Mahindra Scorpio vs Renault Arkana
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.
Price Breakdown
The Mahindra Scorpio starts from $39,990 before on-road costs, while the Renault Arkana opens at $39,990. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.
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 $43,989 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $4,135 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
Both come with modern infotainment systems. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mahindra Scorpio stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Renault Arkana. The Renault Arkana counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mahindra Scorpio lines up producing 129kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a 4WD layout.
The Renault Arkana lines up making 105kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Mahindra Scorpio has the clear power advantage at 129kW vs 105kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
For towing, the Mahindra Scorpio leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 1,300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Mahindra Scorpio and $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Mahindra Scorpio) vs $1,482 (Renault Arkana). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $827 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 150,000km (Mahindra Scorpio) vs 5 years (Renault Arkana). The Mahindra Scorpio has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mahindra Scorpio if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mahindra's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mahindra Scorpio takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $827 a year in fuel. The Mahindra Scorpio 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.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (18 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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 18 April 2026
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