MG Hector vs Tata Harrier

The MG Hector and Tata Harrier are two SUVs that garnered quite a bit of media attention since their launch in India. The former is MG’s first product for India and hence a crucial product for the British brand. The Harrier is Tata’s first real attempt at a monocoque SUV and a flagbearer of Modern Tata’s design language and engineering. Both these SUVs are extremely popular in India and take up the most market share in the compact SUV segment as well. While there are other players in the segment, the Tata Harrier and MG Hector seem to have a lot going for them in terms of value and image.

Both these SUVs are also similar on a lot of fronts. They both use a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine, can seat 5 adults, have butch looks, and pack in a lot of features. But the similarity ends there; the Tata Safari uses a different approach to the Hector with well-established LandRover underpinnings while the Hector offers incredible value along with a host of tech options that are unseen before in this segment and price bracket. However, if you’re out to buy an SUV under Rs 25 lakhs in India, both these SUVs should already be on your radar. In this article, we pitch them on paper and try to find a clear winner:

Also Read – Compact SUV In India

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MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Dimensions

Unequivocally, looking at the numbers, it is obvious that the MG has got this in its bag. The Hector is the longest, tallest, and has the biggest boot in this comparison. It also offers the most wheelbase and all this translates to more space inside the cabin as well. The Harrier offers the most ground clearance at 205mm and is the widest SUV of the lot at 1894mm.

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MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Engine & Transmission

If you’re in the market for a petrol SUV, the MG Hector is the only option as the Harrier does not come with a petrol engine. The Hector uses a modern 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine that belts out 141bhp and 250Nm mated to a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed CVT. 

When it comes to diesel, both SUVs are powered by the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine that also powers other SUVs such as the Jeep Compass and the Citroen C5 Aircross, and are thus equally matched. This engine produces around  170bhp for both SUVs with maximum torque rated at 350Nm. 

Where the two SUVs differ is the gearbox – the Tata uses a 6-speed manual and torque converter automatic while the MG only offers a 6-speed manual. So, if a diesel+automatic combo is a requirement, the Harrier has to be your pick. If it is a diesel+manual combo, then both SUVs would be suitable options Ultimately, making a choice comes down to a test drive as they both offer similar performance. 

On the fuel economy front, the Tata Harrier leads with a nominal advantage delivering 14.6 – 16.35 kmpl, while the MG Hector offers a mileage of 12.34 – 15.58 kmpl, with the MG coming in second place when you consider the fuel economy inside the city limits. 

Also Read – Automatic vs Manual Transmission

MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Features

In terms of features, both the Tata Harrier and the MG Hector pack in all the essential features without missing out on anything significant. With respect to tech on offer, the MG Hector wins hands down with a massive touchscreen unit that is quite honestly, one of the largest systems in any car sold in India. It also features a host of connected tech along with a full ADAS suite. It also gets a 360-degree camera with 3D visuals. The Harrier follows closely behind and offers some nifty features such as a powered tailgate, air purifier, 6-way powered seats, panoramic roof, and a Harman/Kardon sound system. Both SUVs will keep you happy in terms of features and the Hector leads ahead in this specific section. 

Also Read – ADAS Cars In India

MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Safety Features

Both the Hector and the Harrier are yet to be tested and benchmarked by any safety body. Hence, we have to wait until we get to paint a conclusive picture of their safety. That said, on paper, they seem to have covered all bases, with both SUVs having 6 airbags, ESP, and all the assistive features like cruise control, hill-hold, and descent control. But, the Hector takes a step forward and offers a full ADAS suite which includes many sub-features that aid the safety of the SUV. These include lane keep assist, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, etc. 

MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Price Comparison

MG has priced the Hector aggressively and it undercuts the Tata Harrier in every way. The fact that the MG has a more affordable petrol-powered version also helps things further. It starts at a price of Rs. 14.73 lakh which is more affordable than the Tata Harrier at Rs. 15.00 lakh. The same trend continues for all other variants where the price difference can be between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000. The range-topping variant of the Hector retails for Rs. 22.09 lakh while the Harrier sets you back by Rs. 23.89 lakh. We have not included the special editions of the Harrier which are priced closer to Rs. 25 lakh. 

Summary

It is established that the Hector is the SUV to pick if size and presence are what you’re looking for in an SUV. It is also the more affordable of the two, has a petrol engine option, and packs in the most features giving it an edge over the Tata Harrier in this comparison. 

However, the Tata Harrier looks the best, has solid underpinnings, and is the better SUV to drive out of the duo here. Although it lags behind the Hector in most areas on paper, it is still close to the Hector in terms of most parameters except for the absence of a petrol engine. Both SUVs are highly competent and capable, so it comes down to your use case and what you’re looking for in a car.

FAQs

Among MG Hector and Tata Harrier, which one is more feature-rich?

MG Hector is more feature-rich than Tata Harrier as it sports some additional features over Harrier’s such as ventilated seats, wireless charging, connected car-tech, hands-free tailgate, and powered co-passenger's seat.

Does Tata Harrier have Dual-clutch transmission?

No, Tata Harrier doesn't have dual-clutch transmission, instead, it sports a 6-Speed torque converter automatic.

Does MG Hector have driving modes?

No, MG Hector doesn’t have driving modes.

Among MG Hector and Tata Harrier, which one is faster?

Although the 2L turbocharged diesel engine powers both Tata Harrier and MG Hector, due to better aerodynamic design, Tata Harrier is faster than MG Hector.

Among MG Hector and Tata Harrier, which one has better mileage?

The ARAI petrol and diesel mileage of MG Hector is 14 km/l and 16 km/l respectively. The ARAI diesel mileage of Tata Harrier is 16.35 km/l, therefore, its mileage is marginally better than that of MG Hector.