Mahindra Scorpio N vs Toyota Prado
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mahindra Scorpio N
From $48,990
SUV
2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel
129kW
7.2 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
460L
Toyota Prado
From $72,500
SUV
2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active
150kW
10.6 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
390L
Price Breakdown
The Mahindra Scorpio N starts from $48,990 before on-road costs, while the Toyota Prado opens at $72,500. That makes the Mahindra Scorpio N the more affordable entry point by $23,510.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $53,889 and $79,750 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mahindra Scorpio N by roughly $4,845 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mahindra Scorpio N features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Prado gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra Scorpio N stands out with wireless charging and Sony audio that you will not find on the Toyota Prado. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mahindra Scorpio N gets leatherette upholstery while the Toyota Prado offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra Scorpio N uses a 2.2L mHawk Turbo Diesel producing 129kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Toyota Prado responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel 48V V-Active making 150kW and 500Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds.
The Toyota Prado has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 129kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mahindra Scorpio N measures 4,662mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 328mm shorter than the Toyota Prado at 4,990mm (2,850mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota Prado generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 460L in the Mahindra Scorpio N and 390L in the Toyota Prado, giving the Mahindra Scorpio N a 70L advantage. The Mahindra Scorpio N seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Toyota Prado leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 1,000kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.8m diameter
Average
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,052/year for the Mahindra Scorpio N and $3,021/year for the Toyota Prado. That is a $969 annual difference in favour of the Mahindra Scorpio N.
Estimated annual total: $2,052 (Mahindra Scorpio N) vs $3,021 (Toyota Prado). The Mahindra Scorpio N saves you roughly $969 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio N) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Prado). The Mahindra Scorpio N has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio N if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Prado if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mahindra Scorpio N takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mahindra Scorpio N will save you roughly $969 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Mahindra Scorpio N has a clear edge. The Mahindra Scorpio N adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mahindra Scorpio N and Toyota Prado?
The Mahindra Scorpio N is the cheapest at $48,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Toyota Prado by $23,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mahindra Scorpio N uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Toyota Prado has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the largest boot at 460L.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota Prado has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mahindra Scorpio N has the longest warranty at 7 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota Prado makes the most power at 150kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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