Mahindra has been a trusted name in India’s SUV market for decades. Two of its most popular models – the Mahindra Scorpio vs Thar – continue to dominate discussions among SUV enthusiasts. While both vehicles are rugged, powerful, and uniquely designed, they cater to slightly different audiences. If you are planning to buy a new SUV in 2025, this detailed Scorpio vs Thar comparison will help you make the right choice.
Design and Styling
- Mahindra Scorpio:
The Scorpio has always been known for its bold and muscular stance. The latest generation Scorpio-N carries a premium design language with a bigger grille, LED headlights, and a commanding road presence. It looks more like a modern family SUV with urban appeal.
- Mahindra Thar:
The Thar, on the other hand, is designed as a true off-road SUV. Its rugged styling, removable roof options, and boxy design make it an adventure-ready vehicle. If you love weekend road trips, mountain trails, or beach drives, the Thar’s design speaks directly to you.
Verdict: The Scorpio looks more premium and family-oriented, while the Thar appeals to off-road lovers.
Engine and Performance
- Scorpio:
The Mahindra Scorpio-N comes with powerful 2.0L petrol and 2.2L diesel engines. It offers multiple driving modes, smooth gear shifts, and a refined driving experience. With higher horsepower and torque, it is well-suited for both city drives and long highway journeys.
- Thar:
The Mahindra Thar is available with a 2.0L turbo-petrol and a 2.2L diesel engine. The key highlight is its 4×4 drivetrain, making it unbeatable on rough terrains. While it may not be as smooth on city roads as the Scorpio, it outshines when it comes to adventure and extreme conditions.
Verdict: Choose the Scorpio for daily comfort and long-distance family travel; pick the Thar if off-roading is your priority.
Interior and Comfort
- Mahindra Scorpio:
Inside, the Scorpio offers a spacious cabin with 7-seat and 6-seat options, premium upholstery, a large infotainment system, and modern features like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. It feels like a proper family SUV in India, combining luxury with toughness.
- Mahindra Thar:
The Thar’s interiors are more basic yet functional. It has a touchscreen infotainment unit, comfortable front seats, and waterproof cabin elements – very useful for adventure seekers. However, the rear seat space and boot capacity are limited, making it less practical as a daily family car.
Verdict: The Scorpio clearly wins in comfort and practicality.
Safety Features
Both SUVs are equipped with modern safety features like airbags, ABS with EBD, hill hold assist, traction control, and high-strength body frames. The Mahindra Thar has already achieved a 4-star Global NCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest off-road SUVs. The Scorpio-N too comes with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and top-notch safety tech.
Price and Variants
- Mahindra Scorpio Price (2025): ₹13.6 lakh – ₹24.5 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Mahindra Thar Price (2025): ₹11.3 lakh – ₹17.6 lakh (ex-showroom)
The Scorpio is priced higher because it offers more features, larger seating capacity, and premium comfort. The Thar is more affordable, but buyers usually spend extra on customization for off-roading needs.
Fuel Efficiency
- Scorpio Mileage: Around 15–18 km/l (diesel), 12–14 km/l (petrol)
- Thar Mileage: Around 13–15 km/l (diesel), 11–13 km/l (petrol)
Clearly, the Scorpio is more fuel-efficient for long highway drives, while the Thar is slightly heavier on fuel due to its off-road build.
Mahindra Scorpio vs Thar: Final Verdict
- Choose Mahindra Scorpio if:
- You want a family SUV with premium interiors.
- You often drive in the city and on highways.
- You need more space, comfort, and practicality.
- Choose Mahindra Thar if:
- You love adventure, road trips, and off-roading.
- You want a rugged off-road SUV in India.
- You are okay with less boot space and seating capacity.
Conclusion
The Scorpio vs Thar debate ultimately depends on your lifestyle. If you are looking for a feature-rich, family-friendly SUV with power and presence, the Mahindra Scorpio is the right choice. However, if your heart beats for thrill, mud trails, and adventure, the Mahindra Thar will never disappoint you.
Both SUVs represent Mahindra’s engineering excellence and continue to be the best SUVs in India in 2025 for different types of buyers.