The Indian SUV market has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, with buyers increasingly preferring spacious, feature-rich vehicles that offer both comfort and performance. Among the most popular choices in the premium SUV segment are the Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV700, two vehicles that have captured the attention of discerning Indian buyers. Both SUVs represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers’ engineering capabilities, offering compelling packages that blend style, technology, and practicality.
Choosing between the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700 can be challenging, as both vehicles excel in different areas and cater to varying buyer preferences. This comprehensive comparison will help you understand the key differences, similarities, and unique selling points of each SUV, enabling you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and budget.
Design and Aesthetics: A Tale of Two Philosophies
Tata Harrier: Bold and Imposing Presence
The Tata Harrier commands attention with its distinctive design language inspired by the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The SUV features a bold, muscular stance with clean lines and sophisticated proportions that give it a premium appearance. The signature split-headlamp design, featuring LED DRLs positioned high and main headlamps integrated into the bumper, creates a unique visual identity that sets it apart from conventional SUVs.
The Harrier’s side profile showcases flowing lines with prominent wheel arches and a rising beltline that adds to its dynamic appearance. The rear design is equally impressive, with wraparound LED taillights and a clean, uncluttered tailgate that reinforces its premium positioning. The overall design philosophy emphasises elegance and sophistication, making it appealing to buyers who prioritise style and premium aesthetics.
XUV700: Aggressive and Feature-Rich Design
The Mahindra XUV700 takes a more aggressive approach to design, featuring bold styling elements that emphasise its rugged SUV character. The front fascia is dominated by a large grille with chrome accents and sleek LED headlamps that create a distinctive visual signature. The SUV’s design language is more conventional compared to the Harrier but incorporates modern elements that give it a contemporary appearance.
The XUV700’s side profile is characterised by muscular lines and prominent cladding that emphasises its SUV credentials. The rear design features connected LED taillights and a robust bumper design that reinforces its bold character. While the XUV700 may not have the same premium appeal as the Harrier, it successfully conveys strength and capability through its design elements.
Interior Space and Comfort: Room for Everyone
Tata Harrier: Premium Cabin Experience
The Tata Harrier offers a spacious and well-appointed interior that rivals many luxury SUVs. The cabin features premium materials, including soft-touch plastics and leather upholstery, creating an upmarket ambiance. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with a focus on user-friendly controls and intuitive layout.
Seating comfort is excellent in the Harrier, with well-contoured seats that provide adequate support for long journeys. The front seats offer good adjustability, while the rear seats provide generous legroom and headroom for adult passengers. However, the Harrier is primarily a five-seater SUV, which may limit its appeal for large families requiring seven-seat configuration.
Mahindra XUV700: Versatile Seven-Seater Configuration
The XUV700’s interior is designed with practicality in mind, offering both six and seven-seater configurations to cater to different family sizes. The cabin features modern design elements with a focus on functionality and comfort. The materials used are of good quality, though they may not match the premium feel of the Harrier’s interior.
The XUV700 excels in space utilisation, with generous seating space across all three rows. The second-row seats offer excellent comfort with good support, while the third row, though suitable for children and smaller adults, provides adequate space for occasional use. The flexible seating configuration makes the XUV700 an excellent choice for large families or those who frequently travel with multiple passengers.
Engine Performance and Driving Dynamics
Tata Harrier: Refined Driving Experience
The Tata Harrier is powered by a 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine that produces 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. This engine, derived from Fiat’s MultiJet family, offers a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency. The power delivery is smooth and linear, making it well-suited for both city driving and highway cruising.
The Harrier’s driving dynamics are tuned for comfort, with a suspension setup that absorbs road imperfections effectively while maintaining composure during cornering. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to manoeuvre in city traffic. The overall driving experience is refined and comfortable, appealing to buyers who prioritise smoothness over outright performance.
Mahindra XUV700: Powerful Performance Options
The XUV700 offers both petrol and diesel engine options, providing buyers with more choices based on their preferences and usage patterns. The diesel variant features a 2.2-litre mHawk engine producing 185 PS of power and 420 Nm of torque, while the petrol version uses a 2.0-litre mStallion engine generating 200 PS of power and 380 Nm of torque.
The XUV700’s performance is more aggressive compared to the Harrier, with quicker acceleration and higher top speeds. The diesel engine provides strong low-end torque, making it excellent for highway driving and overtaking manoeuvres. The petrol engine offers spirited performance with a more rev-happy character. The XUV700’s suspension setup is tuned for a balance between comfort and handling, providing a more engaging driving experience.
Technology and Features: Modern Conveniences
Tata Harrier: Focus on Essential Features
The Tata Harrier comes equipped with a comprehensive set of features that cater to modern buyers’ expectations. The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. The SUV also features a premium sound system, automatic climate control, and multiple charging options for electronic devices.
Safety features in the Harrier include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and hill-hold control. The SUV also offers advanced features like a 360-degree camera system, parking sensors, and cruise control. While the feature list is comprehensive, the Harrier focuses on providing essential features rather than overwhelming buyers with excessive technology.
XUV700: Technology-Rich Experience
The XUV700 takes a more aggressive approach to technology integration, offering an extensive list of features that rival premium luxury SUVs. The SUV features dual-zone automatic climate control, a large infotainment screen with connected car technology, and a premium sound system. Advanced features include wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and ambient lighting.
The XUV700 also offers unique features like personalised driver profiles, voice-activated controls, and advanced driver assistance systems. The SUV includes safety features such as autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The extensive feature list makes the XUV700 appealing to technology enthusiasts who appreciate cutting-edge automotive innovations.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Tata Harrier: Balanced Efficiency
The Tata Harrier delivers respectable fuel efficiency figures, with real-world mileage ranging between 12-15 km/l depending on driving conditions and patterns. The diesel engine’s efficiency makes it suitable for buyers who cover significant distances regularly. Maintenance costs are reasonable, with Tata’s expanding service network ensuring convenient after-sales support.
The Harrier’s running costs are competitive within its segment, with reasonable service intervals and parts availability. The SUV’s build quality and reliability have improved significantly over the years, contributing to lower long-term ownership costs. Insurance costs are moderate, reflecting the SUV’s premium positioning and safety features.
XUV700: Efficient Performance
The XUV700’s fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine choice, with the diesel variant delivering approximately 13-16 km/l and the petrol version achieving 10-12 km/l under normal driving conditions. The diesel engine’s superior efficiency makes it the preferred choice for buyers prioritising fuel economy.
Maintenance costs for the XUV700 are competitive, with Mahindra’s extensive service network ensuring widespread availability of spare parts and skilled technicians. The SUV’s proven reliability and durability contribute to reasonable long-term ownership costs. The variety of engine options allows buyers to choose based on their specific fuel efficiency requirements.
Safety and Reliability: Peace of Mind
Tata Harrier: Solid Safety Foundation
The Tata Harrier has achieved a commendable safety rating, reflecting its robust build quality and comprehensive safety features. The SUV’s body structure is designed to absorb impact energy effectively, providing excellent protection for occupants. Standard safety features include multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, and electronic stability control.
Reliability has improved significantly with regular updates and refinements to the platform. Tata’s focus on quality control and customer feedback has resulted in better build quality and fewer reported issues. The SUV’s safety credentials make it a responsible choice for family buyers who prioritise occupant protection.
Mahindra XUV700: Advanced Safety Systems
The XUV700 incorporates advanced safety systems that position it among the safest SUVs in its segment. The SUV features a strong body structure with comprehensive airbag protection and advanced safety technologies. The inclusion of autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and other driver assistance systems enhances overall safety.
Mahindra’s reputation for building durable and reliable vehicles extends to the XUV700, with the SUV demonstrating good build quality and dependability. The advanced safety features and robust construction make it an excellent choice for buyers who prioritise both active and passive safety systems.
Pricing and Value Proposition
Tata Harrier: Premium Positioning
The Tata Harrier is positioned as a premium SUV with pricing that reflects its sophisticated design and feature set. The SUV offers good value for money considering its build quality, features, and brand reputation. The pricing strategy targets buyers who appreciate premium aesthetics and are willing to pay for quality and refinement.
The Harrier’s resale value has shown improvement over the years, making it a more attractive proposition for buyers concerned about long-term investment. The SUV’s unique design and premium positioning help it maintain better residual values compared to some competitors.
XUV700: Competitive Value
The XUV700 offers competitive pricing across its variants, providing excellent value for money considering its extensive feature list and multiple engine options. The SUV’s pricing strategy makes it accessible to a broader range of buyers while delivering premium features and capabilities.
The XUV700’s value proposition is enhanced by its comprehensive warranty package and extensive feature list. The SUV’s competitive pricing, combined with its spacious interior and advanced technology, makes it an attractive choice for value-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on features.
Verdict: Choosing Your Perfect SUV
The choice between the Tata Harrier and XUV700 ultimately depends on your specific requirements, preferences, and priorities. The Harrier excels in design sophistication, interior quality, and refined driving experience, making it ideal for buyers who prioritise premium aesthetics and comfort. Its unique styling and upmarket cabin create a distinctive ownership experience that appeals to discerning buyers.
The Mahindra XUV700, on the other hand, offers superior practicality with its seven-seater configuration, extensive feature list, and multiple engine options. It’s the better choice for large families, technology enthusiasts, and buyers who prioritise functionality and value for money. The SUV’s comprehensive safety features and proven reliability make it a practical choice for diverse usage scenarios.
Both SUVs represent excellent choices in their respective ways, and the final decision should be based on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Consider factors such as family size, intended usage, feature priorities, and long-term ownership costs when making your decision.
At Aspire Motors, we understand that choosing the right SUV is a significant decision that impacts your daily life and long-term satisfaction. Our experienced team can help you evaluate both options and find the perfect SUV that matches your requirements and budget. Visit us to experience both vehicles firsthand and make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which SUV offers better fuel efficiency – Tata Harrier or XUV700?
Both SUVs offer similar fuel efficiency, with the XUV700 diesel slightly ahead at 13-16 km/l compared to Harrier’s 12-15 km/l. The difference is minimal and depends on driving conditions and patterns.
Q2: Is the XUV700 more spacious than the Tata Harrier?
Yes, the XUV700 offers more passenger space with its seven-seater configuration compared to Harrier’s five-seater layout. The XUV700 is better suited for large families requiring additional seating capacity.
Q3: Which SUV has better resale value in the Indian market?
The Tata Harrier generally maintains better resale value due to its premium positioning and unique design. However, both SUVs have shown improvement in residual values over recent years.
Q4: Are spare parts and service easily available for both SUVs?
Yes, both Tata and Mahindra have extensive service networks across India. Parts availability is good for both vehicles, with competitive service costs and skilled technician availability nationwide.
Q5: Which SUV is better for city driving – Harrier or XUV700?
The Tata Harrier is better suited for city driving due to its lighter steering, compact dimensions, and refined driving dynamics. The XUV700’s larger size may make city manoeuvring slightly more challenging.