Kia Niro vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?

Kia Niro

$28,990 - $54,990

2023 price

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Mahindra Scorpio-N

$48,990 - $48,990

2026 price

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Polestar 2 Long Range

Polestar 2 Standard Range

Summary

2023 Kia Niro

2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

By Emily Agar

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Not Applicable, 0.0L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.2L

Fuel Type

Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

0.0L/100km (combined)

7.2L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Decent driving range
Pleasant interior design
Easy-to-use tech

Capable 4WD
Reasonable on-road
Now it has more safety gear

Dislikes

Rougher ride
Doughy acceleration from a full stop
Expensive compared to rivals

No mechanical changes
It costs more
No ANCAP safety rating

2023 Kia Niro Summary

Kia has released the newly updated Niro, which is the smaller and less sporty sibling to Kia’s popular, EV6. As far as EVs go, it has a decent driving range and specs that should entice first-time electric vehicle owners to dip their toes into the EV pool.

However, the updated model does come with a price hike… which might not excite a budget-conscious buyer, especially with such affordable competitors like the MG ZS EV and Hyundai Kona Electric also available.

I’ve been hanging in it for a week with my family of three to see how it handles!

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2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N Summary

The Mahindra Scorpio is back – but now it has upgraded safety tech (including AEB) and it’s only available in one variant: the Z8L+.

This is a 4WD wagon with a fair bit of appeal: seven seats, a stack of standard features, a low-range transfer case, an automatic rear diff lock and its price-tag – at just under $50 grand – won’t kick you in the space near the pocket where you keep your wallet.

It hasn’t undergone any mechanical changes so is the Scorpio any good off-road?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Kia Niro 2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N

Verdict

The Kia Niro S Electric is a solid little SUV that has decent space inside and some nice specs, but it's more expensive than its nearest rivals. The EV powertrain can take a little getting used to and I would have liked a smoother ride, but the 460km driving range is good.

For first-time EV owners, this wouldn’t be a bad option if you wanted to dip your toes in the water but it will suit urban dwellers and smaller families, like mine, best. This gets a 7.5/10 from me.

My son wasn’t in love with this one. Not enough buttons for him to press and he did comment on how bumpy the ride was in the back. He gives it a 6.0/10.

Verdict

It may seem like I've been harsh on this Mahindra but I reckon the Scorpio Z8L+ is a positive product for the company.

It’s nice enough to drive on-road – reasonably refined and comfortable – and it’s also a capable 4WD, with some trade-offs.

But this seven-seat wagon remains a good value-for-money prospect with the addition of more driver-assist tech onboard boosting its safety and adding to its overall appeal.

Kia Niro vs Mahindra Scorpio-N What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Niro vs Mahindra Scorpio-N
What's the difference?