Few SUVs in India have the kind of legacy that the Mahindra Scorpio has. First launched in 2002, the model quickly became one of the most recognisable SUVs in the country. The latest Mahindra Scorpio-N is the third generation of that lineage and comes after almost two decades of continuous popularity.
Mahindra internally referred to the project as Z101, and expectations were naturally high. Siddharth Vinayak Patankar reviewed the SUV in 2022 and his insights are shared throughout this review. According to Siddharth, the new SUV is more like a complete re-engineering than an update, with no major components carried over from the previous generation.

The Scorpio-N follows the brand's traditional formula of a body-on-frame chassis, powerful petrol and diesel engines and optional four-wheel drive. At the same time, Mahindra has added modern technology, better cabin quality and much better ride and handling. With rivals such as the Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV 7XO and the Hyundai Alcazar now in the same space, the Scorpio-N is now in a space where buyers expect more than just rugged capability but modern comfort as well.
Siddharth summed up the experience during his drive:
“It's a completely different car. The refinement, steering feel and overall ride quality is all a huge leap forward.”