Mahindra’s Best Selling SUV For 2024 Was First Launched 22 Years Ago: Why’s It So Popular

Mahindra is currently one of the popular SUV manufacturers in India. While the Indian manufacturer has a variety of UVs in its segment, there is one particular model that actually made Mahindra popular among buyers. It was launched 22 years ago and still holds its charm. The Mahindra Scorpio was launched in 2002 and completely changed the SUV market in India. Over the years, Mahindra has introduced several iterations of the SUV, and in 2022, Mahindra finally launched the next-generation Scorpio as the Scorpio N. It became the best-selling SUV from Mahindra in 2024. So, why is the Mahindra Scorpio so popular even after two decades of its launch? Let’s find out.

Brand Recall

You know a Mahindra Scorpio when you see one. The Scorpio has become a brand in itself. Mahindra Scorpio has massive brand recall. Ever since its launch, we have seen the SUV featured in several movies and television commercials. Over the years, the Mahindra Scorpio has managed to build its reputation, becoming an SUV with a cult following in almost every part of the country.

Rugged Design

The design of the Mahindra Scorpio was purely utilitarian. It came with a no-nonsense, boxy design that looked rugged. Moreover, Mahindra kept offering timely updates to this SUV to retain customer interest without compromising its rugged appeal. Thanks to its looks and spacious interior, the Scorpio is a preferred choice in both urban and rural settings.

The Mahindra Scorpio is a proper SUV capable of handling anything our roads throw at it. It is a true blue, ladder-on-frame SUV. It even came with a 4×4 version for quite some time. It is a well-built SUV with a diesel engine that can take you places without breaking a sweat.

Something for Everyone

While we mentioned that the Mahindra Scorpio is a rugged SUV, the manufacturer ensured that they offered proper updates to keep the SUV from feeling dated. They added features with every update and took customer feedback seriously. They launched the Scorpio N a few years ago and ensured there is a Scorpio for every type of customer.

For example, the older Scorpio was only available with diesel engines. But the Scorpio N comes with both petrol and diesel engine options. Mahindra also offers manual and automatic transmission with both engine options. The higher diesel variants of the Scorpio N even offer 4×4 as an option.

Scorpio Classic

Unlike other manufacturers, Mahindra did not discontinue the older-generation model when they launched the Scorpio N. They found that there is still a section of customers who like the older Scorpio. So, Mahindra decided to rename it as the Scorpio Classic and retain it in the market. It is available in only two variants with a diesel engine and manual gearbox. However, this move helped Mahindra lower the entry-level prices for the Scorpio lineup.

While the Scorpio N looks premium and sophisticated, the Scorpio Classic still looks bold and rugged—something that many people appreciate about this SUV.

Scorpio N Safety

The safety ratings of a car are something that many customers consider while buying. The Mahindra Scorpio N is built on an all-new platform. The Indian manufacturer sent the SUV to Global NCAP crash tests, where it passed with flying colors. It scored a 5-star rating in the crash test, proving its sturdy build quality. This is another reason why many people are attracted to this SUV.

Road Presence

The Scorpio N is a premium SUV with a rugged SUV-like look. If you see the Scorpio N in your ORVM, you’ll likely give way. The SUV offers a balance between a premium and imposing look on the road. It is a large SUV with a decent number of features, including 4×4. Many international automobile journalists have even compared it to the Toyota Land Cruiser and called it value for money due to its affordable price tag.