If you’re shopping for a bold, practical SUV under ₹20 lakh in India and you’re deciding between Tata Harrier and MG Hector — you’re at the right place. Both cars are popular, but they appeal to slightly different needs and priorities. Here’s a detailed, honest look at how they stack up — so you can choose the one that fits you best.
🚗 Quick Overview: What Each SUV Offers
| Model | Approx Starting Price* | Engine / Fuel | What It’s Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Harrier | ~ ₹14 lakh (ex‑showroom, base diesel) HT Auto+1 | 1956 cc diesel (diesel-only) V3Cars+1 | People who want diesel efficiency, good mileage, and a rugged SUV feel |
| MG Hector | ~ ₹14 lakh (ex‑showroom, base petrol / turbo‑petrol) CarDekho+1 | 1.5 L turbo‑petrol / petrol (also offers diesel in some versions) https://www.bajajfinserv.in+1 | Those who want features, maybe petrol convenience, and a spacious ride |
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*Prices are ex‑showroom base variants — on‑road price will be higher depending on city, variant and taxes.
Bottom line: In sticker price they are often comparable, but what you get under the hood (and under the body) is different — which means what’s “better” depends on how you drive and what you value.
⚙️ Engine, Performance & Running Costs
Tata Harrier
- Comes with a 1956 cc diesel engine (some older or diesel-focused variants). V3Cars+1
- Mileage is slightly better compared to Hector for diesel variants: ~ 16.8 km/l (vs Hector’s petrol 12–15.5 km/l range) — good if you’re doing a lot of driving. HT Auto+1
- Diesel engine + good mileage = lower running costs, better suited for long drives, frequent commuting or heavier use.
MG Hector
- Offers petrol and sometimes diesel (depending on variant), giving flexibility if you prefer petrol convenience or don’t drive much diesel‑friendly distances. https://www.bajajfinserv.in+1
- Petrol mileage will be lower than diesel — but maintenance & drivability in city traffic may feel easier (no diesel‑specific considerations).
Verdict on performance/running cost:
If you prioritize fuel efficiency, long drives or heavy usage — Harrier’s diesel setup gives an advantage. If you want petrol convenience, easier maintenance, and lighter use — Hector is more flexible.
📦 Space, Comfort & Practical Usability
MG Hector
- Larger footprint: More boot space (≈ 587 litres) compared to Harrier’s ~445–502 litres, so good for luggage, groceries, family trips. CARS24+1
- Offers more generous rear-seat comfort and longer wheelbase/length — good if you often travel with family or need extra space. Overdrive+1
Tata Harrier
- Still offers decent boot space and cabin for a 5‑seater SUV — may feel more compact, but sufficient for small families or couples. CARS24+1
- Its slightly smaller size may make city driving and parking a little easier compared to Hector — worth considering if you’re often in tight traffic or narrow lanes.
Verdict on space/comfort:
For more people, luggage, family use — Hector has a clear advantage. For city use, compact feel, moderate family use — Harrier strikes a good balance.
✅ Strengths: Where Each SUV Shines
Why you might pick Tata Harrier
- Better diesel fuel efficiency and lower running cost (diesel advantage).
- Solid build and rugged feel — good as a SUV for occasional long drives or rough roads.
- Slightly more economical for long‑term ownership and heavy use.
Why you might pick MG Hector
- More space, boot room and roominess — ideal for families or frequent long trips.
- Flexible fuel/engine options — petrol and diesel, depending on your preference and driving pattern.
- Possibly better rear-seat comfort and luggage capacity for bigger loads/trips.
⚠️ Tradeoffs & What to Watch Out For
- Harrier — Diesel-only (in many trims) means fuel cost savings, but diesel can be noisy, and availability/prices vary by region.
- Harrier — Less boot space and rear-seat room compared to Hector; might feel tight for larger families or frequent long trips.
- Hector — Petrol (or non‑diesel) variants mean higher fuel costs; mileage and long‑term running costs can be higher.
- Hector — Slightly larger size may be a downside in heavy city traffic or for parking convenience.
🎯 Who Should Buy Which — Based on What You Need
Choose Tata Harrier if you:
- Prefer diesel engine — better mileage and fuel efficiency.
- Expect to drive long distances, frequently travel, or want lower running costs over time.
- Live in moderately busy or open roads (where space isn’t a huge constraint).
Choose MG Hector if you:
- Want more space, comfort, and boot room — important if you travel with family or carry luggage often.
- Prefer flexibility: petrol/diesel options, easier maintenance, lighter city driving.
- Want a slightly more “family‑friendly” SUV overall.
📝 My 2025 Verdict: Which SUV Is “Better Under ₹20 Lakh”?
There’s no one-size-fits-all winner — both Harrier and Hector are excellent, but for different kinds of buyers:
- For fuel‑efficient, diesel‑loving users, who care about running cost, long-term value, occasional heavy use — Tata Harrier is a strong pick.
- For families, travellers, or those needing space & flexibility, MG Hector wins because of its roomy cabin, larger boot, and fuel‑type options.
If I were buying today for a regular city + occasional long‑trip life, and I care about mileage and lower cost of ownership — I’d go for Harrier. But if I had a small family and wanted all‑round comfort and space — Hector would be hard to beat.
