What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Scorpio-N, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Toyota Innova Crysta vs Mahindra Scorpio-N – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Long-distance road trip enthusiasts prioritize comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency in their vehicles. They seek spacious interiors to ensure passenger comfort during extended journeys, ample cargo space for luggage, and advanced infotainment systems for entertainment.
Safety features, along with strong highway mileage to maximize the distance on a single tank, are also critical. The ability to handle diverse terrains with ease and the presence of convenience features like cruise control and a responsive navigation system further define their ideal travel companion.
Why Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Scorpio-N are Popular
The Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Scorpio-N are favored by long-distance road trip lovers for their blend of space, comfort, and robust performance.
The Innova Crysta, with its spacious interiors, high reliability, and superior ride quality, offers an unrivaled comfort level, making it a preferred choice for family trips. Meanwhile, the Scorpio-N, known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, appeals to adventure enthusiasts looking to explore off the beaten path.
Both vehicles offer advanced safety features, ensuring peace of mind on long journeys. Their strong build quality and trusted brand reputation further contribute to their popularity among travelers.
Toyota Innova Crysta and Scorpio-N variants shortlist in Rs 23-25 lakh range
For Toyota Innova Crysta, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 March 2024 |
2.4 VX 7 STR | ₹2,464,000 |
2.4 VX 8 STR | ₹2,469,000 |
For Mahindra Scorpio-N, we have:
Variant | Price (INR) as on 28 March 2024 |
Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT | ₹2,309,000 |
Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT | ₹2,454,000 |
Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX (7 & 8 STR)
These variants stand out for their spacious interiors and comfort features, making them ideal for long-distance family trips. The manual transmission paired with a powerful diesel engine ensures reliability and efficiency. The significant boot capacity accommodates luggage easily, enhancing travel convenience. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the Innova Crysta with Mahindra XUV700 2024.
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 & Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
Offering a robust diesel engine with advanced automatic transmission and 4WD, these variants are tailored for adventurers seeking off-road capabilities alongside comfort. The substantial boot space and higher ground clearance are advantageous for varied terrains and heavy packing needs. If you’re a gadget enthusiast, you can check out our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Toyota Rumion.
Our Pick for the Best Variant among Toyota Innova Crysta and Mahindra Scorpio-N for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT emerges as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. This choice is driven by its versatile combination of off-road capability, courtesy of its 4WD system, and the comfort it offers through advanced automatic transmission and a high-quality interior.
The Scorpio-N Z8L variant also provides ample space for passengers and luggage, a critical factor for long journeys. Moreover, its diesel engine ensures fuel efficiency and power, making it suitable for various terrains, from highways to mountainous paths. The additional features in the Z8L variant, such as the larger infotainment screen and enhanced audio system, contribute to a more enjoyable and engaging travel experience, keeping passengers entertained throughout the journey.
Its advanced safety features, coupled with a high GNCAP rating, ensure peace of mind during long travels. The combination of these attributes—fuel efficiency, comfort, space, and safety—make the Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT an ideal companion for those who love to explore far-flung destinations without compromising on comfort or performance.
The Top 3 Choices
- Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
- Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR
- Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT
Attribute | Scorpio-N Z8L 4×4 AT | Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR | Scorpio-N Z8 4×4 AT |
Diesel Engine | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Advanced Automatic Transmission | Yes | No (Manual) | Yes |
4WD Capability | Yes | No | Yes |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 187 | 178 | 187 |
Boot Capacity (liters) | 460 | 300 | 460 |
High GNCAP Rating | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Touchscreen Navigation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT leads with its all-around capability and advanced features, offering a comprehensive package for those seeking adventure without sacrificing comfort.
- The Toyota Innova Crysta 2.4 VX 8 STR is the go-to option for families or larger groups prioritizing space and reliability over off-road performance.
- The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT presents a balanced option with strong off-road capability and comfortable interiors, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
Together, these variants provide compelling choices for anyone looking to embark on long journeys, combining the thrill of exploration with the comfort of modern amenities.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.