In this post, an Australian expert compares the Mahindra Scorpio N with the Toyota Fortuner. Mahindra exports the Scorpio N and XUV700 to Australia from India. They have emerged as great value-for-money products in the Australian market in the last few years. In fact, the only true rivals of something like the Scorpio N in the Australian market are the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. But the former is priced at $72,500 AUD in comparison to Mahindra Scorpio N which costs $45,990 AUD. These prices are for the top fully loaded trims. That is a huge difference of over $26,000 AUD. Let us take a look at what the experts have to say.
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Australian Compares Mahindra Scorpio N and Toyota Fortuner
This video comes from CarSauce on YouTube. The prominent car reviewers have the two SUVs side-by-side. From the outside, they compare the road presence of the cars. The Scorpio N certainly looks the more modern of the two. There are LED headlamps, a grille with chrome inserts, an upright bumper, fog lamps, a sturdy skid plate, an upright bonnet, stylish alloy wheels, roof rails, and vertically oriented LED taillamps on the outside. On the other hand, the Fortuner also gets the familiar sleek LED headlamp setup with a large front grille, chrome inserts on the side of the headlamp cluster, a solid skid plate, large alloy wheels, side steps, black side pillars, slim LED taillamps and pronounced wheel arches and more. Both SUVs look butch and imposing on the outside.
Interior and Features Comparison
Moving to the interior, the host says that the cabin of the Mahindra Scorpio N definitely feels more premium. These include things like a digital touchscreen infotainment display, semi-digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rotary drive mode selector with a 4×4 button, wireless charging capability, plush surfaces on the dashboard, tactile buttons for automatic HVAC control, vertical AC vents, an electric sunroof, dual USB ports, a premium Sony sound system, roomy second-row captain’s seats. The third row is best suited for smaller adults and children.
On the other hand, the cabin of the Fortuner feels slightly outdated. There are all the basic amenities like plenty of storage spaces, ventilated seats, part-digital instrument cluster, an infotainment display, a 7-seat layout, slightly better third-row seating, touchscreen infotainment display which feels like old-school and is a bit laggy, numerous charging sockets and more. All in all, there are enough modern features but the overall layout looks outdated in comparison to the Mahindra Scorpio N.
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Specs Comparison
The Mahindra Scorpio N comes with a tried-and-tested 2.2-litre mHawk turbo diesel mill which generates a decent 129 kW (173 hp) and 400 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine pairs with an ASEAN-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It powers all four wheels with an electronically locking rear differential. There are drive modes, as well as 4×4 configurations. On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner has a larger 2.8-litre turbo diesel mill which outputs a potent 150 kW (201 hp) and 500 Nm of peak power and torque. Even it gets an ASEAN 6-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. Unlike the Scorpio N, it gets a manually locking differential.
| Specs | Mahindra Scorpio N | Toyota Fortuner |
| Engine | 2.2L mHawk Diesel | 2.8L Diesel |
| Power | 129 kW (173 hp) | 150 kW (201 hp) |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Transmission | 6AT | 6AT |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 | 4×4 |
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Driving Impressions
The hosts take the two SUVs out on the road. Firstly, they get behind the wheel of the Scorpio N. It achieves the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 12.03 seconds. That is not bad for a large ladder-frame SUV. But what impresses the reviewers the most is its handling. Despite being a large and tall ladder-frame SUV, the body roll is surprisingly well-contained. Even the steering feedback and weight are much better in the Scorpio N. They were able to drive it at high speeds around the corners. On the other hand, the Toyota Fortuner feels more powerful due to the bigger engine which also led it to reach 0 to 100 km/h in just 10.15 seconds. However, it is a bit harder to drive with the hydraulic steering and noticeable body roll. All in all, the Scorpio N is much better to drive even though it produces less power and torque.
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Author’s Note
I feel that Mahindra Scorpio N is giving a tough fight to the rivals in this space. It aims to attract Australian car buyers by offering a great value-for-money proposition. Even the hosts declare the Scorpio N the winner of this comparison simply because the extra $26,000 AUD for the Fortuner doesn’t seem worth it. It fascinates me a lot how much value the Indian auto giant is able to offer the customers. We shall keep an eye out for more details in this space.
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