Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV500: Variants Comparison

Which affordable mid-size SUV offers the best value for money?

The Tata Harrier is truly a force to be reckoned with in the mid-size SUV segment thanks to its aggressive pricing, being retailed for anything between Rs 12.69 lakh and 16.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). But how does it fare against the top-dog of the affordable big family car in India - the XUV500? We compare the details and find out.

Dimensions

The Harrier trumps the XUV500 in proportions but not by a whole lot. It’s 13mm longer, 4mm wider, has a 41mm longer wheelbase and an extra ground clearance of 5mm. It is however shorter than the Mahindra by 79mm in height.

Engine

The Mahindra wins the power output battle against the Harrier while also offering an automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive with the XUV500. However, the Tata is more frugal, with a claimed fuel efficiency of 16.79kmpl.

Variants and Prices

Disclaimer: As the Tata Harrier is offered only with a diesel engine and a manual gearbox, we will be considering only diesel-manual variants of the Mahindra XUV500 for our comparison along with a price difference that should not exceed Rs 50,000.

Tata Harrier XE vs Mahindra XUV500 W5

Common Features: Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, tilt-adjustable steering, manually adjustable driver’s seat, projector headlamps, power-adjustable ORVMs and manual AC with rear vents.

What Harrier offers over XUV500: Rear parking sensors, telescopic steering adjustment and dual function DRLs (bulb type).

What XUV500 offers over Harrier: 6-inch infotainment display with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat (Harrier’s 4-way), micro-hybrid technology, follow-me-home headlamps, rear disc brakes, rear wiper and washer, third row seats.

Verdict: This is a tricky one as both offer different features over the other and it comes down to what your main requirement is. While the Tata Harrier offers rear parking sensors and telescopic steering adjustment, the Mahindra XUV500 gets disc brakes on all four wheels, an infotainment unit, third row seats and even more. For a small premium of Rs 3000, the Mahindra is the pick over the Harrier in the entry-spec variants of these SUVs. Not to mention it is also available in colours other than white for this variant, unlike the Harrier XE.

Tata Harrier XM vs Mahindra XUV500 W7

Common Features (over previous variants): Rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlamps, rear wiper and washer, remote central locking, 6-way adjustable driver seat, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, steering wheel-mounted controls.

What Harrier offers over XUV500: Driving modes, rear parking sensor display on infotainment screen.

What XUV500 offers over Harrier: Rain-sensing wipers, micro-hybrid technology, auto headlamps, push-button stop-start, Android Auto, auto AC, cruise control, smart key, rear disc brakes and LED DRLs.

Verdict: One variant higher and both pack more features but with a Rs 23,000 price premium, the Mahindra XUV500 W7 offers even more than the Harrier XM. For features such as auto AC, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and the LED DRLs, the XUV500 is our pick yet again.

The Harrier and XUV500 do get a lot more features as we go higher in price and variants but the difference in costs exceeds our Rs 50,000 margin for comparison. If you do wish to compare those variants as well, let us know in the comments below. You can also use the CarDekho car Comparer tool for your convenience.

Read More on : Tata Harrier diesel