MG Hector vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: A Comparison of Their Variants Priced Rs 18-20 Lakh for Off-roading Enthusiasts

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 MG Hector and Mahindra Scorpio-N, and find out what makes them off-road vehicles in India.

In this article, we will share

• What an off-roading enthusiast looks for in a car
• MG Hector vs Mahindra Scorpio-N – an in-depth look at their 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.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

What an Offroading 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

Offroading enthusiasts crave adventure, seeking vehicles capable of tackling diverse terrains while offering stability, control, and robustness. Critical to their choice are attributes like high ground clearance, powerful engine torque, and advanced drive types (AWD/4WD) for exceptional off-road capabilities.

They value safety features and prefer cars with sturdy build quality, differential locking, and hill hold assist to navigate steep inclines. Comfort and technological integrations are secondary to performance, yet modern off-roaders appreciate well-equipped interiors for longer journeys into the wild.

Why MG Hector and Mahindra Scorpio-N are Popular

Both MG Hector and Mahindra Scorpio-N have stirred interest among offroading enthusiasts, chiefly for their blend of urban aesthetics and rugged capabilities.

The Mahindra Scorpio-N, renowned for its all-terrain resilience, offers robust engine options with substantial torque, enhancing its off-road navigation proficiency. Its power steering and ground clearance make it adept at handling rough landscapes, while the safety assurance comes from features like ABS and multiple airbags.

Though its FWD drive type isn’t the most favored among hardcore offroaders, its other attributes compensate impressively.

In contrast, the MG Hector appeals with its sophisticated technology and spaciousness, providing comfort during arduous journeys. While traditionally not an offroad brand, its recent models boast commendable ground clearance, adequate engine power, and a suite of safety features.

The Hector’s differential locking and hill hold assist are advantageous for steep, uneven terrains, although it mirrors the Scorpio-N’s limitation with a FWD drive type.

Nonetheless, both vehicles stand out for their build quality and reliability, factors heavily weighed by offroading enthusiasts.

MG Hector and Mahindra Scorpio-N Variants Shortlist in Rs 18-20 Lakh Range

For Mahindra Scorpio-N, we have:

For MG Hector, we have:

Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8

Despite lacking a favorable AWD/4WD system, the Z8 shines with its petrol engine delivering quick responsiveness and adequate power. Its ground clearance, power steering, and safety features like ABS and multiple airbags align well with offroading requisites. However, the absence of low-range gearing and differential locking limits its extreme offroading capabilities.

Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel

This variant mirrors its petrol counterpart but thrives on a diesel engine, offering linear power delivery. It maintains the same offroading constraints due to the lack of AWD/4WD and specific offroad features, making it suitable for mild offroad adventures. You can also read our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Maruti Suzuki Jimny for off-roading enthusiasts.

Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8L

The Z8L upgrades to power seating and a more potent petrol engine. However, like the others, it misses on critical offroading functionalities, categorizing it under soft offroading vehicles.

MG Hector 2.0 Smart Diesel

The Hector’s diesel variant, with moderate engine responsiveness and power, offers spaciousness and comfort. It lacks true offroading elements like differential locking or appropriate drive type, skewing it more towards comfortable rides on challenging roads rather than pure offroad terrains. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Hector with Tata Harrier.

MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro

This model introduces turbocharging, albeit with minimal turbo lag, and better tech integration. Still, it faces the same offroading feature limitations as its counterparts, defining it more as a tech-savvy, comfortable cruiser for uneven terrains. We have also compared the Hector and Tata Harrier for long-distance road trip lovers.

Our Pick for the Best Variant Among MG Hector and Mahindra Scorpio-N for Offroading Enthusiasts

Considering the critical attributes an offroading enthusiast prioritizes, the Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 emerges as the most suitable option among the listed variants. While none of the variants feature a perfect offroading setup, especially lacking a 4WD or AWD system – crucial for challenging terrains – the Scorpio-N Z8 compensates with other significant offroad-friendly attributes.

Firstly, the Scorpio-N Z8’s petrol engine is noteworthy for its quick responsiveness, an essential factor when maneuvering through tricky, unpredictable landscapes. The power delivery is linear, preventing unexpected surges that could prove detrimental on slippery or steep terrains.

Ground clearance is another vital aspect, and this variant does not disappoint, ensuring the vehicle can handle rocky trails and obstacles without damage to the underbody. The presence of hill hold assist enhances its capability on inclines, a common feature in offroad scenarios.

Safety is uncompromised, with the inclusion of ABS and multiple airbags, ensuring peace of mind during adventurous rides. Furthermore, the vehicle’s build quality and reliability, hallmark traits of Mahindra, add confidence to its offroading prowess.

However, it’s important to note that hardcore offroading enthusiasts might find the lack of 4WD/AWD and other specific offroad-focused features like low-range gearing a limitation. Thus, the Scorpio-N Z8 is more apt for enthusiasts who prefer milder offroad experiences combined with regular urban drives.

The Top 3 Choices

2. Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8
3. Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel
4. MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Mahindra Scorpio-N Z8 tops the list for its blend of responsive engine performance, safety, and offroad-friendly features like high ground clearance and hill hold assist. Although it doesn’t match a hardcore offroader’s dream specs, it’s well-suited for enthusiasts leaning towards adventurous yet not extreme offroad experiences.
• The Scorpio-N Z8 Diesel offers similar benefits but with a diesel engine. The linear power delivery is particularly useful in offroad conditions requiring steady, predictable handling. However, like its petrol sibling, it’s more geared towards light to moderate offroad journeys.
• The MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Sharp Pro ranks third, not for its offroading capabilities, which are on par with the Scorpios, but for its advanced tech features and interior comfort. It’s the choice for those who prefer a mix of mild offroad adventures with a luxurious, tech-savvy ride.

Ultimately, while these variants cater to the offroading spirit to certain extents, they underline the need for manufacturers to introduce more dedicated offroading features to fully satisfy the thrill-seekers’ demands.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered