Maruti Suzuki Jimny Vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Best Variant Under Rs 16 Lakh for Off-roading Enthusiasts

Wondering which are the best off-road cars in India, or the top SUVs for off-roading? Well, let’s look at Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N, and see what makes them suitable off-road vehicles in India.

In this article, we will share

• What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Jimny vs Mahindra Scorpio-N – an in-depth look at their variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
• How to pick the right car for you

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny has been praised by reviewers for its off-roading capabilities, and its compact size. The Mahindra Scorpio-N has similarly garnered praise as an off-roading SUV with strong powertrains.

What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car

Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:

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• Drive system – What drive system does the vehicle have (FWD, AWD, or 4X4)
• Ground clearance – the car should have high ground clearance to tackle uneven terrains
• Low range gearing – the car should have low range gearing to allow the vehicle to drive at lower speeds while still operating the usable power band/RPM of the entire engine
• Locking differential – the vehicle should have differential locking for better traction when driving on soft, muddy or uneven surfaces
• Engine power and torque – the engine should have adequate power and generate enough torque
• Safety – safety features are important, especially when traveling through challenging terrains
• Comfort and convenience – the vehicle should offer good comfort, as well as convenience features

An off-roading enthusiast seeks a vehicle designed to handle unpredictable terrains with ease – be it water-wading, muddy or rough terrains, or sand. Important attributes include a powerful engine, quick engine responsiveness, and high ground clearance.

All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) is crucial for negotiating rough terrain, as are approach and departure angles.

A differential lock and low-range gearing help maintain control and traction, and safety features like ABS and traction control add confidence on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Why Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N are coveted for their off-road prowess – both mild and serious off-roading. The Jimny, renowned worldwide for its compact dimensions, lightweight body, AWD drivetrain, and robust engine, has won hearts with its capability to tackle tough terrains. Its impressive approach and departure angles and low-range gearing make it a dependable off-roader.

On the other hand, the Mahindra Scorpio-N carries a legacy of ruggedness and durability. Its generous ground clearance, power-packed engine, and robust build quality, combined with comfort and convenience features, make it a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts in India.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N Variants Shortlist in Rs 13-16 Lakh Range

Since the price range for this comparison is limited to Rs 13-16 lakh, the Scorpio-N variants with 4×4 or AWD capabilities have been excluded as they are priced above Rs 16 lakh.

For Mahindra Scorpio-N, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 4 August 2023
Z4 E	₹ 14,74,000
Z4 Diesel	₹ 15,16,000
Z4 Diesel E	₹ 15,24,000

For Maruti Suzuki Jimny, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 4 August 2023
Zeta AT	₹ 13,94,000
Alpha AT	₹ 14,89,000
Alpha Dual Tone AT	₹ 15,05,000

Mahindra Scorpio-N variants

The Scorpio-N variants, with their powerful engines and quick engine responsiveness, assure a thrilling off-road experience. However, they lack AWD/4WD drivetrain, limiting their off-roading potential. You can check out our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Mahindra XUV700 for off-roading enthusiasts. Or, if you’re a tech enthusiast, you can also check out this comparison of the Scorpio-N with with XUV700.

Maruti Suzuki Jimny variants

On the other hand, the Maruti Suzuki Jimny variants are AWD and offer great approach and departure angles, low-range gearing, and ESC – all crucial for off-roading. Although the Jimny has a less powerful engine, its compact size and AWD capability more than compensate, delivering a well-rounded off-road performance. We also have our comparison of the Jimny with Mahindra Thar as off-roading vehicles.

Our Pick for the Best Variant among Maruti Suzuki Jimny and Mahindra Scorpio-N for Off-roading Enthusiasts

The Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT emerges as the best option for an off-roading enthusiast. Priced at INR 14,89,000, this variant is an AWD that offers great off-road capability.

Its engine responsiveness is moderate, but the 210mm ground clearance, 37-degree approach angle, and 49-degree departure angle make it a perfect companion for challenging terrains.

Additionally, it has safety features like ABS and ESC, making it a well-rounded package for off-road enthusiasts.

The Top 3 Choices

The top three choices for an off-roading enthusiast would be Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha AT, Maruti Suzuki Jimny Zeta AT, and Maruti Suzuki Jimny Alpha Dual Tone AT. All three are AWD variants with impressive off-roading attributes.

Attributes	Jimny Alpha AT	Jimny Zeta AT	Jimny Alpha Dual Tone AT
ABS	Yes	Yes	Yes
Boot capacity (liters)	211	211	211
Drive Type	AWD	AWD	AWD
Engine – power (BHP)	103.39	103.39	103.39
Engine – Torque (Nm)	134.2	134.2	134.2
Engine responsiveness	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Off-roading – Approach angle	37	37	37
Off-roading – Departure angle	49	49	49
Off-roading – low range gearing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ground clearance (mm)	210	210	210

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• While the three variants are similar in terms of off-roading attributes, the Alpha AT stands out with its additional features and overall value.
• The Jimny Zeta AT offers almost the same capabilities at a slightly lower price, making it an attractive budget-friendly option.
• The Alpha Dual Tone AT, with its unique dual-tone exterior, appeals to enthusiasts seeking style along with off-roading capabilities.

These three options indeed make the Maruti Suzuki Jimny a compelling off-roader choice. This does not mean the Scorpio-N is less capable of a vehicle. If you are willing to stretch your budget, you will get its variants with AWD/4WD drivetrains, which are more suited for off-roading.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

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