Tata Harrier vs MG Hector; Compact SUVs’ Engine, Space, and Features Compared

Chinese-owned British brand MG is all set to launch its first vehicle – Hector SUV -- in the Indian market this week. The upcoming Hector will be chock full of features and will challenge the likes of Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV500 in the compact SUV segment. Tata Motors set the market abuzz with their latest compact SUV Harrier. The new Tata SUV comes with a very futuristic design which combined with the dimensions of the car lends it a very dominant road presence. The sales figures for the Harrier also go on to show the dominant position it has acquired in the market in such a short time. MG too is leaving no stone unturned and Chinese-owned British brand has stuffed the Hector SUV with features to the brim. The package includes many segment firsts and segment leading points. Therefore, it is only natural that a comparison is drawn between the two latest mavericks of the segment.

Dimensions

Upon launch, MG Hector will be the largest SUV in the segment. This means that the SUV offers oodles of space inside the cabin. Talking of dimensions, while Tata Harrier’s dimensions stand at 4,598×1,894×1,706 mm. MG Hector scores high with 4,655×1,835×1,760 mm. Hector also comes with larger wheelbase which means that the space inside the cabin is significantly great than the Tata Harrier.

The large dimensions and the wheelbase also means that the MG Hector offers more boot space than Tata Harrier. While Hector comes with a boot space of 587 litres, Harrier only offers 425 litres of boot space. However, Harrier strikes back with more width as compared to the Hector and this makes the Harrier unique on the road and spacious inside.  

Features

While Tata Harrier is no doubt a feature loaded car, MG Hector goes one step ahead as it offers a huge 10.8 inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system in the car comes with an eSIM and is always connected to the cloud. This enables the car to remain connected and certain features of the SUV can also be accessed remotely. Not just the touch infotainment system, the MG Hector also comes with a panoramic sunroof which is the largest in the segment. Tata Harrier does not offers a sunroof, not even as an option.

Apart from several segment leading features, MG Hector also comes with a power tail gate, a feature that is only seen on expensive cars. The power tail gate will surely make the lives on many users a lot easier and is a nice feature to have. Not just this, the MG Hector also comes with ambient lighting system for the cabin, an 8 colour ambient lightning system at that. Another very useful feature that is offered on MG Hector but not on Tata Harrier is the 360 degree parking camera. Given the size of the MG Hector, this sure is a good feature to have.

Engine

Talking about the engine of the Tata Harrier, the new SUV comes only in a diesel variant with the customers getting a Fiat-sourced 2L MultiJet diesel engine under the hood. Renamed as KRYOTEC by Tata, the engine is rated for 140 PS and 350 Nm. The engine on Tata SUV currently comes equipped only with a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 6-speed torque converter unit sourced from Hyundai will be offered sometime this year as well.

MG Hector and Tata Harrier come with the Fiat-sourced 2L diesel unit. The output on the Hector is 170 PS and 350 Nm. Apart from the powerful diesel engine, MG Hector also scores points with the petrol version. The first advantage that Hector has that it offers a petrol model, while Harrier comes only in diesel. However, not just this, the MG Hector also comes with a 48V mild-hybrid system, which is a segment first. The mild hybrid system not only cuts down on emissions and offers better mileage but the system also offers the SUV with 20 Nm of torque assist as per the need. The mild hybrid system comes with features like engine auto start-stop, regenerative braking and e-boost. Both mild hybrid and diesel version come only with manual option while the petrol can be had in manual as well as 7 speed DCT automatic.