The Mahindra Scorpio needs no introduction, it is one of the most loved SUVs in India that is back in a new attire donning the role of a premium SUV. On the other hand, we have MG’s Hector Plus, the 6/7-seater version of the successful Hector which was MG’s first product for India, and the car that put MG on the map. These SUVs are priced similarly although the approach they take is distinct. The Hector Plus focuses more on being a luxurious SUV that pampers its occupants while the Scorpio-N also does the same but comes with solid underpinnings and competent off-road ability.
In terms of similarities, both these SUVs can seat up to 7 occupants, and come with diesel and petrol engine options with automatic and manual gearbox options. However, look past this, and it is obvious these SUVs have more to differentiate between them. The MG Hector Plus is priced from Rs. 17.99 lakh to Rs. 22.96 lakh while the Mahindra Scorpio starts at a much more affordable Rs. 13.05 lakh but goes all the way to a hefty Rs. 24.51 lakh (both, ex-showroom). These SUVs also differ when it comes to powertrain options and features on offer, but let’s dive deep and find out how they stack up against each other on paper:
MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Dimensions
Dimensions | MG Hector Plus | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
Length | 4699 mm | 4662 mm |
Width | 1835 mm | 1917 mm |
Height | 1760 mm | 1857 mm |
Wheelbase | 2750 mm | 2750 mm |
Ground Clearance | 192 mm | 187 mm |
Boot Space | 155 litres | 460 litres |
The MG Hector Plus and the Mahindra Scorpio N have the exact same wheelbase at 2750mm and the MG Hector Plus has the most ground clearance at 192mm. That said, the Mahindra Scorpio-N leads for every other parameter with a considerable lead making it the obvious choice when it comes to size. The MG Hector Plus is indeed a big SUV, but the Scorpio-N dwarfs it in this comparison as it is taller, and wider than the MG. The Scorpio-N also has the biggest boot here at 460 litres while the MG only offers 155 litres.
MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Engine & Transmission
Parameters | MG Hector Plus | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
Engine Options | 2.0-litre turbo diesel, 1.5-litre turbo petrol | 2.2-litre turbo diesel, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
Transmission Options | 8-speed CVT, 6-speed MT | 6-speed MT, 6-speed AT |
Power | 170bhp/141bhp | 130bhp/172bhp/200bhp |
Torque | 350Nm/250Nm | 300Nm/370Nm/380Nm |
Mileage |
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Both these SUVs come with the choice of a petrol engine and a diesel engine along with manual and automatic transmission options. The MG Hector Plus uses a 2.0-litre diesel and 1.5-litre petrol both producing 170 and 141bhp respectively. However, the Scorpio-N takes the lead here with a 2.2-litre diesel and a 2.0-litre petrol producing 172 and 200bhp respectively. The Scorpio-N is clearly the more powerful SUV here if you are looking for a petrol SUV as it offers 200bhp as opposed to 141bhp of the Hector Plus. However, if you’re looking for a diesel SUV, both these SUVs are equally matched in terms of output figures.
Mahindra also offers the Scorpio-N diesel in a less powerful option which is rated at 130bhp/300Nm to keep the price under check. As for the gearbox option, the Scorpio-N gets a 6-speed automatic and manual while the MG uses a CVT and a 6-speed manual. It is also to be noted that the Scorpio is a ladder frame rear-wheel drive SUV with an active AWD option making it the choice for tough trails while the Hector Plus is more of a soft-roader with a monocoque chassis that is engineered more for road use.
MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Features & Comfort
Features | MG Hector | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
Infotainment system | 15-inch touchscreen unit | 8-inch touchscreen system |
Music system | Yes | Yes |
Climate control | Yes | Yes |
Ventilated seats | Yes | Yes |
Adjustable steering | Yes | Yes |
Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
Instrument cluster | Digital | Digital |
Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic |
Adjustable seats (manual or electric) | Electric | Electric |
Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
60:40 rear seat split | Yes | Yes |
Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
The Scorpio-N and the Hector Plus cover all the basics and offer features such as cruise control, a digital cluster, climate control, ventilated seats, a panoramic roof, and a powerful music system. In terms of infotainment options, the MG has the edge here as it offers a massive 15-inch touchscreen unit in contrast to the Mahindra Scorpio-N’s 8-inch unit. Both SUVs also come with 6 or 7-seat configurations for added practicality. Some key highlights of the Scorpio are the Sony music system, AdrenoX-connected car technology, and dual-zone climate control. Some highlights of the MG Hector Plus are the Bluetooth key and the driver assistance tech on board.
MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Safety Features
Features | MG Hector | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
NCAP Safety Rating | NA | 5 Star |
Airbags | 6 | 6 |
ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
ESC | Yes | Yes |
Traction control | Yes | Yes |
Automatic headlamp | Yes | Yes |
Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes |
Hill hold assist | Yes | Yes |
Hill descent control | Yes | Yes |
Rear sensors | Yes | Yes |
Rear parking camera | Yes | Yes |
ISOFIX Child seat anchor points | Yes | Yes |
ADAS | Yes | No |
In terms of safety features on offer, although both SUVs offer an equal amount of features, the Scorpio-N has to be the clear winner as it has been tested by Global NCAP with a full 5-star rating. The MG Hector Plus is yet to be tested and so it takes the second-best seat available here. Both SUVs offer all the safety tech such as 6 airbags, hill hold and descent control, traction control, ESP, etc. That said, the MG gains back some ground by offering a full ADAS suite and a host of driver assistance systems that the Scorpio-N lacks. So if you prefer the added safety net offered by ADAS, the MG Hector is the pick here.
MG Hector Plus vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Price Comparison
Variants | MG Hector Plus | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
Base Variants | Rs 17.05 lakh | Rs 13.05 lakh |
Mid Variants | Rs 20.05 lakh | Rs 16.06 lakh |
Upper Mid Variants | Rs 21.38 lakh | Rs 21.77 lakh |
Top Variants | Rs 22.79 lakh | Rs 24.52 lakh |
This is where things get really interesting in this comparison. The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the most expensive SUV here with a price tag of Rs. 24.52 lakh as opposed to Rs. 22.79 of the MG Hector Plus. However, Mahindra has kept the base price of the Scorpio-N so low that it undercuts the MG by a clean Rs 4 lakh. The Scorpio is offered with a diesel engine in a lower state of tune and hence Mahindra is able to price the entry-level variants aggressively. However, in terms of the range-topping and upper-mid variants, both SUVs come at a more similar price although the fully-loaded variants of the Scorpio-N are on the expensive side. Overall, since the Mahindra Scorpio-N offers a wide range for different budgets that cater to more buyers, it is our preference here.
Summary
There’s a lot going on for these two XL-sized SUVs. In terms of sheer size and road presence, the Scorpio-N takes the lead as the numbers don’t lie. In terms of engine and gearbox options, the SUVs are closer, and the Scorpio again takes charge when it comes to petrol engine options with better output figures. It is also the choice here if you want a rugged SUV with rough road ability. As for the tech and features on board, the MG has an upper hand with an immense screen and a whole host of ADAS tech.
The Scorpio-N redeems itself with a 5-star GNCAP rating and a much lower starting price making it more affordable here. Both these SUVs offer something truly worth considering, but the Mahindra Scorpio-N seems to fit inside the umbrella of a lot more buyers, giving it a certain edge on this comparison. That said, the MG Hector Plus is ideal for the tech-savvy buyer who prioritizes more on the overall experience and the features on board. In the end, it comes down to what you’re searching for in your next SUV and these two are the most popular SUVs in India today and two big names that represent their respective brands.
