Navigating the Terrain: Best Variants for Off-Roading Enthusiasts in Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra Scorpio-N

What an Off-roading Enthusiast looks for in a car

Off-roading enthusiasts crave vehicles that are powerful, versatile, and secure. Key features include potent engines, significant torque, and a drive type, preferably AWD or 4WD, for optimum control. High ground clearance, superior approach, and departure angles are crucial for handling challenging terrains. Additionally, safety features like ABS and ESC along with driver assistance such as hill hold assist and power steering ensure a safe, controlled ride. Given these factors, the Mahindra XUV700 and Scorpio-N figure among the best off-road cars in India.

Why Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra Scorpio-N are popular among Off-roading Enthusiasts

As some of the top off-roading SUVs in India, the Mahindra XUV700 and Scorpio-N are celebrated among off-roading enthusiasts for their excellent blend of power, control, and adaptability. Their strong engines, impressive torque, and versatile drive types (AWD, 4WD) make them perfect companions for off-road adventures. Moreover, these vehicles offer substantial ground clearance and favorable approach and departure angles to negotiate rugged terrains.

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Enhanced safety features like ABS and ESC, along with driver assistance functions like hill hold assist and power steering, make them safe and reliable choices. Lastly, the comfortable and well-equipped interiors add to the overall appeal, making these vehicles a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. For this comparison of these two off-road vehicles in India, we have chosen their variants priced up to Rs 25 lakh.

Our Variants Shortlist for Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra Scorpio-N

Variant	Price (INR)
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT	2,296,000
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT	2,296,000
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT	2,452,000
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT	2,441,000

Both Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT variants offer powerful engines, impressive torque, and 4WD drive type, making them suitable for challenging terrains. Their high ground clearance and approach and departure angles are desirable for off-roading. Although these variants lack power seating adjustments, they compensate with excellent overall performance.

The Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT, with its additional power seating adjustments, offers more comfort for long off-road trips. Its engine performance, torque, and drive type are similar to the previous variants, ensuring robust off-road capability.

The XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT stands out with a high-performance engine, superior torque, and AWD drive type. It offers a slightly better ground clearance and comes with manual seating adjustments, which may lack the convenience of power adjustments but doesn’t significantly detract from its appeal. Being monocoque based, it handles better on tarmac and has substantially better ride quality.

Best variant among Mahindra XUV700 and Mahindra Scorpio-N for Off-roading Enthusiasts

The Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT emerges as the top pick for mild off-roading enthusiasts. Its powerful engine, superior torque, AWD drive type, and increased ground clearance are ideal for reasonably challenging terrains that most buyers are going to attempt.

However, those planning on taking on the mighty Himalayan rivers or conquering dunes in Jaisalmer should stick with Scorpio N. With the latter, you get greater off-road chops but will have to live with inferior ride and handling in everyday use.

The Top 3 Choices

1. Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT
2. Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
3. Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT

Variant	ABS	Drive Type	Engine Power (BHP)	Engine Torque (Nm)	Ground Clearance (mm)
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 AWD Diesel AT	Yes	AWD	182.38	450	200
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT	Yes	4WD	172.45	400	187
Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel 4×4 AT	Yes	4WD	172.45	400	187

All three options offer powerful engines, impressive torque, and adequate ground clearance. The XUV700 AX7 shines with its AWD drive type and highest ground clearance, making it an excellent choice for the most challenging off-roading conditions. The Scorpio-N variants, with their robust engines, substantial torque, and 4WD drive type, cater well to off-roading needs. Despite the XUV700 AX7 lacking power seating adjustments, its overall performance and off-road capabilities cement its position as a top choice among off-roading enthusiasts.

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