- SUVs like Scorpio-N, Safari, and Fortuner struggled on a muddy incline in Manjhawli video
- Lighter vehicles such as Maruti Ertiga and e-rickshaw climbed the slope more easily
- Weight, tyre type, and power-to-weight ratio affected SUV traction on slippery mud
SUVs are in great demand in the Indian market, and the popular once are Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, Toyota Fortuner. Thanks for its comfortable seating offering, higher ground clearance, and off-road capability. However, SUVs aren't always smart enough to help you get out of mud, and a viral Instagram video proves that.
The video shared by Instagram user alkesh_choudhary0, reportedly filmed in Manjhawli, shows a bunch of popular SUVs struggling to climb a wet, muddy incline. In the video we see SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari and Fortuner struggling on muddy climb, while Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and an e-rickshaw succeed easily. The video has sparked conversation, with many questioning how heavy SUVs like the Scorpio-N, Safari, and Fortuner failed while smaller, less powerful vehicles succeeded.
Why The SUVs Struggled
Muddy terrain is one of the toughest challenges for any vehicle. And when it comes to capable SUVs such as the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Toyota Fortuner, and Tata Safari. Once the surface is wet, the tyres lose their grip very easily and start spinning instead of going forward. In those instances, factors such as tire condition, tread pattern, weight distribution, and traction are more important than pure horsepower.
The SUVs in the video are powerful vehicles, but they also weigh a lot more. Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, and Toyota Fortuner SUVs weigh a lot more than a Maruti Suzuki Ertiga or an electric rickshaw. The added weight can work against them on slick mud, with the tyres going deeper and struggling to find grip. The Grand Vitara, despite being lighter than some ladder-frame SUVs, appeared to struggle a bit due to the slippery conditions.
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Power-to-weight ratio also plays a major role here. A lighter vehicle like the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga requires less effort to climb hills than heavier SUVs like the Scorpio-N or Fortuner. The Ertiga and electric rickshaw likely benefited from their lower weight and smoother throttle delivery. In many cases, lighter vehicles can maintain momentum better on muddy inclines.
Tyres, Traction, and Driver Skill Matter
Another important factor is tyres. Highway-focused tyres usually struggle in mud because they are designed more for comfort and road grip. Off-road or all-terrain tyres offer better traction on slippery surfaces. Also, momentum matters a lot here. Once a vehicle like the Tata Safari or Mahindra Scorpio-N slows down or stops midway, getting going again becomes very difficult.
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Driver inputs also make a huge difference. Sudden acceleration often causes wheelspin, which was visible in the Mahindra Scorpio-N and Toyota Fortuner in the video, while controlled throttle and steady momentum help vehicles climb difficult sections more effectively.
How To Tackle Muddy Roads
Drivers should avoid hard acceleration on muddy roads. Lower tyre pressure slightly for better grip, maintain steady momentum, and use appropriate drive modes if available. Vehicles like the Mahindra Scorpio-N and Toyota Fortuner also offer terrain modes that can help in such situations if used correctly. Keeping a safe line and avoiding deep ruts can also improve traction.
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The Mahindra Scorpio-N, Tata Safari, Toyota Fortuner, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara are all capable SUVs in their own way. However, this viral video shows that on muddy terrain, traction, tyres, momentum, and driver skill can matter even more than size or power figures.