The Mahindra Scorpio-N and new-generation Tata Safari are two SUVs which have a rich legacy behind them, spanning more than two decades of successful runs. These two SUVs are taking forward the legacy of their respective predecessors in whole new modernized forms, with all new-generation design languages with contemporary features, new powertrains and driving dynamics. However, it is tough to find the better among the two SUVs, and which one more suits the varying requirements and preferences of different people. A YouTube video from ‘Team Car Delight’ compares various aspects of both these SUVs to help you find out the basics of the comparison between the two SUVs.
Starting with the design first, the two SUVs look extremely bold and unique in their ways. However, it is the Mahindra Scorpio-N which looks more evolved form of its predecessor, as the Safari has an all-new design language which is a huge departure from the previous-generation Safari Storme. Also, while the Scorpio-N has a sideways-opening back door like its predecessor, the boot lid of the Safari opens upwards.
Also read: Coming soon: Tata Safari Dark Edition
The Scorpio-N retains the bold appearance of the previous generation Scorpio with its tall and boxy stance. However, it gets new-age elements like LED projector headlamps, C-shaped daytime running LEDs, diamond-cut alloy wheels and vertically-aligned LED tail lamps. In contrast, the Tata Safari is nothing like its predecessor and gets a Harrier-derived styling with a stretched rear profile to make it a seven-seater SUV. The split headlamps, horizontally-stretched LED tail lamps and layered roof panels make it look unique.
On the inside, the all-new interior of the Mahindra Scorpio-N looks more refreshing than that of the Tata Safari, which is now almost a three-year-old design. While the Scorpio-N has a more upright stance, it offers a higher seating posture compared to the Tata Safari. In the Scorpio-N, the driver has a clearer and more commanding view of the road ahead. However, it is the Tata Safari which offers easier ingress, egress and comfort levels on the inside. The Safari also gets AC vents for the third row of seats, which the Scorpio-N misses.
Both the SUVs here come with dual-tone leather upholsteries – black and brown in the Scorpio-N and black and ivory white in the Safari. While the dashboard layout of the Safari feels more premium and wide due to the use of soft-touch leather trims, the quality of switches feels better in the Scorpio-N due to the piano black finish for them. While the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is smaller than the 8.8-inch unit of the Safari, the former feels more intuitive to use and packs in more features such as in-built navigation. The 12-speaker 3D sound system from Sony in the Scorpio-N also feels more advanced than the 9-speaker sound system from JBL in the Safari. However, it is the Safari, which offers more comfort and convenience features, including a panoramic sunroof, telescopic steering wheel, air purifier and ventilated seats.
Engine options
Coming to the powertrain options, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is available with both petrol and diesel engines, while the Tata Safari is available as a diesel-only SUV. The Tata Safari has a power output of 170 PS and a torque output of 350 Nm from its 2.0-litre diesel engine, which is available with both the options of 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic gearbox options.
On the other hand, the 2.2-litre diesel engine of the Scorpio-N is available in multiple states of tune across variants for 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic, with maximum power and torque outputs rated at 175 PS and 400 Nm respectively. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 203 PS of power, while the torque output produced is 370 Nm with the 6-speed manual and 380 Nm with the 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Scorpio-N has an additional upper hand, as it also gets the option of a four-wheel-drive system for diesel-powered variants.
So, there you have it. If you want a proper, traditional, ladder-on-frame SUV which feels at home on off-road terrains as well, the Mahindra Scorpio-N is the one to go with. However, the Tata Safari feels more premium SUV in the urban environment, with more features, space and a comfort-oriented cabin.
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