childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.
Mahindra has made some vital changes and improved the standard equipment levels for its large diesel-powered Scorpio off-road SUV.
This cult icon is now only available as a seven-seater, while previously it had a weird six-seat layout.
They have done away with the two previous model grades of models, and sold Scorpio in Z8L+ trim only for an increased price – but with more standard equipment.
But, as for the Indian-made 4WD, there is a host of more advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), which should be used to help it appease safety-conscious customers.
Let’s go through it!
How much does the Mahindra Scorpio cost?
Only one grade of the Mahindra Scorpio is now available The pre-existing Z8 and Z8, which was replaced by a single, high-spec variant called the Z 8L+.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
| — | — |
| 2026 Mahindra Scorpio Z8L+ | $48,990 |
While diesel seven-seater standards are still low on the price, there is a significant increase in prices over previous Scorpio grades which were listed at $41,990 and $45,990 drive-away respectively.
It means the Scorpio is now more expensive than the diesel-powered GWM Tank 300 (which admittedly is a five-seater only), and also pushes the Mahindra perilously close to the impressive and larger KGM Rexton seven-seater diesel SUV.
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
Let us help you find your new car
Buy your new car without the stress. It’s fast, simple and completely free.
Great service from Travis and team, second time I have used this business would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
Craig C.
Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD
childcareman.xyz helped Craig save thousands on his Ford Ranger, now let us save you on your next new car.
Find a deal
What is the Mahindra Scorpio like on the inside?
First-look The appearance of the Scorpio’s cabin hasn’t changed. The inclusions have, but they do include the addition of and there are some very welcome.
And if we go further, I will say that in my experience the inside of this car smells like a bit.” This could be rubber mats, the glues used or something else. And there’s a bit of that carcinogenic smell, which isn’t the healthiest thing I’d say…
Anyway!
A huge win is the ventilated front seats, if not heated, and no. Like Mahindra – being an Indian automaker – it’s understands the similarities of our climate and theirs! The driver’S seat has six-way power adjustment, I was not comfortable in getting into a position.
A welcome addition for night drivers is the electric park brake switch that tidies up the centre console space, and the auto-dimming rear-view mirror which can be an optional feature of the car’s automatic drive.
Other than that, there is still some room for improvement in . The 8 is Basic A simple, 0-inch media touchscreen that has no wireless Apple CarPlay is available. It does have USB connectivity, but there is also a wirelessly available Android Auto.
I believe that the system itself is pretty simple and plain, there are some menu options left out of the box. My was not able to get so that when you turn the car off, doors open and instead of at least when I park. Is there a way to – if yes, let me know in the comments!
But that’s a lot of control work on the driver info screen, rather than the media display.’ The other side of the usability considerations is that you have to do much more control (i.e. It means that you have to be used for the toggle and button controls on the steering wheel, and the screen itself is slow to react and load, too.
The lane-keeping system is on every time you start the car, for example, and when you don’t want it to be in use there doesn’s no quick button, no drop-down nor a media screen button… instead it’d just have dozens of button presses and toggles before it’s set how you want your car. And as I’ll read in the driving section – you might not actually have to turn off it.
If you’re thinking about this car, it’s worth learning the driver info display than the infotainment screen so that is a good way to know it in the showroom.
It is a good storage in the cabin, with bottle holders on the doors for your pani (besides cupholders, surrounded by covered centre bin and wireless phone charger), too. Nice a nice ?
I don’t think the seat trim is real leather, but thanks to that fact Scorpio has something which isn’T just a black on black interiors. While it isn’t for everyone to get the brown trim, that’s at least boring.
A few buyers may be able to question the fact Mahindra still provides a sunroof as standard. I’d happily do not without it, if that meant a few hundred bucks back in my pocket.
A good space for second-row is a phrase from . There is a 6’0”/182cm adult who fits with the knee, toe and shoulder wiggle room (the middle row of seating doesn’t slide) and the headroom isn’T bad either.
Great LED lighting too, and back-seat amenities include overhead grab handles, map pockets, directional vents and a fan controller that really pumps the air out when you need it to do so.
The Scorpio has a middle lap-sash seatbelt, and ISOFIX points (and three top–tethers for child seats) as it stated in its crash report that the availability of such ‘I’m happy to note.
New Zealand has a seven-seat variant with – in the second row, ’ centre seat seat’ and is fitted with lap-only seatbelt at the back row centre seating position. A lap-sash (three point) seatbelt does not provide the same protection as a lap–san (or three points), or even if it is an identical piece of protection for ‘the lap’. No lap-only seatbelts are recommended for any size occupants, according to ANCAP. – ’.
Three adults can fit across the back, but if you’re going to lock and load a child seat, be sure that it is the best third-row access with slick flip and tumble system provided head restraint is dowed and front passenger seat isn’t reclined. Another is simply rolled flat on the seat base, where paraphrasinger just folds down to the other side.
The third row space is a good fit for . I would be fit in the very back, but I wouldn’t recommend it for six-footers as a full-time option. The eight to 12-year-olds should fit back there easily enough for kids.
The central lights, grab handles and a little bit of storage are available but you won’t find child-seat anchor points; there is no rear air ventilation system (although the rear of the Scorpio remains cooler than some other SUVs because it has’strong passenger eeration system in the middle row’).
The seatbacks up, or with people in the very back row (or just with the seat-back) there’s only enough room for a couple of backpacks and maybe if it is – even small carry-on luggage bag.
It is not very elegantly – the rear row is stowed – and it allows an apparent 756 litres of cargo capacity.
The back-row stow-down process isn’t as clever as in a Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X or even a Toyota Fortuner, because it still takes up a lot of space. But if you want to run it as a five-seater full-time, it might be a handy thing to remove because that will liberate a lot more space.
Disadvantage The side-swinging tailgate is a shame because it doesn’t have an opening glass section. It’s lighter than some competitors because the spare wheel (a steel full-sizer) is stowed under floor of the car, rather than on the back door.
| Dimensions | Mahindra Scorpio |
| — | — |
| Length | 4662mm |
| Width | 1917mm |
| Height | 1857mm |
| Wheelbase | 2750mm |
| Cargo capacity | 756L (third row folded) |
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Its 2 Scorpio is a copy of the The Scorpio. One of the selling points of this car is 2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, which was one of its’selling point’. Although the more powerful and torque is comparable to that of the much-popular ute-based SUVs, it’s refined, urgent and emissions standards than some others it competes with. yes and that means AdBlue is needed by a .
| Specifications | Mahindra Scorpio |
| — | — |
| Engine | 2.2L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Power | 129kW |
| Torque | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed auto |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Weight | 2100kg |
| Fuel economy (claimed) | 7.2L/100km |
| Fuel economy (as tested) | 8.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 57L |
| Fuel requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 190g/km |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capacity | 2500kg |
A test I have had over my week of testing (not hardcore off-roading but all the usual types of driving you might actually drive) and a display return of 8-8 was displayed. 7L/100km, . The odometer of this car was only 500km on its collection, so that could improve as the engine runs in more than usual.
A 16-litre AdBlue tank, which is likely to be refilling every 10,000km or so, should you know – and it fits with the service requirements described below.
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How does the Mahindra Scorpio drive?
Every time I have re-entered the Scorpio, what has impressed me about it is that “I know this hardcore off-roader” but drives pretty damned good when it comes to dealing with the terrors and tribulations of tarmac testing.
In the past, I did an off-road comparison against the Tank 300 – check it out here.
It’s not a weapon in the bends. Nor the most exciting, punchy or smile-inducing thing to throw around.
And even if you’re stuck to the burbs rather than the bush, it offers an acceptable and easy drive experience that will be better than what you expect for the daily routine of work.
While the diesel engine is a bit loud when it’s cold, I am impressed with its fact that this doesn’t shake or vibey (i.e. you don’re not feeling like driving – truck). A few of you in this segment could learn a lesson or two here, as would some others.
But the outputs of the engine tell you it’s not ‘oomphiest thing’, but that is a good in-gear urge with plenty of torque for urban moves and high speed driving too.
The six-speed auto generally does a great job, which allows the engine to do what it is doing rather than constantly changing gears to keep momentum. While the shifts are largely smooth and mostly flat, I did get some clunky shift when I lifted off the throttle and then returned to the gas.
It’s also easier to drive than you think, as it has its ladder-frame underpinnings and the suspension is well sorted for urban driving and on the freeway. It’s only used for the occasional sharp edge or repeated bumps, but otherwise it’s completely acceptable.
It’s a good steering, too light at lower speeds, weightier as you go faster. This is not super-feelsome, but it’s a predictably predictable and easy to pronounce .
Safety tech includes a camera system that is also called reversing and an advanced view camera, as well as making it take photos of your location for future reference (if you wish). It welcomes the cameras, but is a poor resolution by modern standards; thankfully there are front and rear parking sensors to help out, too.
Although it’s a lot of safety for the kind that is offered to , there has been much more protection than what’d be on offer but I don’t think living with them really makes it so frustrating. A speed sign recognition system can be turned off by you – which will distract you with displayed signage on the driver info screen – and it will not stay silent.
Every time you restart the car, it returns to your lane keeping system but is well mannered in most situations. You’ll sometimes find it swaying you back into your car or beeping to tell you that you’re leaving your lane, but mostly fine.
That’s more about the drive experience, and that’s what is a reflection of it mostly fine. That’s the best thing than that, in fact, it’s better than . So, that’s kind of bloody good for a and it’s pretty bloodily good.
From expert reviews to the right deal
childcareman.xyz brings reviews, research tools and trusted buying support together, guiding you from research to delivery with confidence.
View showroom
Compare cars
Find a deal
| Off-road dimensions | Mahindra Scorpio |
| — | — |
| Track front and rear | 1580mm |
| Ground clearance | 227mm |
| Approach angle | 27.2 degrees |
| Departure angle | 21.3 degrees |
| Ramp breakover angle | 23.5 degrees |
| Wading depth | N/A |
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
What do you get?
Standard equipment for the sole variant Z8L+ includes plenty of new stuff, as denoted in brackets below.
2026 Mahindra Scorpio Z8L+ equipment highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels in 255/60 R18 tyres
- Full-size steel spare
- Electric park brake with auto hold (NEW)
- Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts, Sand drive modes
- LED headlights
- Projector fog lights
- Automatic high-beam (NEW)
- Sunroof
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- 7-seat configuration
- Leatherette upholstery
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless phone charger
- 12-speaker Sony sound system
- Dual-zone climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter
- 6-way power driver’s seat (NEW)
- Ventilated front seats (NEW)
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror (NEW)
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
Is the Mahindra Scorpio safe?
It’s unclear if Mahindra will have the upgraded Scorpio re-tested, following its zero-star result from safety authority ANCAP in 2023.
| Category | Mahindra Scorpio |
| — | — |
| Adult occupant protection | 44 per cent |
| Child occupant protection | 80 per cent |
| Vulnerable road user protection | 23 per cent |
| Safety assist | 0 per cent |
A spokesman for the Mahindra told us that all of its “new” models will be tested, and this isn’t ‘new”, it’s just refreshed so don’T expect a test on it to come back.
Similarly I asked ANCAP what the safety authority thought about the changes, and it said that the additional tech is a “welcome improvement” and that it “may be considered for future re-assessment”.
But since there have been no known or reported changes to the structure of the car, ANCAP said that “the results from physical crash testing may be “a little more significant improvement” in overall scoring for the Scorpion.
Nevertheless, the Scorpio would theoretically score better final marks than the previous model as standard safety gear was now offered.
Standard safety equipment includes:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go (NEW)
- Autonomous emergency braking (NEW)
- Lane-keep assist (NEW)
- Leading vehicle departure alert (NEW)
- Smart Pilot Assist (NEW)
- Traffic sign recognition (NEW)
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Tyre pressure monitoring
A total of six airbags are fitted, including dual front, front side and curtain coverage; but the curtain air bags do not cover the third row.
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
How much does the Mahindra Scorpio cost to run?
Mahindra offers a strong ownership promise. The brand has a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty program.
| Servicing and Warranty | Mahindra Scorpio |
| — | — |
| Warranty | 7 years, unlimited kilometres |
| Roadside assistance | Up to 7 years (service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Average annual service cost | $471.60 |
| Total capped-price service cost | $2358 |
If you service a Mahindra dealer, there is also up to seven years of roadside assistance. And speaking about services There’s a first free check-up at 1500km, then the interval is pegged at 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first), and there’s an interval that goes down to 10 months. This is the list of the capped-priced service prices, here’s a summary.
| Service | |
| — | — |
| 1 year/10,000km | $460 |
| 2 years/20,000km | $370 |
| 3 years/30,000km | $450 |
| 4 years/40,000km | $728 |
| 5 years/50,000km | $350 |
With the Scorpio, and any new car, it’s going to be your resale value. Perhaps this one with the extra spec and safety tech will be better than its predecessor on that front, but.
To see how the Mahindra Scorpio lines up against the competition, check out our
comparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mahindra Scorpio
For some of you, the zero-star safety rating may be too hard to swallow but as a fit for-purpose 4×4 diesel seven-seater that isn’t too cumbersome and actually more refined than you think it would be, this Scorpio is.
I wouldn’t be scared to buy one, if it fitted my needs better than any alternative.
What do you think? The comments section is yours!
Interested in buying a Mahindra Scorpio? Let childcareman.xyz find you the best deal
here
.
Click the images for the full gallery
MORE:
Explore the Mahindra Scorpio showroom
Thanks for reading 2026 Mahindra Scorpio review
