There is a growing trend in India’s SUV market, with buyers looking for cars that offer power, style, safety, and modern features. Two popular options from Mahindra & Mahindra are the Mahindra Thar and the Mahindra Scorpio-N.
While the former offers adventure and toughness, the latter focuses on safety and family-oriented comfort. However, both focus strongly on occupant safety in their respective segments. Read more to know the safety scores and safety features offered by both of these cars.
Mahindra Thar vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Safety Rating Comparison
The safety rating is one of the most important factors, offering valuable insights into how efficiently a vehicle can safeguard its passengers from injuries in accidents. The Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) normally conducts crash tests on vehicles, which generate safety ratings for the cars.
Here is the comparison of adult and child safety ratings between these two cars:
| Aspects | Mahindra Thar | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
| Adult Occupant Protection Rating | The Mahindra Thar received a 4-star rating from Global NCAP, with a score of 12.52/17, boasting a consistent body structure and strong safety features for the head, neck, and knees. The improved Thar Roxx variant earned a 5-star BNCAP rating, achieving 31.09/32, underscoring its superior crash safety. | This Mahindra Scorpio-N received a 5-star rating, scoring 29.25 out of 34, due to its robust structure. It ensures excellent head and neck protection for both the passenger and the driver, although the basic versions lack features such as ESC and side curtain airbags. |
| Child Occupant Protection Rating | The Mahindra Thar received a 4-star rating with a total score of 41.11/49. It is supported by the presence of ISOFIX anchorages, good CRS anchorage, and excellent head protection for dummy children in crash tests. | Mahindra Scorpio-N earned only three stars in the rating, with a score of 28.93 out of 49. Despite the ISOFIX child restraint anchorages, the score suggests potential improvements in child safety. |
| GNCAP/BNCAP Report | The Mahindra Thar obtained 12.52/17 (adults) and 41.11/49 (children) ratings in the Global NCAP assessment. The new Thar Roxx variant also earned a 5-star BNCAP rating with 31.09/32 for adult protection. | The Mahindra Scorpio-N car was evaluated by Global NCAP in 2022. It obtained 29.25/34 in adult testing (5 stars) and 28.93/49 in child testing (3 stars). |
Mahindra Thar vs Mahindra Scorpio-N: Safety Features Comparison
Both the Mahindra Thar and Mahindra Scorpio-N come equipped with a range of safety features that ensure passenger safety in various driving conditions.
While many common safety components are shared between the SUVs, each vehicle brings its own strengths to its respective variant. Below is a comparison of safety components found in both cars:
| Safety Features | Mahindra Thar | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
| Platform and Build | Built with a strong body structure, reinforced roll cage, and designed for off-road durability and rollover protection. | Robust SUV design with strong structural integrity and reinforced body for enhanced crash protection. |
| Airbags | Dual front airbags standard; up to 6 airbags available in higher variants (including curtain airbags). | Dual front airbags standard; up to 6 airbags in higher variants for enhanced occupant protection. |
| ABS with EBD | Standard across all variants to prevent wheel lock and ensure balanced braking. | Standard ABS with EBD for improved braking stability and control. |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC/ESP) | The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard provides better control during sudden manoeuvres. | Not explicitly mentioned, but overall stability is supported through braking and structural design. |
| Brake Assist | Not specifically mentioned. | Not specifically mentioned. |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | Standard ISOFIX anchors for secure child seat installation. | ISOFIX anchors are available for safe and stable child seat placement. |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | Optional in base variant; standard in higher variants. | Available with alerts for low tyre pressure to prevent risks. |
| Hill Assist / Hill Hold | Hill Hold Control standard for easier uphill driving. | Hill Hold Assist prevents rollback on inclines. |
| Hill Descent Control | Standard for controlled downhill driving, especially off-road. | Not mentioned. |
| 360-Degree Camera | Not mentioned. | Not mentioned. |
| Rear Parking Camera | Available in higher variants for safer reversing. | Not mentioned. |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | Not mentioned. | Not mentioned. |
| Seatbelt Safety | Three-point seat belts and a reinforced roll cage for added safety. | The seat belt warning system ensures occupants are properly secured. |
| Additional Alerts | ADAS features in higher variants like Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). | Overspeed warning, seat belt alerts, and an automatic door lock at high speeds. |
| Child Safety | ISOFIX anchors, strong CRS installation support, and enhanced child protection features. | ISOFIX anchors and improved child seat stability, though scope for further enhancement remains. |
Summary
Both the Mahindra Thar and the Mahindra Scorpio-N provide safety and security, with each being better suited to specific types of driving. These two SUVs have all the important safety features, such as airbags, ABS, EBD, and ISOFIX mounting points, to ensure occupant safety.
The Scorpio-N scores higher thanks to its improved adult occupant safety and safety-related alerts, making it preferable for use in families. The Thar has an advantage due to its off-road-focused construction, a roll cage, and advanced safety features in some variants, including ADAS technology.
If you prefer high crash test scores and usability, then it would be advisable to purchase the Scorpio-N. Conversely, where the priority is performance alongside the latest advances in safety technology, the Thar should be the vehicle of choice.
Also Read:
Mahindra Scorpio-N vs Mahindra XUV700: Safety Rating Comparison
Top Safest Cars in India: Best NCAP Ratings for Protection
Complete Guide to Buying a Mahindra Scorpio N
FAQs about Mahindra Thar vs Mahindra Scorpio-N Safety Comparison
Q. Which SUV has better safety features, the Mahindra Thar or the Mahindra Scorpio-N?
Both Mahindra SUV models boast safety, and yet each excels in slightly different areas. The Scorpio-N is better because of its perfect adult occupant safety score and strong overall crash-test results, thanks to its robust build and reliable passenger safety features.
Meanwhile, the Thar also offers great safety and has improved its safety performance in recent generations and with new technologies.Q. Are the Mahindra Thar safety features modern?
Yes, the Thar has evolved significantly in terms of safety, and now even its base variants are equipped with ABS, EBD, and ESP. In addition, the higher variants have even better equipment, including six airbags, ADAS, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Departure Warning systems.
Q. Is the Mahindra Scorpio-N safe for children?
Yes, the Scorpio-N is a good car for travelling with children since it offers dual airbags (even up to six airbags in some variants), child safety locks, ISOFIX mount points, seatbelt reminders, overspeed alert, hill hold assist, and automatic door locking function at higher speeds to ensure passenger safety.
Q. What is the difference between the safety features of both SUVs?
Both models have many similar safety features, such as ISOFIX mount points. However, the Thar has received a better child occupant safety rating due to its stronger crash test results and compatibility with child seat restraints, while the Scorpio-N still has certain drawbacks in child safety.
Q. Which vehicle is better off-road: Mahindra Thar or Mahindra Scorpio-N?
The Mahindra Thar is superior off-road thanks to its tougher body and better safety features, which are advantageous when off-roading. These elements provide greater stability and protection during off-road adventures, making the Thar a more suitable choice for challenging driving conditions than the Scorpio-N.
