When choosing between Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo, many people get confused. Both vehicles are strong, reliable, and popular in India. They are made for rough roads, long drives, and daily use. However, they are not the same.
The Bolero is a traditional SUV known for its tough body and long-lasting engine. On the other hand, the Bolero Neo is a modern version with more features and a smoother drive.
If you are thinking about buying one of these SUVs, this guide will help you. We will compare them based on design, features, performance, comfort, and price.
Let’s find out which one suits you better.
Mahindra Bolero vs. Bolero Neo – Specification Comparison Table
| Specification | Mahindra Bolero | Mahindra Bolero Neo |
| Engine Type | mHawk75 BSVI | mHawk100 1493 cc BSVI |
| Maximum Power | 55.9 kW (75 bhp) @ 3600 rpm | 73.5 kW (100 bhp) @ 3750 rpm |
| Maximum Torque | 210 Nm @ 1600-2200 rpm | 260 Nm @ 1750-2250 rpm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 Liters | 50 Liters |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual | 5-speed Manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Mileage (km/l) | 16-17 km/l | 14-16 km/l |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| L x W x H (mm) | 3995 x 1745 x 1880 | 3995 x 1795 x 1817 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 (Side-facing 3rd row) | 7 (Front-facing 3rd row) |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum |
| Tyre Size | 215/75 R15 | 215/75 R15 |
| Infotainment System | Basic (No touchscreen) | 22.8 cm Touchscreen |
| Power Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Airbags | Driver & Passenger | Driver & Passenger |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Reverse Parking Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Corner Braking Control | No | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts | No | Yes |
| Cruise Control | No | Yes |
| Multi-Terrain Technology (MTT) | No | Yes (in N10 (O) variant) |
| Price Range (₹ Lakhs) | ₹9.79L – ₹10.91L | ₹9.95L – ₹12.15L |
Design & Looks
The Mahindra Bolero has a very rugged, boxy design that looks tough and durable. It is well-suited for rural areas and rough roads. The Bolero has a basic front grille and square headlights. It comes in simple colours like white, silver, and brown.
In contrast, the Bolero Neo has a more modern and stylish look. It has sleeker headlights, a bolder front grille, and a sportier stance compared to the Bolero. The Neo has more curved and streamlined styling that gives it the appearance of an urban SUV. It also comes in more premium exterior colour options.
Engine & Performance
All Bolero variants are powered by a 75hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine that produces good low-end torque. This allows it to perform well on hilly roads and rural areas. It comes with a basic 5-speed manual transmission and delivers good fuel efficiency. However, it lacks top-end power.
The Bolero Neo features a more powerful 1.5-litre, 100hp diesel engine. The increased horsepower and torque levels give it better driveability. Its engine feels more refined and suited for both city commutes and highway cruising. It comes with the same 5-speed manual gearbox as the Bolero.
Overall, the Bolero’s engine offers adequate power for rural areas at good fuel efficiency. The Bolero Neo offers 25% more power and torque, resulting in better performance across driving conditions. Its engine also feels smoother. Thus, if basic capability is needed, the Bolero serves the purpose. But for those wanting more power and better driveability, the Bolero Neo is the better choice.
Comfort & Interiors
The Bolero has a very basic and functional interior focused on simplicity and ease of use. The seats are flat and vinyl-covered for easy cleaning. It lacks many comfort or technology features. There is a basic manual air conditioning system and a simple music player. Controls and the instrument cluster are no-frills.
In contrast, the Bolero Neo has a more premium cabin with better comfort and features. The seats get fabric upholstery and are more supportive. It gets a modern dashboard with a digital instrument cluster and a 22.8 cm touchscreen infotainment. Comfort features like power windows, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, and remote keyless entry are included. It also has automatic climate control.
Overall, the Bolero focuses on a straightforward and practical interior design suited for rugged use. The Bolero Neo offers much better comfort through its seats, automatic climate control, and infotainment. It caters more to buyers looking for good features and comfort rather than utility. Thus, buyers prioritising simplicity would find the Bolero’s cabin adequate, while those wanting more features would prefer the Neo.
Safety Features
The Mahindra Bolero has basic safety features like ABS and EBD. It also has driver and passenger airbags, seat belt reminders, and reverse parking sensors. However, it lacks more advanced electronic safety systems.
The Bolero Neo offers more safety equipment. Key additions are corner braking control for additional braking stability, ISOFIX child seat anchors, and reverse parking assist for easier parking. Like the Bolero, it continues to feature dual front airbags, ABS, and EBD.
While both SUVs have fundamental safety features, the Bolero Neo adds important extras like electronic stability programs, parking assist, and child seat mounting points. So buyers looking for maximum safety in the segment will find the Bolero Neo better equipped and a safer SUV overall. The Bolero, however, still gets safety basics like airbags and ABS right.
Mileage & Fuel Efficiency
The Bolero delivers slightly better fuel efficiency, with mileage in the range of 16-17 km/litre. It has a larger 60-litre fuel tank capacity, which also gives it a longer range between refills. Mileage is better, especially on highways.
However, the Bolero Neo offers a more powerful engine for better driveability and performance. But this results in slightly lower mileage, between 14-16 km/litre. It has a 50-litre fuel tank. The drop in efficiency is the trade-off for getting an engine with more power and refinement.
In short, the Bolero is the practical choice for buyers prioritising better fuel economy and range between refills. But the Bolero Neo appeals to buyers looking for better performance and driving comfort despite losing out a little on mileage. So buyers needing to frequently drive long distances should consider the Bolero for its extra efficiency.
Price & Value for Money
The Bolero is the more affordable choice, with ex-showroom prices ranging between ₹9.79 and 10.91 lakhs. It is a basic, no-frills SUV catering to buyers looking for utility on a tight budget. Thanks to its popularity and lower running costs, it also commands higher resale values.
On the other hand, the Bolero Neo is priced between ₹ 9.95 and 12.15 lakhs. The additional cost is justified by more features, better interiors, a more powerful engine, and an overall premium vehicle compared to the regular Bolero. So buyers get better modern creature comforts for the price.
So, budget-conscious buyers who want a simple, rugged, and low-cost SUV can opt for the Bolero. But those willing to spend a little more for added power, comfort and features can get better value from the Bolero Neo. Both vehicles deliver good value, each catering to different priorities.
Conclusion
Both Mahindra Bolero and Bolero Neo are great SUVs, but they are made for different types of buyers. Bolero is typically tough, durable, and simple, while Bolero Neo is generally modern, stylish, and comfortable.
If you want ruggedness and reliability, go for Bolero. If you want modern features and better comfort, choose Bolero Neo.
Make your decision based on your needs, driving conditions, and budget.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.