Automatic SUV spec comparison: 2020 Tata Harrier vs New Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos vs MG Hector

The 2020 Tata Harrier is the latest member to join the BS-VI mid-size automatic SUV club in the country. With a few more bells & whistles now, can the updated Harrier justify its late arrival to the party? We take a look...  

The 2020 Tata Harrier has finally brought along an automatic transmission option and a more powerful version of the 2.0-litre Kryotec motor, which is now BS-VI compliant. Therefore, it can finally be put to a fair comparison with the likes of the new Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos & the MG Hector. The common factor among all four models is that they offer BS-VI compliant powertrains (petrol or diesel) with an automatic gearbox option (key criteria of this comparison). So, here's how these cars compare, on paper.

Dimensions

Clearly, the battle of the biggest dimensions is between the Harrier & the Hector. While the Hector offers superior length, the Harrier pips the MG in terms of width. But since both cars have almost the same wheelbase, the interior space is likely to be comparable. But the Hector does benefit from the long length when the boot capacities are compared, offering 162 litres of it more than the Harrier.  

Drivetrain

This is where the Creta & the Seltos enjoy a big advantage over their bigger-sized competitors - both cars offer multiple automatic gearbox options with BS-VI compliant petrol & diesel engines. The Hector, as of now, only offers its 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor in BS-VI guise (with a DCT automatic gearbox option). As for the Harrier, it continues to be on sale exclusively with a 2.0-litre diesel engine - thanks to the latest updates, it now enjoys the distinction of being the most powerful of the lot (168bhp & 350Nm). However, there's only a torque converter automatic gearbox on offer with the Harrier and no DCT option.

Features & Equipment (automatic variants only)

Since our focus is on automatic derivatives of each model here, we've only taken into consideration the features on offer with the automatic variants. Despite being the most expensive car of the lot, the Harrier lacks some premium and new-age features like connected car tech, wireless phone charging & LED headlamps. Also, at a maximum size of 8.8-inch, its touchscreen is also the smallest of the lot. 

Price Range (automatic variants only)

The Tata Harrier is the most expensive car here, even if we take into consideration the estimated price range of the new Creta. In fact, the difference between the Harrier automatic's starting price and the other models' ending price isn't too big. So, the Harrier needs to match the build quality & refinement of the Creta (or Seltos) and the road presence of the Hector in order to justify its relatively higher price tag. What works in the Harrier's favour - it's the most powerful & torquiest of the lot and it certainly looks appealing.  

Read more:

MG Hector Long Term Report: February 2020