The 2025 Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV700 comparison pits two of the best SUVs in India against each other, and it’s a battle of design, performance, and features. Both target Indian buyers who want reliability, safety, and value, but they part ways in critical areas like powertrains, pricing, and tech. This comparison, specially configured to Indian roads on April 2, 2025, will analyze their strengths to help you make a choice on which SUV comes your way.
Design and Exterior Appeal
The Tata Harrier has an aggressive, plush stance that stands out. The 2025 update adds a full-width LED light bar, thinner headlamps, and new 19-inch alloy wheels to make it even more formidable on the road. On the other hand, the Mahindra XUV700 gets a brawny but elegant design with unique comma-shaped DRLs, flush door handles, and 18-inch alloys. While the Harrier is definitely a tough urban warrior type of vibe, the XUV700 balances sophistication and SUV-ishness.
For example, the Harrier’s better ground clearance (205 mm vs. XUV700’s 200 mm) offers an advantage when the going gets tough. But modern touches such as a powered tailgate in the XUV700 are clearly intended to woo buyers looking for fashionable, convenience-oriented purchases. Your selection here will reflect your taste in understated aggression or the more polished, modern aesthetic.
Powertrain and Performance Options
Tata provides Harrier with a 2.0L diesel engine with 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, which is mated to a 6-speed manual/automatic. But it returned a mileage of 16.8 kmpl, which is quite decent, especially for long highway journeys. Conversely, the XUV700 has more options: a 2.0L turbo-petrol (197 bhp, 380 Nm) and a 2.2L diesel (up to 182 bhp, 450 Nm) with manual and auto choices. The diesel is good for a pretentious 16.57 kmpl, while petrol pegs itself at 13 kmpl.
Furthermore, the XUV700 sheds the Harrier’s front-wheel-drive setup in favor of an optional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, which is better equipped to tackle tough terrains. More spirited drivers will find the XUV700’s extra torque and more polished engines give it a punchier feel. For those who find fuel efficiency and simplicity to be more important, the Harrier remains a steadfast diesel-only option.
Interior Comfort and Features
Inside, the Harrier welcomes you to premium interiors with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sliding sunroof. The experience is bolstered by its 10-speaker JBL audio and ambient lighting. Just like the XUV700, it also features dual 10.25-inch screens (one for infotainment; one for driver display), a Sony 12-speaker sound system, and dual-zone climate control. Unlike the 5-seat layout on the Harrier, it also gets a 7-seat option.
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For instance, the XUV700 is better suited for larger families with its spacious 3rd row, while the Harrier focuses on 2nd row comfort and giant boot space (445L compared to just 240L in XUV700 with all seats up). While tech-savvy buyers might appreciate features such as Alexa integration and flush handles in the XUV700, the Harrier retaliates with a gesture-controlled tailgate and ADAS Level 2 kit.
Safety and Reliability
Both SUVs score well on safety, with Tata and Mahindra going stout in crash tests. Harrier gets a 5-star score in Global NCAP, followed with 6 airbags, ESC, and ADAS (lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control). In the same breath, the XUV700 can also achieve a 5-star rating, and it also comes with driver drowsiness detection and a 360-degree camera. Each emphasizes occupant safety, vital in India’s bumpy roads.
But Tata’s terrain response modes (wet, rough, normal) help the Harrier feel more confident off-road. However, the XUV700’s AWD variants provide better grip. Tata’s service network has certainly improved in terms of reliability, but Mahindra’s broader network and lesser reported niggles tilt the scale in its favour ever so slightly.
Pricing and Value for Money
The Harrier, on the other hand, has a starting price of ₹14.99 lakh (ex-showroom), and goes up to ₹26.44 lakh, with a simple diesel line. While the XUV700 is priced from ₹13.99 lakh to ₹26.99 lakh, depending on petrol, diesel, and AWD in MX, AX3, AX5, and AX7 trims. Budget buyers can benefit from the lower entry price and petrol variant of the XUV700.
In addition, the XUV700’s range-topping AX7 variants get more features, such as a powered co-driver seat, compared to the top-end Fearless variant of the Harrier. But the Harrier offers very good value on safety and design for a slightly reduced outlay on mid-tier variants. This selection will depend on your budget and seating requirements.
What Trims Are Best Suited For Indian Roads?
Durability, efficiency, and comfort are needed on Indian roads. The Harrier, however, is engineered for long drives and undulating surfaces, given its high ground clearance and diesel efficiency. On the flip side, XUV700’s multiple assured powertrains and optional AWD are better equipped to deal with monsoons and rural terrain. Around town, the XUV700’s lighter steering and petrol option manage this best, while the Harrier is heavier but feels planted.
For example, the Harrier’s suspension tuning is better suited for pothole-laden roads, whilst the XUV700’s smoother experience appeals to urban families. While 2025 fuel prices keep the Harrier’s diesel-only approach wallet-friendly.
Conclusion: Your Ideal Pick
For buyers wanting a stylish, diesel-powered SUV high on safety and highway ability, the Tata Harrier fits the bill at a great price. Meanwhile, the Mahindra XUV700 is a vehicle for families or tech enthusiasts needing seating flexibility, powertrain variety, and premium features. If robust back-to-basics is your thing, choose the Harrier. The XUV700 is a clear winner on versatility and modernity, if that matters more.
Source: CarDekho.com
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