Tata Harrier Vs Mahindra XUV500 – Detailed Comparison

Tata Motors is ready to introduce the Harrier to the Indian auto market in January 2019. Specifications and variants features of the SUV have been revealed by the homegrown auto manufacturer ahead of its launch. Given the fast-growing SUV segment in India, the Harrier SUV must be an essential product of Tata Motors.  The Tata Harrier is based on the H5X concept which was displayed at the Auto Expo 2018, which makes it become the most cutting-edge car from the domestic automaker. It will be the first product of Tata Motors in many aspects: the first to borrow features from the Jaguar Land Rover, the first to be designed based on the IMPACT 2.0 design philosophy and the first five-seater premium SUV of the company.

Once launched in India, the Tata Harrier will be positioned between the Hyundai Creta and the Mahindra XUV500. Equipped with a wide array of features, the XUV500 has been the best-selling SUV of Mahindra. Unlike the Tata Harrier, it is a 7-seater SUV, but it is the price of the two cars that make them firmly compete with each other.

In this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison between the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV500 in some of their most important aspects: features, specifications and price.

A comparison between the two vehicles will help you make a better decision

Tata Harrier Vs Mahindra XUV500 Features

Exterior features

Being the first model to be based on the new Impact Design 2.0 of the company, the Tata Harrier will have a bold and muscular stance. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV500 also comes with an array of features, which contribute to its attraction.  The table below summarises some of the outstanding exterior features of the two SUVs

Although the design preference is a personal matter, the Tata Harrier does look much more stylish and attractive than the Mahindra XUV500. Therefore, the former should be given a higher position in the comparison between the two cars in this aspect.

Interior features

While the list of the interior features that the two cars offer is somewhat different from each other, both of the Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUV500 is replete with a wide range of cutting-edge features, which ensure the passengers’ comfort. Refer to the table below for a comparison between the two cars’ prominent interior features.

It is difficult to determine which one is the winner here since each of the vehicles has its strength, but if we still have to choose, we would like to give the Mahindra XUV500 a thumb up because of its third seat row which is missing on the Tata Harrier. This feature provides the Mahindra XUV500 with a clear advantage over the upcoming SUV of Tata. Besides, given the stuffed climate in India, the sunroof also makes the XUV500 more attractive than its rival. So, in the comparison between the interior of the two cars, the Mahindra XUV500 will receive one vote from us.

The Mahindra XUV500 cabin, with the final seat row and sunroof, is more attractive than its rival

Safety features

Here, we would like to compare the list of safety features on the top-spec variants of the two cars, which are most fully loaded. The two SUVs appear to be almost equally equipped in the comparison of safety features.

Tata Harrier Vs Mahindra XUV500 Specifications

Dimensions

Tata Motors has revealed that the Harrier SUV will measure 4,598 mm in length; 1,894 mm in width; 1,706 mm in height with a 2,741 mm wheelbase. The Mahindra XUV500, despite offering the final seat row, is smaller than its rival with a 4,585 mm length (13 mm less); a 1,890 mm width (4 mm less) and a 2,700 mm wheelbase (41 mm less), but it is taller than the Harrier by 71mm. The ground clearance of the Tata Harrier measures 200 mm, the same as that of the Mahindra XUV500. The boot space of the two vehicles is 810 litres and 475 litres, respectively.

Clearly, despite having a larger seat capacity (7 seats) as compared to its rival (5 seats), the Mahindra XUV500 still loses in the comparison of the dimensions between the two vehicles.

Tata Harrier is certainly the winner in terms of the dimensions

Engine and transmission

Once launched, the Tata Harrier is expected to be available with only a 2.0L diesel motor option which is alleged to have low emissions. The motor can deliver a maximum power of 138 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque. The transmission duties will be implemented by only a 6-speed MT unit.

The Mahindra XUV500 is available with two engine options: a 2.2L mHawk petrol and a 2.2L mHawk diesel engine. While the former is good for 140 bhp against 320 Nm, the latter can produce 155 bhp against 360 Nm. These engines are mated to either a 6-speed MT/AT gearbox.

It is clear that here, the Mahindra XUV500 is the winner because of its much more powerful engine as well as a wider variety of transmission options.

Driving, ride and handling quality

For those who want to enjoy the convenience of an automatic SUV, the Harrier is not a right choice since unlike the XUV500; it is only available with a manual version, does not get AWD system and even the petrol motor option. The motors of the XUV500 have been upgraded over the years and can produce greater power and torque than the Tata Harrier, so it proves to be a much more reliable adventure partner than its rival. On the other hand, the Tata Harrier is for those who prefer a manual vehicle. Borrowing the engine from the Jeep Compass, but with a more powerful version, the 2.0 diesel motor can help the Harrier SUV handle well both on the high way and in city traffic.

The Mahindra XUV500 is for those who prefer an automatic transmission

Regarding the ride and handling quality, the Tata Harrier would be the winner in the comparison as it offers good dynamics without affecting the comfort. Underpinned by the D8 Land Rover platform, the Harrier functions very well at high speeds and corners. Moreover, thanks to the terrain response modes, it offers excellent comfort at high speed by efficiently absorbing broken roads, undulations and potholes much better than the Mahindra XUV500. So here, the Tata Harrier deserves to be the winner. 

The Tata Harrier can handle well at both around corners and high speeds

Mileage

Regarding fuel efficiency, the Mahindra XUV500 is certainly shadowed by its rivals. Although the exact mileage of the Harrier SUV has not been officially revealed, it is expected to be 14 kmpl in the city and 17 kmpl on the freeways. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV500 has a claimed mileage of 13.85 kmpl and 14 kmpl for the petrol and the diesel versions, respectively.

Tata Harrier Vs Mahindra XUV500 Price

The XUV500 is currently priced in the range from Rs 12.50 lakh for the base variant and Rs 19.21 lakh for the top variant (ex-showroom, Delhi). The exact price of the Tata Harrier will be officially announced on its launch next month, but it is expected to be priced from Rs 13.50 lakh to Rs 18 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).  With this price range, the entry variant of the Harrier will be a little costlier than the XUV500, but the top variant will be more affordable.

In general, both of the two cars have their strengths and weaknesses, which make them repeatedly replace each other in the winning position. For those who want a modern-looking 5-seater SUV with top-notch engine and platform, go for the upcoming Tata Harrier. Nevertheless, who are looking for a seven-seater SUV for a large family who has a 4WD system and a petrol engine option, should choose the Mahindra XUV500. By now, have you managed to determine which SUV is more suitable for you? Share with us in the comment section below.

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