Spec comparo: Tata Hexa Vs Mahindra XUV500

The Tata Hexa is the new SUV from the Indian automaker and will be their competitor to take on the likes of the Mahindra XUV500, currently the most successful vehicle after the Toyota Innova in this part of the market. We have driven the car and have come away quite impressed with what the automaker has to offer. Now, in a bid to see where it stands we have pitched it against the Mahindra XUV500 in a spec comparison. Read on to find out how both vehicles stack up against each other. 

Dimensions
The Hexa and the XUV500 are both D-segment vehicles or to be a bit more specific they are both D-segment SUVs which mean they have three things in common- they have an imposing presence, are feature loaded and can be had with optional AWD. The Hexa is longer and has a bigger wheelbase than the XUV500 and this automatically translates into more space in the second row. In terms of outright appearance, the Hexa looks more premium thanks to the liberal amount of chrome all over the body but the XUV500 embodies the traditional SUV shape as compared to the Hexa’s MPV(ish) design. This brings it down to a question of personal choice with regard to looks.

Equipment
Tata appears to have worked really hard when it comes to giving the Hexa its feature list and has matched if not exceeded what is expected from vehicles in this part of the market. It manages to match the XUV500 on nearly all counts like climate control, touchscreen infotainment system, cruise control, lighting options and seating options. However, the XUV also gets keyless start and additional stowage spaces in the front. Both cars have the option of ambient lighting but the Hexa’s is a bit more detailed as it offers multiple shades and a more detailed intensity control system. In terms of appearance, both cars have similar layouts but the Hexa’s feels a bit more premium thanks to the quality of materials used.

Performance
Both cars are powered by a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine and both can be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. The XUV’s engine output is 140bhp/320Nm of torque while the Hexa’s is 153.8bhp/400Nm of torque. The latter’s output is higher but does not yet have AWD option for the automatic variants while the XUV500 offers AWD for both the manual and AT variants. Tata does manage to score a bit higher thanks to the driving modes which it offers with the manual models. This is first in segment and is likely to set the ball rolling for other manufacturers to offer the same with their vehicles.

Price
This is the absolute crucial issue for Tata if it wants the Hexa to succeed. The Mahindra XUV500 is priced in the range of Rs 12.09 lakh to Rs 18.03 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) where this price gets you a top-of-the-line W10 AWD AT variant. This means Tata must price the Hexa in such a way that it undercuts the XUV500 variant for variant. This means it must have on road prices of Rs 12.5 lakh to Rs 18.5 lakh. We have analysed in detail why pricing is crucial for the Hexa’s success and you can read about it here.