If you’re looking to buy a family SUV that offers a strong road presence, comfort, and advanced tech features, then the MG Hector and Tata Harrier must have grabbed your attention. Both of these cars are leading choices in the mid-sized SUV market. If you’re confused about choosing between the two, then you’re not alone.
The MG Hector features a luxurious cabin, a bold design, and premium tech features, including a 10.4-inch touchscreen with i-Smart technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice commands. On the other hand, the Tata Harrier boasts dynamic styling, higher safety ratings, and powerful performance.
This comparative guide provides a detailed analysis of the cars’ dimensions, engines, infotainment systems, safety features, and prices to help you make an informed choice.
MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Dimensions
In terms of size, both SUVs may appear similar, but there are subtle differences that influence the comfort and driving experience of the cars.
The following table shows a clear distinction in the size between the two car models:
| Parameter | MG Hector | Tata Harrier |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 4,605 mm |
| Width | 1,835 mm | 1,922 mm |
| Height | 1,760 mm | 1,718 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,741 mm |
| Boot Space | 587 Litres | 445 Litres |
| Ground Clearance | 192 mm | 205 mm |
Analysing the figures closely, we can see that the MG Hector is larger in all dimensions, which provides it a broader wheelbase (2,750 mm) and enhanced boot space as opposed to the Tata Harrier. The Harrier, on the other hand, is slightly broader and offers superior ground clearance than the MG Hector. Thus, the MG Hector stands out in terms of size between the two cars.
MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Engine and Transmission
Both cars are designed to deliver power and stability. However, certain parameter differences impact the versatility and performance of the SUVs.
Here’s a tabular representation of the engine and transmission options of the cars:
| Engine & Transmission | MG Hector | Tata Harrier |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Turbo Petrol, 2.0L Diesel | 2.0L Diesel, 1.5L Turbo Petrol |
| Transmission Options | 6-speed Manual CVT Automatic | 6-speed Manual 6-speed Automatic |
| Max Power | 143 PS | 170 PS |
| Max Torque | 250 Nm | 280 Nm (Petrol) 350 Nm (Diesel) |
| Mileage | 12.34 – 13.79 kmpl | 16.8 kmpl (Diesel) |
The MG Hector offers flexibility with petrol and diesel engine options – 1.5L Turbo Petrol and 2.0L Diesel. These come with various transmission options. On the contrary, the Harrier currently offers only a 2.0L Kryotec Diesel engine option paired with manual and automatic transmission options.
Considering the driving experience, the Harrier clearly has a power advantage with its mid-range pull and enhanced SUV feel. It delivers a torque-heavy performance for effortless cruising and quick acceleration in the mid-range for a powerful driving feel.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the Harrier’s diesel offers better mileage for its size than the Hector’s petrol engine. Thus, we can say that Hector offers versatility, while the Harrier delivers more output and torque.
MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Features & Comfort
When it comes to features and cabin experience, both cars are loaded with tech features and premium equipment.
The table below presents the feature-by-feature comparison of both cars:
| Feature | MG Hector | Tata Harrier |
| Infotainment System | 14-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System with i-Smart Technology Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlayConnected Car Tech (MG Connect) Wireless Charging & Gesture Control (In Top Variants) | 12.3-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System Android Auto and Apple CarPlay250+ Native Voice CommandsConnected Car Technology with iRA 2.0 |
| Music System | 8-speaker Infinity Sound System | 10-speaker JBL Sound System |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Ventilated Seats | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Steering | Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column | Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column |
| Drive Modes | 3 (Normal, Eco, Sport) | 3 (City, Sport, Economy) + off-terrain modes |
| Instrument Cluster | 7-inch Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof | Panoramic Sunroof |
| Adjustable Seats | Height Adjustable Driver Seat | Height Adjustable Driver Seat |
| Rear AC Vents | Available | Available |
| 60:40 Rear Seat Split | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Available (Adaptive) | Available (Adaptive) |
Both SUVs are loaded with high-end tech features. The MG Hector stands out with its 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, accompanied by the 7-inch fully digital MID, and an 8-speaker Infinity sound system to offer an immersive audio-visual experience inside the cabin.
Meanwhile, the Harrier stands out for its premium 10-speaker JBL sound system and dual-zone automatic climate control. It also offers added convenience and versatility in terms of drive modes that support multiple terrain modes. Overall, the Harrier has a slight edge in premium touches, but the Hector also shines with many high-end amenities.
MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Safety Features
For family SUV buyers, safety is a crucial feature. Core safety features are available in both the MG Hector and the Tata Harrier, but the models differ in Global NCAP ratings, ADAS availability, and other safety-focused features.
Here’s a closer look at how the two models compare in terms of safety:
| Safety Feature | MG Hector | Tata Harrier |
| NCAP Safety Ratings | Not Tested | 5-star Global NCAP |
| Airbags | 6 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side) | 7 Airbags (2 front, 2 side, 2 curtain, driver knee) |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC (Electronic Stability Control) | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Sensor | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Parking Camera | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) | Yes (Level-2 ADAS System in Top Variants) | Yes (Level-2 ADAS System in Top Variants) |
In terms of safety, the Harrier leads with a 5-star Global NCAP rating, and its top variants have 7 airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag). In comparison, the Hector lacks a safety rating and provides up to 6 airbags even in its top-end trims.
Both SUVs offer ABS with EBD, ESC, and traction control as standard safety features. They also offer adaptive cruise control as part of their ADAS functionality package in their top variants.
Overall, the Harrier excels on paper in crash safety with its impressive NCAP score and advanced features that provide greater on-road safety than the Hector.
MG Hector vs Tata Harrier: Price Comparison
Pricing is often the key factor when choosing between two SUVs in the same segment. The table below compares the ex-showroom prices of the MG Hector and Tata Harrier across base, mid, upper-mid, and top variants:
| Variants | MG Hector (Ex-Showroom) | Tata Harrier (Ex-Showroom) |
| Base Variants | ₹14.00 lakh – ₹16.89 lakh (1.5 Turbo Petrol) | ₹14.00 lakh – ₹17.96 lakh |
| Mid Variants | ₹17.20 lakh – ₹18.34 lakh (CVT/Diesel) | ₹18.30 lakh – ₹18.91 lakh (X Plus/X Dark AT) |
| Upper-Mid Variants | ₹19.69 lakh – ₹19.99 lakh (Pro CVT/Pro, Storm Diesel) | ₹19.57 lakh – ₹21.13 lakh (Adventure X AT/Fearless X Dark) |
| Top Variants | ₹20.67 lakh – ₹22.45 lakh (Pro CVT/Edition CVT/Edition Diesel) | ₹22.79 lakh – ₹25.25 lakh (Fearless Variants Line-up) |
In terms of pricing, the base variants are priced at par (₹14.00 lakh – ₹17.00 lakh); however, the Hector is more competitively priced than the Harrier in the case of mid and upper-mid variants. Thus, the Hector could be an attractive choice for buyers looking for a family-friendly SUV on a budget. It also provides a lower entry price point for its top-end trims that provide premium features.
Meanwhile, the Harrier has a premium pricing for its top variants due to its high-end features in terms of safety and comfort. Overall, the Hector is a value-for-money pick in terms of advanced technology, a comfortable cabin, and versatile performance. Whereas the Harrier is a smarter pick for buyers prioritising safety, heavy performance, a premium experience, and a bold design.
Summary
The MG Hector and Tata Harrier have their own strengths. Both SUVs are loaded with modern amenities, advanced technology, and safety features. The Hector is bigger in terms of size, offers versatile engine options, and has premium infotainment features.
On the contrary, the Harrier comes with a spacious cabin, higher ground clearance, and superior safety features (5-star NCAP, 7 airbags). It provides a strong road presence and excels in dynamic driving and highway stability with its powerful diesel engine, which appeals to buyers seeking a solid, planted SUV.
Overall, if comfort, features, and affordability are your top priorities, the Hector will be a smarter pick. Meanwhile, if driving dynamics, fuel efficiency, and torque-heavy performance are more important, the Harrier will be a better choice. Both cars are strong contenders in the mid-sized SUV segment; the choice depends on whether you prioritise the Harrier’s efficiency and safety or the Hector’s versatility and value.
FAQs about MG Hector vs Tata Harrier
Q. Which SUV offers better fuel economy: MG Hector or Tata Harrier?
The Tata Harrier has an edge over the MG Hector in terms of fuel economy. The Harrier delivers a mileage of 16.8 kmpl, while the diesel variant of the Hector offers a mileage of up to 15.58 kmpl. Thus, the Harrier offers higher mileage, making it economical for daily city driving as well as highway cruising.
Q. Which car is better between the MG Hector and Tata Harrier?
The better choice between the Hector and Harrier is subjective. The Hector offers modern tech features, a premium cabin experience, and hybrid efficiency, whereas the Harrier offers superior safety features (5-star Global NCAP ratings and Level-2 ADAS), powerful engine performance, and better driving dynamics. Thus, the ‘better’ choice depends on budget, design, and driving preference.
Q. Which car offers better safety features: MG Hector or Tata Harrier?
The core safety features across both cars are airbags, seatbelt warning, child lock, anchor points for child seat, ESC, traction control, and hill-hold assist. However, the Harrier still leads the pack with its 5-star Global NCAP rating, while the Hector is yet to be tested.
Q. Which car has a spacious interior: MG Hector or Tata Harrier?
The MG Hector is a clear winner in terms of dimensions. It is larger in all aspects, which provides more rear legroom, a broader wheelbase (2750 mm vs 2741 mm), and a higher boot space (587 litres vs 445 litres). The Harrier is broader (1922 mm) than the Hector (1835 mm), but it can’t match the Hector’s cabin size.
Q. Which car offers better value for money: the MG Hector or the Tata Harrier?
The MG Hector generally offers better value for money, packing many premium features at a lower price. It also has a lower entry price point for its top variants in comparison to the Harrier. Meanwhile, the Harrier delivers a strong road presence and a safer vehicle in exchange for a higher cost.
