Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara All-Grip vs Scorpio-N’s 4XPLOR: Explained – Times of India

On July 21, Mahindra announced prices for the automatic and 4WD Scorpio-N variants, with the latter featuring the company’s 4XPLOR off-road system. While the 4XPLOR Rs 2.45 lakh add-on will be available in select trims of the Scorpio-N, a few days back, another AWD SUV was unveiled by Maruti Suzuki, in the form of a stronger 2022 Grand Vitara. and mild hybrids. Naturally, a debate has raged as to which one will be the highest priced AWD SUV between the Scorpio-N and the Grand Vitara and which one is more suitable for the conditions. Here is a simple explanation.

Grand Vitara All-Grip AWD System:
Maruti Suzuki’s All-Grip AWD system has already been proven in the international markets on several other Suzuki platforms such as Jimny, S-Cross and even Swift. The all-grip system offers four drive modes called Auto, Sport, Snow and Lock. Unlike traditional AWD vehicles that allocate torque after detecting wheel slippage, the All-Grip system anticipates slippage based on road surface, throttle position, steering angle and many other variables. That way, it can allocate torque to the rear wheels even before any slippage occurs.
It also has a 3-stage ESP with different configurations depending on the drive mode selected. In Sport mode, ESP turns off the traction control for a more immersive driving experience. In snow mode, traction control is clicked to maximum to provide the most stability and in lock mode, ESP uses the traction control system to apply brakes to individual wheels that lose traction and those with grip. Prioritize torque over the wheels.

Scorpio-N’s 4XPLOR System:
Unlike Suzuki’s tried and tested all-grip system with a legacy, Mahindra’s 4XPLOR AWD system is making its debut with the 2022 Scorpio-N. In a first for Mahindra, the 4XPLOR will offer various terrain modes namely Rock, Sand, Mud and Snow. The Scorpio-N’s 4XPLOR system also offers shift-on-fly convenience with low- and high-range gearboxes, which enables Mahindra to do some serious off-roading. To sweeten the package, the Scorpio-N also gets a five-link rear suspension installed with Watt’s linkage that prevents lateral movement. It is also based on a traditional ladder-on-frame construction that allows for better tractability off-road.
The Grand Vitara is a compact SUV and is the first in the segment to offer AWD, along with the Toyota Hider. On the other hand, the Scorpio-N is a big and formidable beast with an aim to compete against the current D-segment SUVs in the Indian market. However, in a price-sensitive market like ours, both are likely to be pitted against each other by customers who are planning to buy an urban SUV with AWD capabilities under Rs 20 lakh.

In short, the Grand Vitara should be more suited for requirements where the driver wants more engagement on the road with better grip. Also, the AWD system will ensure that the vehicle can do light off-roading with ease. To give this perspective, your Leh-Ladakh trip should be easily doable Grand Vitara AWD,
Mahindra Scorpio-NOn the other hand, ladder frame construction and heavy weight and large dimensions will provide a less maneuverable feel on the road. However, the SUV will excel in tough off-road conditions.

Let us know your thoughts about the Grand Vitara’s All-Grip and Mahindra Scorpio-N’s 4XPLOR system in the comments below. which would you prefer?