When Mahindra launched the Scorpio-N, it was positioned as a modern, powerful, and feature-loaded SUV that blends rugged capability with urban sophistication. And to a large extent, it delivers—bold styling, impressive road presence, a strong engine lineup, and an improved cabin experience compared to its predecessor. But as buyers start living with the vehicle, certain omissions begin to stand out. One such glaring oversight is the lack of air conditioning vents and a charging socket in the third row.
Carwale
AC Vents: A Basic Necessity in a Three-Row SUV
For a vehicle that’s pitched as a premium, family-friendly SUV, not offering dedicated AC vents in the third row is a big miss. India’s climate is no joke. In peak summers, temperatures in many regions soar well above 40°C, and without proper ventilation or airflow, the third-row becomes more of a punishment box than a place for passengers.
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While the front and second-row occupants enjoy decent cooling, third-row passengers are left hoping that the airflow from the front or second row is enough to keep them comfortable—which, realistically, it isn’t.
Whether you’re using the third row for kids, elders, or even adults on a road trip, the absence of AC vents becomes a noticeable flaw, especially on long journeys.
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No Charging Socket in the Third Row? That’s a Dealbreaker for Some
In today’s tech-driven world, where every passenger has at least one device that needs charging—be it a phone, tablet, or gaming device—the lack of a charging socket in the third row is another questionable design choice.
The Scorpio-N does offer USB ports in the front and middle rows, but why stop there? Passengers in the third row are effectively cut off from a basic utility that has become an expectation in cars even a segment below.
This might seem minor on paper, but in real-world usage, it creates inconvenience, especially for larger families or road-trippers who plan to use the third row regularly.
Who Is the Third Row Really For, Then?
With no AC vents and no charging point, one has to wonder—is the third row just a formality in the Scorpio-N? Is it designed more for occasional use than for regular occupancy?
If that’s the case, Mahindra should make it clear. Because from a buyer’s perspective, a three-row SUV should be comfortable and practical across all seating positions. Skimping on comfort for the third-row occupants undercuts the vehicle’s family-oriented appeal.
A Case of Cost Cutting or Oversight?
Whether this omission is due to cost-cutting, packaging constraints, or a simple oversight, it does leave a dent in the Scorpio-N’s otherwise solid feature list.
It’s worth noting that several competitors in a similar or even slightly lower price bracket offer rear AC vents and USB ports for all rows. If Mahindra wants to keep the Scorpio-N competitive and truly versatile, addressing this in future updates or variants would be a smart move.
Final Thoughts
The Mahindra Scorpio-N scores high on many fronts—style, performance, and presence. But in a market where comfort and convenience are just as important as power, skipping basic third-row features like AC vents and charging sockets feels like a letdown.
For families considering the Scorpio-N as a long-distance, 7-seater SUV, these are practical concerns—not just spec sheet nitpicks. Hopefully, Mahindra listens to customer feedback and brings improvements in future iterations.