MG Hector vs Hyundai Creta: Which One To Buy?

Do the lower priced variants of the Hector offer better value for money than a well-equipped Creta?

The recently launched MG Hector’s introductory pricing makes it the most affordable mid-size SUV right now. It is priced between Rs 12.18 lakh to Rs 16.88 lakh (ex-showroom India) which puts it up against premium offerings from a segment below like the Hyundai Creta compact SUV. But does the Hector offer enough at the same price as the top-spec Creta?

Basic Differences

Dimensions

As a mid-size SUV, the Hector is bigger than the Creta compact SUV by every measure. Both are 5-seater SUVs, but the MG clearly offers more space.

Engines

Petrol

The MG Hector’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol is more powerful and packs a lot more torque as well. The mild-hybrid petrol variant only gets the 6-speed manual while the regular engine can also specced with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Hyundai, meanwhile, offers the Creta with a larger engine, albeit a naturally aspirated unit. 

Diesel

The Hector’s larger diesel engine is a lot more powerful and has considerably more torque as well. The Hyundai is available with two diesel engines, both smaller with less performance. However, the Creta’s 1.6-litre diesel is also available with a 6-speed automatic option.

Here’s how both SUVs compare on the price chart. We will only be comparing variants priced within Rs 50,000 of each other.

Petrol

Diesel

Also read: MG Hector vs Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass vs Hyundai Creta: What Do The Prices Say?

MG Hector Style vs Hyundai Creta SX

Petrol

Diesel

Common features: Dual airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking sensors, speed alert, front passenger seatbelt reminders, projector headlamps, LED DRLs, turn indicators on ORVMs, roof rails, rear AC vents, height adjustable driver’s seat, power adjustable ORVMs, keyless entry, roof rails, tilt-adjustable steering, rear wiper and washer, rear defogger, front USB charger, rear power socket, front console armrest with storage, rear armrest with cup holders, audio system with Bluetooth compatibility.

What Hector Style offers over Creta SX: ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear disc brakes, traction control system, hill hold control, electronic stability program, flat foldable 2nd row, 60:40 split rear seats, reclining rear seats.

What Creta SX offers over Hector Style: Auto AC, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, 6-speaker Arkamys tuned sound system, wireless phone charger, steering mounted audio controls, sunglass holder, power-folding ORVMs, cruise control, rear parking camera, follow-me-home headlamps, push-button stop-start, front fog lamps and alloy wheels.

Verdict: Between both petrol and diesel variants, the Creta packs more features than the Hector and charges a premium for it. However, the Hector does offer better rear-seat conveniences and more safety features. Thus the MG is our pick at this price.

MG Hector Super (Hybrid) vs Hyundai Creta SX(O)

Petrol

Common features (over previous variants): Reverse parking camera, front fog lamps, cruise control, follow-me-home headlamps, touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 4-speaker and 2-tweeter audio system, LED taillamps, steering mounted audio controls, hill assist control, vehicle stability management, electronic stability control, 3.5-inch MID and alloy wheels.

What Hector Super offers over Creta SX(O): Front parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear disc brakes, flat foldable 2nd row, 60:40 split rear seats, reclining rear seats, engine-idle start-stop, e-boost for extra 20Nm, regenerative braking, LED projector headlamps.

What Creta SX(O) offers over Hector Super: Side and curtain airbags (6 total), sunroof, auto IRVM, auto AC, wireless phone charging, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, leather upholstery, power-folding ORVMs, sunglass holder, push-button start-stop, smartband key.

Verdict: The Hector offers more rear-seat comforts with a few additional safety features. However, the Creta has more conveniences and more airbags for occupant safety. That’s why the Hyundai is our pick despite the premium over the MG.

• MG Hector vs Rivals: Which Midsize SUV Claims The Highest Fuel Efficiency?

MG Hector Smart (Hybrid) vs Hyundai Creta SX(O) Executive

Petrol

Diesel

Common features (over previous variants): Side airbags, push-button start-stop, leather upholstery, power-folding ORVMs, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat,

What Hector Smart offers over Creta SX(O) Executive: MG’s iSMART connected car technology with 50 different features including voice commands for vehicle functions, Front parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, rear disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system, flat foldable 2nd row, 60:40 split rear seats, reclining rear seats, floating-light turn indicators, telescopic steering adjust, Infinity sound system with 4-speakers, 4-tweeters, amplifier and subwoofer. The petrol-hybrid variant also gets engine-idle start-stop, e-boost for extra 20Nm, regenerative braking.

What Creta SX(O) Executive offers over Hector Smart: Curtain airbags (6 total), sunroof, auto IRVM, auto AC, wireless phone charging, ventilated front seats, sunglass holder, smartband key.

Verdict: In the petrol variants, the Hector exceeds the Rs 50,000 price difference and while it has a lot more to offer, the premium over the top-spec Creta is too much. At this price, we’d pick the Hyundai.

However, between the diesel variants, the extra comforts and connected car technology in the MG Hector, while being more affordable too, makes it our pick over the Creta.

Also read: MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Variants Comparison

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