When buying a Mahindra SUV, things can get a bit complicated because every SUV the carmaker makes is one step better than the next one in its range. When a customer is looking to buy a capable three-row SUV that can go off-road as well, the current choice is the Mahindra Scorpio N.
However, Mahindra is gearing up to launch the 5-door version of the Thar, which suddenly begs the question — should you wait for the 5-door Thar or buy the Scorpio N? This is a fairly simple question to answer, and here’s why.
Understanding the vehicles
Mahindra Scorpio N
The Mahindra Scorpio N is a big leap forward when compared to the Scorpio, as the vehicle is based on a monocoque chassis instead of a ladder frame unit. This makes the Scorpio N a safer vehicle, gives it better handling characteristics, and a better ride. However, with all of the updates, the Scorpion N has lost some of its off-road capabilities compared to the Classic, but keep in mind, that it is still a capable off-roader.
Given that the Scorpio N has a full metal body, the ride is good and it has lover NVH levels inside the cabin. Speaking of the cabin, the Scorpio N is more luxury-focused, with a leather interior, a touchscreen infotainment system, connected car tech, and a host of other features that the Thar does not offer.
Mahindra Thar 5-door
The Mahindra Thar 5-door will be a longer version of the currently sold 3-door version and will be based on a ladder frame chassis. The suspension setup will also be similar, while it will have a longer wheelbase, which makes it ideal on highways, but sacrifices some of its off-road capabilities since a longer wheelbase means it will have a lower break-over angle.
The Mahindra Thar 5-door is expected to have similar features to the 3-door version as numerous spy pictures have revealed. The cabin will be more functional than luxurious, and the seats will also be basic, compared to the Scorpio N.
Engine specifications
The Mahindra Scorpio N is available in petrol and diesel forms. The petrol version of the Scorpio N is available in a 4X2 configuration while the diesel is available in 4X2 and 4X4 versions. The Thar 5-door on the other hand, could get the same engine options as the 3-door version, which is again offered in petrol and diesel versions.
| Specs | Thar | Scorpio N |
| Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.2 L | 2.0 L | 2.2 L |
| Power | 150 bhp | 130 bhp | 200 bhp | 130 bhp/172 bhp |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 300 Nm | 370 Nm | 300 Nm/400 Nm |
| Gearbox | MT/AT | MT/AT |
| Drive | RWD / 4WD | RWD / 4WD |
| Price | NA | Rs 13.85 lakh |
So which one should you pick — Scorpio N or Thar 5-door?
Between the two vehicles, it is evident that the Scorpio N is more focused on comfort with good off-road capabilities, while the Thar 5-door is more off-road focused on carrying more occupants. If your usage is primarily on good tarmac and long highway drives with occasional off-roading, the Scorpio N makes a lot of sense, however, if off-roading is the primary focus, we suggest the Thar 3-door.
