Mahindra SUVs: What Should First-Time SUV Buyers Look for in India?

SUVs are the craze and more Indians than ever are buying these practical yet aspirational vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of how to go about getting your own SUV

7 min read

More than half of all new vehicles sold in India are SUVs, and Mahindra has shaped this change more than any other brand. Let’s break down why Indians keep buying SUVs, what first-time buyers should consider and which Mahindra SUV would be right for you based on your actual driving needs.

Between the highway-tuned flat suspension of a hatchback and the low-slung stance of a sedan, India finally found its answer: the SUV. With more than half of all new vehicles sold today wearing that badge, no brand other than Mahindra could have influenced the change, starting with the Mahindra Scorpio. Launched all the way back in 2002, being the first fully “made in India” SUV, it was a runaway success and is now an icon. Mahindra’s SUV lineup now features its 3 newest additions over the last 3 years - the zippy compact SUV - XUV 3XO, the muscular, 5-seater cousin of the Thar – the Thar ROXX and the newest addition to the range – the flagship XUV 7XO.

Why Indians Keep Choosing SUVs

SUVs might have seemed like a novelty a decade ago, but the numbers tell a different story.

You've probably complained about the roads at some point; a stretch of good, world-class tarmac can turn into a pothole-riddled nightmare overnight, and with every small undulation, it feels like there's an asteroid on a collision course with your wallet. That's where the extra ground clearance of an SUV saves the day: a pothole that would send the sedan in front of you swerving for its life is just another Wednesday for the SUV. Then there are the speed breakers with different heights and spacing every single time. The SUV's ground clearance saves it from bottoming out. Add to this the tropical monsoons that flood most Indian cities every year, and you've got a whole host of things waiting to scrape your fenders, chew up your rims, and, on a bad day, do something a lot more catastrophic; here, the bigger wheels, upgraded suspension, and AWD give you a solid shot at dodging your next trip to the service centre.

SUVs have also quietly become the default road trip vehicle, solving all the shortcomings of sedans and hatchbacks, whether it's the lack of boot space in a hatchback or the cramped legroom in a sedan. With a third row for the toddler to fall asleep in, or fold down to store enough souvenirs for the in-laws, the SUV covers all bases. Highway driving is made easier still by a comfortable driving position, while enough underbody protection encourages detours through rough village roads for that perfect sunset photo. SUVs come in a range of flavours to suit the buyer: body-on-frame or monocoque construction, five-seater or seven-seater layouts, compact crossovers or full-size giants, so there's one for nearly every need.

Things every first-time SUV buyer should consider

Unlike a typical sedan or hatchback, there are a lot of things to consider with an SUV, from its turning radius to aid in parking and manoeuvrability in tight spaces, to the drivetrain and costs of ownership, which will vary depending on fuel and transmission type.

Safety and Features

SUVs in general are safer compared to sedans and hatchbacks due to their larger size; they accommodate more crumple zones and their weight; however, due to their higher centre of gravity, they are more liable to roll over. Both the Mahindra XUV 3XO and 7XO have a 5-star safety rating and feature 6 to 7 airbags – depending on the variant – as standard. To avoid putting the driver in sticky situations, they feature an Antilock Braking System paired with Electronic Brake-force Distribution as standard. ABS prevents the wheels from locking up under heavy braking, and EBD ensures each wheel gets the appropriate braking power. ESC (Electronic Stability Control) also comes as standard and prevents skidding and keeps the car on its intended path. On the higher-end variants, Level 2 ADAS goes a step further, acting as a co-pilot, basically monitoring the road via various cameras and sensors to make sure there is no threat to the safety of those inside the car.

Powertrain: Engine and Transmission

Petrol engines are generally cheaper to buy and maintain. They provide a smoother and relatively quieter ride and are more reliable in extremely cold weather. On the other hand, diesel engines can get better fuel economy and produce more low-end torque. Of the eight Mahindra SUVs on this list, the XUV 3XO, Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, and XUV 7XO are available with both petrol and diesel engines, giving buyers the flexibility to choose based on their priorities. The Scorpio Classic, Bolero, and Bolero Neo, however, are diesel-only propositions, staying true to their rugged and utilitarian character.

Transmission options are more of a personal preference. There are two main types of transmissions: automatic transmissions, which do the gearshifts for you, and manual transmissions, where you have complete control over the gears. Which one you choose depends on whether you want convenience or involvement in your daily drive. The XUV 3XO, Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, and XUV 7XO all offer both manual and automatic options, catering to both schools of thought. The Scorpio Classic, Bolero, and Bolero Neo keep it simple with a manual-only setup, which aligns well with their no-frills identity.

SUVs can be FWD (front-wheel drive), AWD (all-wheel drive) or in some instances, RWD (rear-wheel drive). For normal city and highway driving, FWD and RWD are more than enough. The only thing to remember is that FWD vehicles will generally understeer in a turn whereas RWD vehicles are likelier to oversteer in the same situation. AWD would be excellent in both of those scenarios. Finally, there's 4x4, which is a little different from AWD in its application and entirely different in construction. This one is a system where drive can be sent to all four wheels when the driver needs to, and is usually needed for off-road enthusiasts. The XUV 3XO sticks to FWD, while the XUV 7XO offers FWD as standard with AWD available on top diesel trims. The Thar and Thar Roxx come with RWD and a proper 4x4 system, as do the Scorpio Classic and Scorpio N on select trims. The Bolero and Bolero Neo keep things straightforward with RWD only.

Choosing the right SUV based on your needs

Choosing the ideal SUV for your needs requires some detailed thinking regarding your driving habits, spatial constraints and long-term finances. Your average daily running and the distance and duration of your longest drives will dictate your ideal powertrain. For those with high daily mileage, a hybrid or a highly efficient engine is preferable. On the contrary, for those with short city commutes, an EV is preferable due to a lower cost of operation. Another consideration is the number of passengers you will drive with, as that will determine the body type of your SUV, ranging from a nimble compact SUV to an enormous full-size one.

From a financial standpoint, the true cost of ownership extends way past the price paid to the dealership; it includes your insurance premiums, periodic servicing, and fuel or charging expenses. Another crucial consideration is to pick an SUV that will not make parking at your home or office a hassle due to spatial constraints.

Which Mahindra SUV fits different buyers

Mahindra XUV 3XO

This is the obvious choice for small families due to its long wheelbase, providing a spacious interior and top-notch crash protection with a 5-star BNCAP rating. The XUV 3XO features six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mounts as standard, and features disc brakes on all four wheels as standard. The higher trims also increase safety with ADAS Level 2 and a 360 camera, which makes parking and creeping in traffic that much safer. The XUV 3XO is available in Front Wheel Drive exclusively, with both petrol and diesel engine options, which can be paired to either a manual or automatic transmission. All of this comes together to make the XUV 3XO a safe and practical option for small families.

Mahindra Thar

The Thar is an absolute standout in the sea of front-wheel drive hatchbacks that are all posing as SUVs. The body-on-frame chassis and its high ground clearance give the driver a high-set seating position and give the driver a panoramic view of the traffic ahead, helping navigate through city chaos easily. The high ground clearance also aids in ignoring deep potholes, speed bumps and helps in wading through flooded roads. It is available in both petrol and diesel options with both RWD and AWD drivetrain options and can be had with a manual or automatic transmission. The Thar may be massive in certain aspects but is still a practical SUV for day-to-day use.

Mahindra Thar Roxx

The Thar Roxx is the five-door evolution of the three-door Thar and seeks to offer a family experience. Designed to combine sophistication, performance, presence, safety, and technology, the Thar Roxx is the perfect foil to an outdoorsy lifestyle. Kitted out with India’s first Crawl Smart Assist and Intelliturn, the Roxx also makes life off the beaten path easy to enjoy. Especially with the panoramic sunroof and a 9-speaker Harman Kardon system.

Mahindra Scorpio Classic

The Scorpio Classic is the timeless legend that continues to scale new heights. This 7-seater SUV combines cutting edge technology with powerful performance and premium interiors but offers it in a package that appeals to those who like that touch of legacy. With its command seating position, high ground clearance and imposing stance, the Scorpio Classic is not just an SUV but also a statement. The Scorpio Classic is for those who like the rugged more than the sophisticated.

Mahindra Scorpio-N

The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the ultimate expression of how an authentic and rugged 4x4 platform can also offer an upmarket and genuinely sophisticated user experience. Christened the Big Daddy of SUVs, the Scorpio-N offers owners the choice between petrol and diesel engines and manual as well as auto transmissions. Equipped with Level 2 ADAS, 4XPLOR Terrain Management that offers driving modes focused for select terrain types, leatherette interiors, a sunroof and a 20.3cm touchscreen infotainment system, the 7-seater Mahindra Scorpio-N should be the choice of the refined urban family who also hide a warrior’s hardy core.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

The XUV 7XO is Mahindra’s flagship 7-seater family ICE SUV with features to match that claim, with its top-tier safety features like Level 2 ADAS System, 540-degree camera and 7 airbags. With the first-in-the-world DAVINCI suspension system and petrol and diesel engine options with automatic and manual options and AWD available in the top diesel trims, it can pretty much go anywhere it wants to. On the inside, the cabin receives a triple-screen setup, and with 5 and 7-seater configurations available, the cabin can be configured to be spacious or for seating capacity. The XUV 7XO sets the benchmark for flagship SUVs in India.

Mahindra Bolero

The Mahindra Bolero is the most uncompromising workhorse in the lineup, built on a ladder frame chassis and offered exclusively in rear-wheel drive. It is a dependable, low-maintenance machine built to endure harsh rural roads, heavy loads, and punishing terrain without any complaints. Where other SUVs are engineered around comfort and refinement, the Bolero is engineered around survival. Powered by a diesel engine and paired to a manual transmission, it keeps things simple and proven. Features like a heater, front power windows, and a music system with Bluetooth ensure the essentials of comfort are covered. Its high ground clearance, rugged construction, and mechanical no-nonsense approach make it the natural choice for buyers who need an SUV to work as hard as they do, at a price that makes financial sense.

Mahindra Bolero Neo

The Bolero Neo takes the gist of the Bolero and wraps it in a more contemporary package, without abandoning what made the original a legend. It still rides on a body-on-frame chassis with a diesel engine and manual transmission, the Neo adds a more modern exterior design, improved interior quality, and additional features to appeal to buyers who want the Bolero's rugged capability but with a slightly more polished presentation. It seats seven and comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, power windows all around, and automatic climate control on higher trims. The Neo retains the high ground clearance and commanding road presence that the Bolero family is known for. The Bolero Neo sits at the intersection of old-school toughness while being modern enough for buyers who want a proper SUV without paying flagship prices.

Common mistakes made by first-time buyers

One of the most common mistakes and probably the one that will affect every other decision is not understanding their need – whether they are going for an SUV for daily commute, or longer drives or simply to accommodate a large family comfortably. Next up is focusing on the monthly payment rather than the overall tenure of the loan, as a lower monthly payment just means a longer tenure and more interest paid over the duration of the loan. Buyers also tend to ignore the cost of ownership, instead choosing to focus on the on-road price. This can be a pretty expensive mistake as it means overlooking fuel costs, periodic servicing costs, spare parts pricing and insurance premiums.