Indian manufacturers have come a long way, in terms of both development and quality. Where Indian cars used to focus on being cheap and accessible just two decades ago, today we have luxurious offerings that can take on the best-of-the-best cars in the market. Tata and Mahindra, both have been the pioneers of the Indian automotive industry, bringing innovations at a truly affordable price.
Tata Harrier Vs Mahindra XUV500
Nowadays, the popularity of SUVs in the Indian market has prompted manufactures to build multiple options for every segment and niche. Of course, Tata and Mahindra aren’t far behind, with the Harrier and the XUV500 representing some of their best work till date, respectively. There question we have today, however, is this: Which of these two home-grown SUVs is the better one? We find out in this brief comparison.
Tired of reading? Watch our video instead!
Tata Harrier
Tata Harrier was first launched in 2018, and has received a minor facelift in 2020. The body-colour options are eye-catchy, and the split headlamps design is quite futuristic. In comparison, Mahindra XUV500 was first launched way back in 2011, and has received two design updates over the years, one in 2015 and the other in 2018. Its cheetah-inspired design is quite handsome, but as it has been around for quite a while. By the virtue of its fresher design, the Harrier has the edge here.
Mahindra XUV500
In terms of dimensions, we see that the Harrier is slightly longer and wider, with higher ground clearance and a bigger wheelbase. The XUV500 is slightly smaller, but has a taller height due to its high roof.
| Dimensions | Tata Harrier | Mahindra XUV500 |
| Length | 4,598 mm | 4,585 mm |
| Width | 1,895 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,706 mm | 1,785 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,741 mm | 2,700 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm | 200 mm |
Tata Harrier interior
When you step inside the cabins of both these cars, you instantly know that these cars were built with a premium touch. You get leather upholsteries, soft-touch plastics, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and touchscreen infotainment systems. The Harrier, however, inches ahead with its classy design and slightly better quality. The touchscreen is an 8.8-inch unit, and you also have a 9-speaker JBL sound system, panoramic sunroof, and ConnectNext App Suite on offer.
Mahindra XUV500 interior
In the XUV500, on the other hand, you get a smaller sunroof, a 6-inch infotainment touchscreen, and soft-touch materials in the cabin. It certainly is a nice car to sit in, but it simply isn’t as nice as the Harrier. That said, the XUV500 comes with third-row seating, which is its biggest advantage in this segment. Currently, Tata has no SUV in its range with 6/7-seater options, only the Hexa MPV has it.
| Specifications | Tata Harrier | Mahindra XUV500 |
| Engine Size | 1,956 cc | 2,179 cc |
| Engine Type | Inline-4, turbocharged | Inline-4, turbocharged |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Max Power | 170 PS | 155 PS |
| Max Torque | 360 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Gearbox | 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Auto | 6-Speed Manual/6-Speed Auto |
| Drive Format | Front-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
In terms of performance, we see the Harrier outgun the XUV500 once again. Tata offers the Harrier with a 2.0-litre ‘Kryotec’ diesel engine, sourced from FCA (Fiat’s Multijet II engine). This motor is capable of producing 170 PS and 350 Nm of peak power and torque, respectively. It comes paired to a 6-speed manual as standard, and an optional 6-speed torque-convertor automatic is also available. Furthermore, you get three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – and three off-road driving modes – Normal, Wet and Rough. Sadly, the car is only available as a front-wheel-drive model.
Next-gen Mahindra XUV500 Rendered Based on Funster Concept and Ssangyong Korando
Mahindra XUV500 is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine, which generates a maximum power of 155 PS and a peak torque of 360 Nm. It also gets a choice of 6-speed manual and 6-speed torque-convertor automatic. Sadly, the car is only available as a front-wheel-drive model now. There used to be a petrol engine as well as an all-wheel-drive option on offer, but those were discontinued due to poor demand.
By this short comparison, we can clearly see that the Mahindra XUV500 is outclassed by the Tata Harrier in almost every way. The Mahindra also has a significantly lower price tag of Rs. 12.24 lakh to Rs. 18.56 lakh. The Tata is more expensive, at Rs. 13.69 lakh to Rs. 20.25 lakh, but it is also better equipped, and a better car overall.
Check Out Tata Harrier Easily Driving On Snow Without 4x4 Assistance
The lack of third-row seats is the biggest drawback of the Harrier, but that issue will thankfully be resolved in the Gravitas. Also, Mahindra is also testing the next-generation XUV500, which will probably be introduced early next year. It will be interesting to see how the next-gen XUV500 will stack up against the Gravitas, as these two would be quite the rivals! Stay tuned to IndianAuto for more interesting car updates.