MG Hector vs Tata Harrier - which SUV offers better features and value?

There is something common between Tata Harrier and MG Hector. They are both the best choices for those looking to buy compact SUVs at a good price. But that is where the similarities end.

Looks do matter when it comes to cars, for those who chase aesthetically pleasing qualities, here is the lowdown. The MG Hector has a wider chrome grille with larger front lights and a wide skid plate that makes for an imposing structure. It will certainly turn some eyes around the road.

But the Harrier’s design is sleeker with a pleasanter finish and slimmer LED tail lamps and cleaner rear design. Looks like the Tatas have taken a page out of the Range Rover’s playbook. In fact, many say that the Harrier looks like a mini-Rover on the road. Though both the cars have a premium feel to them, the Tata Harrier makes Hector’s design look overdone, from the outside at least.

The Inner Strengths

The interior of both the cars offer more space than most others in the category and went in for the ‘premium’ look and feel, Hector scores better as it is spacier. Its sunroof offers a panoramic view and its windows are much wider, giving it a sense of airiness that Harrier does not.

Though Harrier did add a sunroof later to its models, in terms of this feature, Hector still holds ground. But Harrier did manage its storage much better. In the sense, it has more storage options in between and across, and even umbrella holders in the doors.

All that Hector has, and more

If it is a younger customer buying an SUV, then they might opt for Hector only because of the reputation it earned as the ‘Internet Car’. It boasts of an 10.4 inch infotainment system a touchscreen. Moreso, it will be constantly connected to the Internet with an e-SIM option and is also 5G compatible, sending a clear message that it is truly geared for the future.

Connected cartech also brings safer and cooler features like remote locking and unlocking, unlocking via smartphone, and can be tracked via GPS. Unfortunately, Tata Harrier has none of them but has a basic infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features however are there in MG Hector as well. It means MG Hector has all that Tata Harrier has to offer in terms of infotainment and more.

In terms of sheer number of features too, MG Hector scores ahead of the competitor. Like powered seats, a wireless charging system. Though both the cars have voice commands, MG Hector claims to understand what is the most commonly used urban language - Hinglish.

Drive and feel

For those who are keen on driving the car themselves instead of using it as a chauffeur driven transport, might end up choosing the Harrier. For one, Tata Harrier has a sturdier feel, and looks and moves much more like an SUV than MG Hector.

In comparison with MG Hector, Tata Harrier also has a softer suspension and shakes less at very high speeds - making the driver smoother and better. For those who keep a tab on it, Harrier also offers better mileage at around 16 kilometers per liter while Hector’s mileage is lower at 14 kilometers per liter.

Those who calculate features to cost ratio, should also remember that Hector was very competitively priced and is hence is around Rs 1 lakh cheaper than its most formidable competitor.