The way Mahindra & Mahindra have gone about its business in the Indian passenger car segment, especially the mid-size 7-seater SUV space, is commendable. Right from the year 2000, when the Mahindra Bolero was introduced, the company has made this segment its forte.
Getting back to the present automobile scene in 2017, the company has two of the most popular cars in the segment, Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra XUV500, going great guns. Being affordable 7-seaters, these cars have piled up huge fanfare. In fact, the Mahindra Scorpio price is extremely competitive and managed to outshine some of the segment’s best 5-seaters in terms of the pricing.
However, this leads to another common factor. Choosing one among the Mahindra Scorpio and the XUV500 becomes all the more difficult. The latest generation of the two cars has been a good revision in the exterior appearance, thus increasing the overall appeal.
You will get all the specifications and the feature list of the two cars on Autoportal.com. But for now, let’s get one with the comparison and find out which one is the better one for you to choose.
When design and comfort matters
The latest iteration of the Mahindra Scorpio is quite meaningful and sensational. The older generations were plain boxy SUV that had little to do with styling than muscularity. The car has always been butch, but the latest generation model has added the all-important visual appeal. The projector headlamps, seven-chambered front grille and the sharp lower bumper add to the attraction.
However, on the other hand, the Mahindra XUV500 is a completely different car and was stylish and aggressive since its generation. In fact, the car is better in terms of the dimensions than the Scorpio. It is around 150 mm longer, 70 mm wider and around 200 mm shorter than the Scorpio has 20 mm longer wheelbase. So in terms of the space, the XUV is more spacious, more so with the fact that the Scorpio earlier had the convention rear seats that faced towards each other but now has the modern bench seat for the last row. This would mean that the last wouldn’t be very comfortable for taller passenger and would suit children more.
The engine and transmission
The new Mahindra Scorpio is offered in two sets of engines. The old m2DICR diesel engine powers the base variant only and produces a maximum power of 75 bhp along with a peak torque of 200 Nm. On the other hand, the tried-and-tested 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine is now available in two different states of tuning – one making 120 bhp power and 280 Nm torque and the other producing a maximum power of 140 bhp along with 320 Nm of peak torque. The transmission duties are done by a 5-speed manual transmission unit. However, the 140 bhp S7 trim is offered with a 6-speed manual unit.
The Mahindra XUV500 is offered with two diesel engine trims, that is a 1.99-litre mHawk and 2.2-litre mHawk diesel engine. However, both the engine trims produce the same power of 138 bhp and 320 Nm. The transmission duties are done by a 6-speed manual unit in all the trims. However, it has an edge over the Scorpio by adding a 6-speed automatic transmission option start from the W6 trims.
So which one is better?
The Mahindra XUV500 is a newer SUV compared to the Scorpio but has taken the popularity to a new level. It has a very appealing aesthetic design, something that you will definitely like. The Scorpio, on the other hand, looks just a modification of the older design.
Moreover, the XUV500 will give you an automatic option to choose, while the Scorpio lacks the same. Considering all of these, the XUV will be a better option to choose but will cost you a little more, just a touch.
