Clash Of Segments: Tata Harrier Vs Hyundai Creta - Which Car To Buy?

Can the new Tata Harrier poach buyers from the Creta’s segment with its value-for-money proposition?

The Tata Harrier, which was launched recently, gets an aggressive price tag of Rs 12.69 lakh. This puts it up against a lot of SUVs that are priced above and below it. And one such car is the best-selling compact SUV in the country, the Hyundai Creta. A quick comparison of the two SUVs would suggest that the Harrier is the better SUV of the two thanks to its size and the features it packs. But is that really the case? Let’s find out.

But before starting off the comparison, let’s have a look at the basic differences between the two SUVs.

Dimension Comparison

Engine Comparison

Let’s first take a look at the price of different variants of the Creta and Harrier and see which variants of the two are priced close together.

Disclaimer: We are only picking diesel variants of the Creta as the Harrier is not yet offered with a petrol engine. We will also not be considering the automatic variants of the Creta for this comparison as the Harrier is not offered with an automatic transmission yet. We will be comparing variants that are priced between Rs 50,000 of each other here. By looking at the table above, you can make out that there are two variants of the Creta and Harrier that overlap each other within the set parameters.

Also Read: Tata Harrier First Drive Review

Variant Comparison

Hyundai Creta 1.6 CRDi SX Dual Tone Vs Tata Harrier XM

Common features: ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps, rear wiper and washer, follow-me-home headlamps, projector headlamps, LED daytime running lamps (DRLs), turn indicators on ORVMs, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, four speakers + two tweeters, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, steering-mounted controls, height adjustable driver’s seat, electrically-adjustable ORVMs, rear AC vents, LED tail lamps.

What the Creta 1.6 CRDi SX Dual Tone gets over the Harrier XM: Rear defogger, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear camera, cruise control, key fob with push button start-stop, auto climate control, electrically-foldable ORVMs, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless smartphone charger.

What the Harrier XM gets over the Creta 1.6 CRDi SX Dual Tone: Telescopic steering wheel, multi drive modes (eco, city, sport).

Verdict: The Creta wins this round hands down. The Hyundai offers a host of features over the Harrier. And best of all, the price premium of just Rs 9,000 for the extra goodies makes it an absolute steal!

Hyundai Creta 1.6 CRDi SX (O) Vs Tata Harrier XT

Common features (over previous variants): 17-inch alloy wheels, rear camera, cruise control, auto climate control, key fob with push button start-stop, electrically-foldable ORVMs, Apple CarPlay (this feature will be available on the Harrier soon), Android Auto and rear defogger.

What the Creta 1.6 CRDi SX (O) gets over the Harrier XT: Six airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management control, hill start assist control, auto-dimming IRVM, height-adjustable front seatbelts, sunroof, 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat, smart key band and wireless smartphone charger.

What the Harrier XT gets over the Creta 1.6 CRDi SX (O): Telescopic steering wheel, dual function DRLs with turn indicators, multi drive modes 2.0 (eco, city, sport), eight speakers, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlamps, 8-way manually adjustable driver seat and cooled storage box.  

Verdict: Round 2 goes to the Creta too. You might be surprised at this one but the Hyundai Creta offers the option of six airbags as well as electronic stability control and vehicle stability management control in the SX (O) variant. While the Harrier does offer some of basic safety features that one would expect in this price segment, including auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, the safety package of the Creta is too compelling to ignore.

Why Buy The Hyundai Creta?

Multiple powertrain options: Finding the right powertrain setup for your needs can be quite a task at times. That’s where the Hyundai Creta comes in. It is offered with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines. Apart from that, you can opt for an automatic transmission with either the petrol or diesel (1.6-litre only) engine.

Sunroof: The top-spec Hyundai Creta can be had with a sunroof, an option that is missing on the Harrier. So if the lack of a sunroof is a deal breaker for you, then go for the Creta. Also, the Creta gets other useful features like wireless charging for your smartphone, auto-dimming IRVM and electrically-adjustable driver seat.

Why Buy The Tata Harrier?

Size: Saying that the Harrier is big is an understatement. That’s because the Harrier manages to make its rivals look tiny in comparison. The Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500 and the rest pale in comparison when placed next to the Harrier. It even manages to dwarf over the Creta’s big brother, the Tucson. If size and road presence is your priority, put your money down on the Harrier.

Ground Clearance: The Harrier has a massive 205mm of ground clearance, meaning it will go over most obstacles thrown its way with relative ease. The Creta, on the other hand, has a ground clearance of 190mm. And while it is in no way less, it is at a slight disadvantage when compared to Harrier while tackling the really rough stuff. So if you frequent places where there’s no tarmac, the Harrier is the option to go for.

Read More on : Harrier diesel