Scorpio N vs Thar Roxx: What SUV Should I Choose?

When it comes to rugged, full-fledged SUVs, Mahindra is the sole option under Rs. 30 Lakhs. They have two products on offer, the Thar Roxx & the Scorpio-N. Both offer an abuse-friendly ladder-on-frame chassis and powerful turbo-diesel engines, hallmarks of a true SUV, unlike the competition branding crossovers as SUVs. The Scorpio-N is the more subtle of the two, while the Thar Roxx’s styling stands out a lot more. Both come with Mahindra’s optional 4XPLOR four-wheel drive system and share the same powertrain. Let’s dive into the details to help you find the right SUV that fits your lifestyle.

Design

The Mahindra Thar Roxx has a rugged, off-road-ready design. It features muscular lines and a high stance, giving it an adventurous look. The wide wheel arches, large tires, and protruding front bumper all scream toughness. Its simple yet striking design reflects its off-roading DNA, making it ideal for anyone who wants to stand out on rough terrains and city streets alike.

In contrast, the Mahindra Scorpio N offers a more refined and sophisticated look. With its sharp lines, sleek front fascia, and aggressive stance, it combines demeanor with elegance. The Scorpio N’s design is more polished, with stylish chrome accents exuding a premium SUV feel. While it’s built for rugged roads, its sleek appearance ensures it fits perfectly on highways and in the city, appealing to those who want a mix of adventure and comfort.

Interior & Features

Both Vehicles are loaded with features and plush materials around their cabins. But the Thar Roxx has the upper hand, boasting more features like ADAS level-2, 360-degree cameras, an intelli-turn assist, and a premium Harman-Kardon 9 speaker sound system. Whereas the Scorpio-N lacks features that even cheaper cars have, such as a 360-degree camera, blind view monitor, ADAS, and a digital gauge cluster.

Yet, the sense of space is much greater in the cabin of the Scorpio N as it’s a proper 7-seater full size SUV where whereas the Thar Roxx may feel more compact and lacks 2 seats. Both vehicles though have a very premium interior that justifies the type of SUVs they are. Concluding about this, The Scorpio N has a few less features and gimmicks up it’s sleeves and is more straight forward. The Thar Roxx is a feature-rich SUV that also feels rather masculine along with a few more tech and gimmicks.

Powertrain

Both the Thar Roxx and the Scorpio-N have the same engines that send power through the same transmission options: a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic. The Scorpio-N’s turbo-petrol engine is in a higher state of tune.

2.0L mStallion Turbo-Petrol Engine:

• Power Output: 175 BHP – Thar Roxx / 202 HP – Scorpio N
• Torque: 380 Nm – Thar Roxx / 370 Nm – Scorpio N

2.2L mHawk Diesel Engine:

• Power Output: 172 HP – Thar Roxx / 175 HP – Scorpio N
• Torque: 370 Nm – Thar Roxx / 400 Nm – Scorpio N

Off-road Performance

The Thar Roxx is the clear winner for extreme off-roading. Its higher ground clearance, rugged suspension, aggressive tires, and superior approach/departure angles make it the better choice for rock crawling, mudding, and tackling challenging off-road terrain.

The Scorpio-N, while still a capable off-roader, is more suited to versatile off-road performance. It’s better for family adventures, offering a balance between comfort and capability. It can handle rough roads and moderate off-roading with ease, but its lower ground clearance and less aggressive suspension setup make it less suited for extreme off-road trails compared to the Thar Roxx.

Verdict

If you’re focused on off-roading and need a vehicle built for tough terrains like rock crawling, mud, and sand, the Mahindra Thar Roxx is the better choice. It offers higher ground clearance, rugged suspension, and specialized off-road features. Though if that’s your sole focus, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny is the best vehicle for purely off-roading in the segment, and the three-door Thar is also more capable due to its shorter wheelbase.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more balanced SUV with off-road capability, comfort, and family-friendly features, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is the way to go. It delivers strong on-road performance and decent off-road ability, and also comes with an extra row of seats.