The Mahindra Scorpio Classic carries forward its well-known boxy silhouette, but with significant design updates that give it a fresher, more modern look. The most notable change is at the front, where the new grille with vertical slats is paired with Mahindra’s new twin peaks logo finished in chrome. The projector headlamps and updated Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) contribute to a more contemporary appearance​.

The side profile remains mostly the same, with the 17-inch alloy wheels now sporting a new design. The door claddings with "Scorpio" lettering and SUV traits like the side-step and roof rails remain intact. The rear continues with the side-opening door, making it practical for loading and unloading, especially in tighter parking spaces. A new tail lamp design features tower-shaped reflectors, adding to its classic appeal

Under the hood, the Scorpio Classic is powered by a 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine, which is a new-generation unit. This engine produces 128 bhp at 2750 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1600 and 2800 rpm​. 

One of the biggest improvements is the availability of a significant portion of this torque from as low as 1000 rpm, ensuring smooth and powerful acceleration, even at lower speeds.

This engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which has been redesigned to offer smoother shifts. While the gearshift can be a bit notchy, the short throws ensure that you don’t spend much time between gears. The engine is also 55 kg lighter than the previous version, which has improved fuel efficiency by approximately 14%

The ride quality of the Scorpio Classic is one of the key improvements over the previous generation. Mahindra has used frequency selective dampers (borrowed from the Scorpio-N) in the suspension setup, which has resulted in a smoother ride, especially over rough terrains. If you’ve driven earlier Scorpios, you’ll notice a significant difference in how the Classic handles bumps and uneven roads​.

In terms of handling, there is a noticeable reduction in body roll, although it hasn’t been eliminated completely. The Scorpio Classic’s high center of gravity and heavy frame still make it prone to some body roll during sharp turns. However, for its size and weight, it handles remarkably well. The steering, however, remains on the heavier side, which might make tight maneuvers in city traffic a bit cumbersome

Inside, the Scorpio Classic offers a fairly comfortable ride, though it remains more utilitarian than luxurious. The cabin has been updated with a beige theme, replacing the darker tones of the earlier models, and the seats come with fabric upholstery. While the seats are well-padded, the overall design of the cabin prioritizes durability over high-end materials​.

The driver’s seat is height adjustable, but space between the seat and the door is minimal, meaning you have to open the door to adjust it properly. In the second row, you can choose between captain seats or a bench seat, depending on the variant.

 The third-row seating is less spacious, especially if you choose the front-facing configuration, as the second row doesn’t slide forward to provide extra room. However, for larger families, the 9-seater version with side-facing seats remains available​