The new Mahindra Scorpio-N has finally made its world debut after numerous speculations and keeping fans on the edge of their seats. The unveiling of the latest Mahindra Scorpio-N not only has fans excited to finally see the vehicle in flesh but also rekindles an old rivalry between two iconic names in the Indian automotive industry — Scorpio vs Safari.
Since the Scorpio’s market debut in 2002, it immediately rivalled the Tata Safari, as these were the only two ‘modern’ SUVs in the Indian market at the time that offered luxury compared to the Qualis and the Bolero. However, the Mahindra Scorpio was priced much lower (Rs 5.99 lakh ex-showroom) compared to the Tata Safari’s hefty price tag (Rs 8.30 lakh ex-showroom).
Also Read: Mahindra Scorpio vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Differences explained
Now, with the launch of the new Scorpio-N, Mahindra’s back on the offence. Let’s take a closer look at the new Mandira Scorpio-N vs the Tata Safari’s design, dimensions, features, engine specifications, and more.
Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Tata Safari pricing
The Tata Safari is already on sale, priced at Rs 15.24 lakh onwards (ex-showroom, Delhi). Mahindra, however, has announced prices for the manual transmission versions alone. Bookings will open July 30 onwards, while test drives for the new Scorpio-N will begin starting July 5 in select cities. Also, Mahindra is looking at starting deliveries of the new Scorpio-N from this festive season.
| Variants | Petrol MT | Diesel MT |
| Z2 | Rs 11.99 lakh | Rs 12.49 lakh |
| Z4 | Rs 13.49 lakh | Rs 13.99 lakh |
| Z6 | — | Rs 14.99 lakh |
| Z8 | Rs 16.99 lakh | Rs 17.49 lakh |
| Z8L | Rs 18.99 lakh | Rs 19.49 lakh |
New Scorpio-N vs Safari – Design and dimension
The new Mahindra Scorpio-N has grown in dimensions and is based on a new ladder-frame chassis. It retains its upright stance and a high-set bonnet which made the Scorpio popular with its high stance. The new Scorpio-N features Mahindra’s new grille and logo, a style trickled down from the XUV700. Overall, the new Scorpio-N looks butch and muscular.
Speaking about the Tata Safari, the SUV is based on Land Rover D8 Omega-Arc or the Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced Architecture platform, and similar to the new Scorpio-N, has seen a radical design change over the older-gen Safari. The platform is shared by the Tata Harrier as well, and the overall design is similar, with DRLs taking the traditional headlight spot. The Tata Safari features a sleeker look compared to the Scorpio, however, the large front fascia matches the Scorpio-N in terms of muscle when it comes to design.
| Dimensions | Mahindra Scorpio-N | Tata Safari |
| Length | 4,662 mm | 4,661 mm |
| Width | 1,917 mm | 1,894 mm |
| Height | 1,857 mm | 1,786 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2741 mm |
| Weight | 2,510 kg | 2,400 kg |
The new Mahindra Scorpio-N is wider, taller, and has a longer wheelbase compared to the Tata Safari, giving occupants better headroom, shoulder room, and leg room.
Exterior and interior features – 2022 Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Tata Safari
The new Mahindra Scorpio-N features projector headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED tail lamps, rounded wheel arches and large wheel wells to accommodate slightly uprated tyres, roof rails, and a lot of chrome accents.
Inside, the new touchscreen infotainment system with AdrenoX connectivity and a Sony 3D surround sound system takes centre stage. The SUV gets an electric sunroof, a digital instrument console, leather-finished seats, steering, and gear lever, automatic climate control, dual-tone finish, silver accents on the dash, steering-mounted controls, and much more.
The Tata Safari gets LED headlamps and tail lights, cornering lights, electrically adjustable and retractable ORVMs, rain-sensing wipers, 18-inch wheels, and roof rails.
Inside, the list of features is quite similar, but the biggest difference is the driving position, as the Scorpio offers a high, upright position, while the Safari’s is a bit relaxed. The list of features includes an electric sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch floating infotainment system with smartphone connectivity and connected car tech, a dual-tone finish, a 9-speaker JBL system, and more.
New Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Tata Safari engine specifications
Mahindra offers petrol and diesel power trains with the new Scorpio-N. This is further divided into two diesel engine options and one petrol unit. On the Tata Safari, there is a standard diesel offering.
| Specifications | Scorpio-N Petrol | Scorpio-N Diesel | Tata Safari |
| Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Power | 200 bhp | 130 bhp/172 bhp | 168 bhp |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 300 Nm/370 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | MT/AT | MT/AT | MT/AT |
Both vehicles offer drive modes, however, the new Safari takes it a notch higher with a 4X4 system. This may not look like much for city dwellers, but a much-welcomed feature amongst enthusiasts.
Safety on the Scorpio-N vs Safari
Mahindra and Tata offer the new Scorpio-N and the Safari with 6 airbags, ABS, Hill-descent control, hill start assist, EBD, a tyre pressure monitoring system, ISOFIX child seat anchors, reverse parking camera and sensors, and more.
