Tata Harrier launched: Competition Check

Tata Motors has launched the all-new Harrier in India for an introductory price of Rs 12.69 lakhs which goes all the way to Rs 16.25 lakhs (ex-showroom). The new premium SUV from Tata’s stable is based on the Land Rover-derived platform and carries a new design signature which makes it capable and, at the same time, good looking. But would you buy the all-new Harrier over its well-established competitors? To help you with this decision, let us have a detailed look at Harrier’s direct rivals through our competition check.

Hyundai Creta:

Before the Harrier launch, the Creta was expected to undercut the Tata SUV. But as it turns out, Tata has strategically priced the Harrier so now it undercuts the Compass and goes head-on with the Creta in terms of pricing. So the question here is, whether one should settle for a Creta or go for the most premium Tata. The Creta is everything you would want from a Rs 10-15 lakh SUV. It has decent road manners, a well-rounded feature list, comes with both petrol and diesel engine with a choice of automatic, and looks the part too. But the Harrier is in a different league when it comes to styling and its diesel engine is more powerful than the Creta. Moreover, it feels premium and expensive than the Korean too. 

Spec Comparo: Tata Harrier vs Hyundai Creta

Jeep Compass:

The Harrier and Compass share the same Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. And that is where the similarities end. Even the power output of the motor is different in both these cars. Appearance wise, the Compass follows a conventional approach with a boxy shell and Jeep’s characteristic seven-slat grille up front. Features-wise, the Compass and Harrier are evenly matched with their respective equipment lists. However, where the Compass comes across as an entry-level model from the iconic American brand, the Harrier is the flagship and most premium offering from Tata. And in terms of pricing, the Harrier also undercuts the Compass by a decent margin. 

Spec comparison: Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass

Hyundai Tucson:

The Tuscon is typically Korean in every possible manner. Its styling is what we are used to seeing from Hyundai. Meanwhile, the overall package of the Tucson is well put together as you’d expect from the Korean carmaker. But all of that comes at a price. The Hyundai Tucson is the way more expensive car of the two at the moment, and after the impending update later this year, the prices are expected to soar furthermore. So, the Harrier makes for a more viable buying option between the two.

Spec Comparison: Tata Harrier vs Hyundai Tucson

Mahindra XUV500:

The XUV500 is available with seven-seat/three-row configuration. And it also comes with AWD and automatic powertrain options. All this gives it an instant advantage over the Harrier. Similar to the Harrier, the styling of the XUV500 is also contemporary and it has an imposing road presence as well. But the Harrier is well put together and borrows its bits from the Rs 40 lakh SUV. It also has reasonably plush interiors, a decently long equipment list, and a wide safety net as well. As far as the other shortcomings are concerned, Tata is capable of quickly correcting it in the days to come.