Three years back, Mahindra launched the Mahindra Scorpio Classic on August 19, 2022. Since then, this car has been known for its timeless appeal and commanding road presence, carrying its legacy as the most rugged, dependable, & reputed among the SUV category.
Fast forward to 2025, the SUV market is driven more by tech-loaded features and high in-car connectivity. Yet the Scorpio Classic delivers what it is best known for – raw power, ruggedness, and durability, something the non-fancy tech buyers look for.
Still, a big question remains: Is the Mahindra Scorpio Classic still worth buying in 2025? This is a question that many buyers have thought about & the new GST implementation has brought new crisp aspects for this car. Let’s take a look at the features, performance, and real-world reviews to find out whether this old-school toughness still matters for Indian-middle class buyers.
A Quick Throwback: Why the Mahindra Scorpio Classic Exists
To grasp the existence of the Scorpio Classic; let’s go back to 2002 when Mahindra brought the original Scorpio to Indian SUV territory and took the plunge into the SUV segment. The original Scorpio was the foundation of Mahindra’s SUV range, it has been a benchmark for power, presence and trustworthiness over the years.
Before the launch of the Scorpio Classic, Mahindra launched the Scorpio N in July 2022, and people assumed the retirement of the older Scorpio. But Mahindra came up with something different. The company updated it with design and mechanical changes and called it Scorpio Classic.
Mahindra made an excellent strategic decision to entice and retain buyers who had a loyalty to the traditional, body-on-frame SUV feel, and not a premium SUV packed with technology.
2022 Features Recap – What Makes It ‘Classic’ Yet Modern
Now, let’s take a look at the key features of Scorpio Classic and review how Mahindra was able to coalesce its old-school DNA while refining it in 2022.
Performance & Engine: Power Meets Efficiency
It is powered by the Gen-2 2.2L mHawk diesel, 2184cc, 4-cylinder engine that delivers 131 bhp & 300 Nm of Torque. It came with a 6-speed manual transmission and a Rear-wheel drive option.
It has a fuel tank capacity of 60 litres with a mileage of 14.44-16.46 km/l (ARAI Certified), practical for long-distance travelling.
Design & Styling: Rugged With Fresh Identity
Mahindra has successfully updated its look without compromising on the commanding presence that was most loved. The cabin offers either a 7 or 9-passenger seating capacity coupled with 460L of boot space that offers suitability for getting people out for family outings and outdoor exploration.
The Boxy Silhouette design persists externally, giving it a Signature SUV identity while still incorporating projector headlamps, LED eyebrow DRLs, vertical LED tail lamps, and diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels to portray its muscular stance.
In the interiors, Mahindra has made subtle but impactful improvements. A 9-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, accompanied by automatic climate control, cruise control, and a height-adjustable driver seat, and many other basic features, making everyday driving comfortable.
Safety & New GST Price
Safety features include, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, and camera set-up. Compared to the Scorpio N, the Scorpio Classic does not have the 5-star Global NCAP. The updated MTV-CL suspension, and of course, the hydraulic clutch help for smoother handling
The new GST reform has made SUVs more price-competitive for the sellers and easier for the buyers to purchase their new car. The removal of the previous compensation cess, total taxes on SUVs dropped from 48% to 40% which also reduces the Scorpio Classic’s ex-showroom prices by Rs 79,000-1.01 lakh across variants. The current price for the base S variants stands at Rs 12.98 lakh and Rs 17.42 lakh for the top S11 model.
The Verdict – Is the Scorpio Classic Still Worth It in 2025?
Even after so many years, the Mahindra Scorpio Classic serves as a legendary road presence. Its reliability and ruggedness, accompanied by the powerful mHawk engine, make it one of those SUVs that still feel authentic in a world that focuses more on technology and convenience.
Undoubtedly, it lacks a few modern touches – no Automatic or AWD options and Advanced tech features. But honestly, that’s not what Scorpio buyers want. They seek something both durable, performance-filled and that embodies the true SUV nature.
For those looking for a useful, classic SUV without compromising on resale value, the Scorpio Classic still ticks the box. However, for buyers who want modern technology and luxury, you may want to search for a different option.