds its ground with brand value and power, the Scorpio N’s value-for-money package makes it a top choice for Indian buyers.
