Mahindra has finally unveiled its much-awaited lifestyle pickup truck in India, and it is called the Scorpio Lifestyler. It is based on the Scorpio-N’s body-on-frame platform. This new pickup will target buyers who want the practicality of a large cargo bed but do not want to compromise on premium features and everyday usability. Now, as we all know, currently the most popular vehicle in this segment is the Toyota Hilux. So, a lot of people are wondering how the Scorpio Lifestyler will stack up against the Hilux. So, if you are also someone who is wondering the same, then here is a detailed comparison of the two, based on what we know so far.
First off, let’s start with the most important thing when it comes to the success of any vehicle in India, and that is pricing. Mahindra has confirmed that the Scorpio Lifestyler will be priced below Rs 19.79 lakh. Meanwhile, the Toyota Hilux, which has been recently given a generation change, currently starts at Rs 31.99 lakh and goes up to Rs 36.69 lakh (ex-showroom). So, in terms of the pricing, the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler will undercut the Hilux by a huge margin.
Starting with the design, both the Scorpio Lifestyler and Toyota Hilux have been designed to look rugged and imposing. However, when it comes to their approaches, they are quite different. The Scorpio Lifestyler gets squared-off LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. It also gets a massive chrome-studded grille and a chunky front bumper with vertically positioned LED fog lamps. The Mahindra pickup also gets a prominent skid plate, roof rails and an aggressive stance.
The Toyota Hilux, on the other hand, features a much slimmer set of LED headlamps, a large honeycomb-pattern grille with Toyota lettering and a sculpted bumper with silver elements. From the side, both pickups get a dual-cab layout, large cargo beds and all-terrain tyres. However, the Lifestyler gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, and the Hilux is offered with 17-inch wheels.
As for the rear-end design comparison, both models get C-shaped LED tail-lamps and large brand lettering on the tailgate. Overall, the Hilux has a more traditional pickup design. Meanwhile, the Scorpio Lifestyler looks more modern and aggressive.
On the inside, the Scorpio Lifestyler seems to have a clear advantage. It gets a completely new dashboard with a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and a new four-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls. The cabin also gets gloss-black and silver accents, which give it a more premium appearance.
The Hilux, on the other hand, has improved a lot from before. However, it has continued to take a rugged and functional approach. The new Hilux features a large 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a newly designed steering wheel and a simple dashboard layout.
Mahindra, although it has not shown the interior during the unveiling, has shown the renderings of the interior, and the Scorpio Lifestyler will get a much more premium and feature-loaded cabin. It will include features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital driver’s display, wireless charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, premium audio system, a single-pane sunroof and an auto-dimming IRVM.
The Toyota Hilux, on the other hand, gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also gets wireless charging, height-adjustable front seats, a 7-inch digital driver’s display and an 8-speaker audio system. It does not come offered with dual-zone automatic climate control, rear AC vents and defogger and a few other features which the Scorpio Lifestyler is being offered with.
The Scorpio Lifestyler is expected to offer Level-2 ADAS, six airbags, electronic stability control, TPMS, hill hold assist, front and rear parking sensors and a 540-degree camera system. This will make it a highly technology-focused and safe pickup.
The Toyota Hilux is being offered with seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and a rear parking camera.
The Scorpio Lifestyler will likely use Mahindra’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engines. Mahindra hasn’t revealed the engine specifications yet.
That said, the petrol engine is likely to make around 203 PS and up to 380 Nm. Meanwhile, the diesel up to 175 PS and 400 Nm. Both engines are expected to get 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options, with 4WD available with the diesel.
As for the Hilux, it gets the bulletproof 2.8-litre diesel engine with mild-hybrid technology, which makes 204 PS and 500 Nm. It comes available with a 6-speed automatic and offers both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. On paper, the Hilux has a clear advantage in torque. And it will help buyers who prioritise towing, heavy-duty use and long-distance off-roading.
The Toyota Hilux makes a lot of sense for buyers who want a proven global pickup, a larger footprint and a torquey 2.8-litre diesel engine. It is the more traditional choice for someone who wants ruggedness, towing capability and the established Toyota pickup reputation.
However, the Scorpio Lifestyler seems to be a much more sensible choice for most buyers. It offers a modern and premium cabin and more technology. It also offers multiple engine options, 4WD capability and an aggressive design. Also, its pricing will be significantly lower than the Hilux. So, if you want a lifestyle pickup that can also work as a daily driver and do not want to spend more than Rs 30 lakh, the Mahindra Scorpio Lifestyler could make much more sense.