VS
At a Glance
Power
129 kW
96 kW
Torque
400 Nm
230 Nm
Fuel
—
5.7 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1500 Kg
Engine
2179 cc
1199 cc
Choosing between the Mahindra Scorpio-N and the Renault Duster is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mahindra Scorpio-N delivers 129 kW while the Renault Duster produces 96 kW. Pricing starts at R489 999 for the Scorpio-N and R549 999 for the Duster. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
129 kW
96 kW
Torque
400 Nm
230 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2179 cc
1199 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
3
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
manual
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
rear
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
—
5.7 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
57 l
50 l
CO2 Emissions
174 g/km
129 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4662 mm
4343 mm
Width
1918 mm
1921-2069 mm
Height
1899 mm
1661 mm
Wheelbase
2750 mm
2658 mm
Ground Clearance
—
217 mm
Kerb Weight
2110 Kg
1495 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
7
5
Load Volume
—
444 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
150000 Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
3
Service Plan Distance
110000
45000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mahindra Scorpio-N
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Scorpio-N
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Scorpio-N
Practicality
Scorpio-N
Pros & Cons
Mahindra Scorpio-N
More powerful engine (129 kW)
Lower starting price (R489 999)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Renault Duster
Well-rounded specification
Less power than rival (96 kW vs 129 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the Scorpio-N or Duster?
The Scorpio-N produces 129 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Duster delivers 96 kW and 230 Nm of torque. The Scorpio-N is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Scorpio-N and Duster?
The Scorpio-N starts from R489 999 and the Duster from R549 999. The Scorpio-N is cheaper by R60 000 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Scorpio-N or Duster?
The Scorpio-N has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the Duster can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Scorpio-N or the Duster?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.