Off the beaten track lies adventure. The off-roading enthusiast, for that reason, is looking only for the best off-road cars, or top SUVs for off-roading in India. Today, we look at the top variants of 7-seater premium SUVs in India (Tata Safari 2023, Mahindra XUV700 2024, Mahindra Scorpio-N, and MG Hector Plus), and find out what makes them off-road worthy vehicles in India.
In this article, we will share
- What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
- Tata Safari 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700 2024 vs Mahindra Scorpio-N vs MG Hector Plus – an in-depth look at their top variants, features, and off-roading capabilities
- How to pick the right car for you
So, can these cars handle water-wading, rough or muddy terrains, or traverse through sand? Are they capable of mild to serious off-roading? Let’s find out.
What an Off-roading Enthusiast Looks for in a Car
Here’s what to look for in a car as an off-roading enthusiast:
- 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
Off-roading enthusiasts seek vehicles that can handle challenging terrains and provide a thrilling driving experience. They prioritize features such as high ground clearance, robust suspension systems, and advanced four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities. Skid plates, hill descent control, and terrain response systems are also highly valued.
Additionally, off-roaders appreciate sturdy build quality, ample power, and torque to overcome obstacles, as well as superior traction and stability control systems.
Why Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus are popular
The Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, and MG Hector Plus have gained popularity among off-roading enthusiasts due to their impressive capabilities and features that cater to the demands of challenging terrains.
The Tata Safari offers a robust build quality and a high ground clearance of 205mm, making it suitable for tackling rough roads and obstacles. It also comes equipped with terrain response modes, including Normal, Rough, and Wet, allowing drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance based on the driving conditions.
The Mahindra XUV700 boasts an advanced AWD system that provides superior traction and stability on various terrains. It also features a robust suspension setup, with McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces.
The Mahindra Scorpio N, particularly the Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT variant, is a favorite among off-roading enthusiasts. It comes equipped with a powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that delivers 172.45 bhp and 400 Nm of torque, providing ample power to conquer challenging terrains. The 4WD system, coupled with the robust suspension setup, ensures excellent traction and stability in off-road conditions.
The MG Hector Plus, although primarily designed for on-road comfort, offers a decent ground clearance of 192mm and a sturdy build quality. While it may not be the first choice for hardcore off-roading, it can handle mild off-road trails and rough roads with ease.
These SUVs also offer advanced safety features, such as roll-over mitigation, corner stability control, and electronic stability programs, which provide an added layer of safety and confidence when navigating challenging terrains.
Top variants of Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 May 2024 |
| Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT | ₹2,454,100 |
| Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | ₹2,699,000 |
| MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT | ₹2,267,800 |
| Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT | ₹2,734,000 |
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
This variant is an excellent choice for off-roading enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, advanced 4WD system, and robust suspension setup. The high ground clearance and sturdy build quality make it capable of tackling challenging terrains with ease. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD is a strong contender for off-roading enthusiasts, featuring an advanced AWD system that provides superior traction and stability on various terrains. The robust suspension setup, with McPherson strut independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear, ensures a smooth and comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our guide to the best petrol variants of XUV700.
MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
While the Hector Plus may not be the first choice for hardcore off-roading, it offers a decent ground clearance and a sturdy build quality, making it suitable for mild off-road trails and rough roads. The CVT transmission provides smooth and effortless power delivery, making it a comfortable option for long drives. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Hector Plus with Tata Safari 2023 and Hyundai Alcazar.
Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT is an attractive option for off-roading enthusiasts, thanks to its high ground clearance of 205mm and terrain response modes, including Normal, Rough, and Wet. These features allow drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance based on the driving conditions, making it capable of handling various off-road challenges.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus for Off-roading Enthusiasts
After considering the features and attributes of the shortlisted variants, the Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT emerges as the best option for off-roading enthusiasts.
The Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT is powered by a robust 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine that delivers an impressive 172.45 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. This ample power and torque output allow the vehicle to overcome challenging obstacles and conquer steep inclines with ease. The advanced 4WD system ensures superior traction and stability on various terrains, providing the driver with confidence and control in off-road conditions.
The Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT also boasts a robust suspension setup, with a double wishbone suspension with coil over shocks at the front and a Pentalink suspension with WATT’s linkage at the rear. This combination ensures excellent articulation and dampening, allowing the vehicle to maintain contact with the ground and provide a smooth ride even on uneven surfaces.
The high ground clearance of the Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT, coupled with its sturdy build quality, makes it capable of navigating through rocky terrains, deep ruts, and water crossings with confidence. The 18-inch alloy wheels and 255/60 R18 tubeless radial tires provide excellent grip and stability on various surfaces.
Additionally, the Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT comes equipped with advanced safety features such as driver drowsiness detection, ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers during long off-road adventures.
Considering its powerful engine, advanced 4WD system, robust suspension setup, and off-road-oriented features, the Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT is the top choice for off-roading enthusiasts looking for a premium 7-seater SUV.
The Top 3 choices
- Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
- Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
| Attributes | Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT | XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT |
| AWD/4WD | Yes (4WD) | Yes (AWD) | No |
| Terrain Response Modes | No | No | Yes |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbone Suspension | McPherson Strut Independent Suspension | Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Pentalink Suspension with WATT’s Linkage | Multi-Link Independent Suspension | Semi Independent Twist Blade with Panhard Rod & Coil Spring |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT stands out with its powerful engine, advanced 4WD system, and robust suspension setup, making it the top choice for conquering challenging terrains.
- The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD offers an advanced AWD system and a capable suspension setup, ensuring superior traction and stability on various surfaces.
- The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT, while not equipped with AWD or 4WD, compensates with its high ground clearance and terrain response modes, allowing drivers to optimize the vehicle’s performance based on the driving conditions.
These variants are all attractive options for off-roading enthusiasts. All three offer a combination of power, stability, and off-road-oriented features, making them attractive choices for off-roading enthusiasts looking for a premium 7-seater SUV.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.