Tata Harrier Vs MG Hector: Which Base Variant is the Best for Tech-Savvy Gadget Lovers?

In today’s world, the use of technology extends into automobiles, too. And for the tech-savvy buyer, their car needs to be seamlessly integrated. As premium SUVs, the Tata Harrier and MG Hector are desirable cars, but are priced upwards of Rs 15 lakh. So, let’s take a look at their base variants, which are the cheapest in their line-ups.

In this article, we will share

• What a tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car
• Tata Harrier vs MG Hector – an in-depth look at their base variants, technology, features and gadgets
• Which variant is right for you

Should you consider buying these premium SUVs, or should you look towards mid-size SUVs such as Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara or Hyundai Creta to pick one? Let’s find out.

What a Tech-savvy gadget lover looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a tech-savvy buyer:

• Hi-tech features: What advanced features such as infotainment system does the car have
• Driver assistance: Does the car have tech-driven features to assist you in driving
• Connectivity: Does the car have internet connectivity
• Convenience: What features does the car have to enhance convenience

For a tech-savvy gadget lover, a car is more than just a vehicle; it’s a tech playground. When looking for the best cars with advanced technology, they seek state-of-the-art features such as a high-quality audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance systems like a 360-degree camera and parking assist.

Essential convenience features such as keyless entry, power windows, and climate control are also on their checklist in their search for the top cars with the latest features. They often look for cutting-edge design and high-performance capabilities, making them fans of modern and stylish vehicles.

Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500

Why Tata Harrier and MG Hector are Popular

Both Tata Harrier and MG Hector have gained traction among tech-savvy gadget lovers due to their technologically advanced features and contemporary design.

The Tata Harrier, known for its robust design and reliable performance, offers an impressive set of features like touchscreen navigation, steering mounted controls, and a powerful OEM audio system. The Harrier’s interior design is modern and appealing, an important aspect for tech enthusiasts who value aesthetic as well as function.

The MG Hector, on the other hand, has a reputation for integrating innovative technology into its vehicles. It comes with features like an Infinity audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, touchscreen navigation, and even voice-activated controls.

The Hector’s design is equally captivating, with a sleek and modern exterior and a well-designed interior that offers comfort alongside its high-tech features. If you’re a long-distance road trip lover, you can check out our MG Hector and Tata Harrier comparison.

Tata Harrier and MG Hector Base Variants

For Tata Harrier, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 July 2023
XE	₹ 1,500,000

For MG Hector, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 24 July 2023
1.5 Turbo Style	₹ 1,500,000

Tata Harrier XE

Priced at ₹ 1,500,000, the Tata Harrier XE doesn’t come with some P0 features like adaptive cruise control, touchscreen navigation, or a high-end audio system, but it does offer a modern interior design, steering mounted controls, and essential driver assistance features like power windows and keyless entry. Its lower price point makes it an appealing choice for gadget lovers on a budget who still want a solid set of tech features. If you’re an off-roading enthusiast, you can read how the Harrier stacks up against Mahindra Scorpio-N.

MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style

The MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style, despite having the same price point as the Tata Harrier XE, offers a broader range of high-tech features. It comes with a high-end Infinity audio system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and touchscreen navigation. Like the Tata Harrier XE, it also features keyless entry and power windows, but adds to its tech-savvy appeal with voice-activated controls. We also have our comparison of the MG Hector with Mahindra XUV700 for tech-savvy gadget lovers.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Tata Harrier and MG Hector for Tech-savvy gadget lovers

MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style clearly emerges as the superior variant for a tech-savvy gadget lover.

Unlike the Tata Harrier XE, the Hector variant is replete with high-end tech features, including a large 10.4″ LCD touchscreen, touchscreen navigation, voice-activated controls, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a high-quality Infinity audio system with 4 speakers. The Hector also boasts USB ports and wireless charging capabilities for added convenience.

While the Tata Harrier XE does offer some notable driver assistance features like lane-keeping assist and power steering, it falls short in the features and gadgets department. It lacks the high-end tech features offered by the Hector, including a touchscreen interface, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system.

The Two Base Variants Ranked

The two base variants for a tech-savvy gadget lover can be ranked as:

1. MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style
2. Tata Harrier XE

Features	MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style	Tata Harrier XE
Power Steering	Yes	Yes
Steering column (tilt, tilt & telescopic)	Tilt	Tilt & Telescopic
Lane keeping assist	No	Yes
Rear Parking Sensors	Yes	Yes
Rear Parking Camera	Yes	No
360-degree Camera	No	No
Cruise Control	No	No
Adaptive Cruise Control	No	No
Steering Mounted Controls	No	No
Parking Assistance	No	No
ORVM (manual, automatic)	Automatic	Manual
Day/night IRVM	Yes	Yes
Fog lights	No	No
Headlights (Halogen, LED)	Halogen	Halogen
Cornering headlamps	No	No
Hill Hold assist	Yes	Yes
Low fuel indicator	Yes	Yes
DRLs	Yes	Yes
Climate Control (Automatic, manual, dual-zone)	No	No
Rear AC vents	Yes	No
Seating Adjustments (manual, power, memory)	Manual	Manual
Lumbar support	No	No
Sunroof (panoramic, standard)	No	No
Glove box cooling	No	No
USB Ports (mumber)	Yes	No
Keyless Entry	Yes	No
Push Button Start	No	No
Power Windows – Front	Yes	Yes
Power Windows – Back	Yes	Yes
Ventilated seats	No	No
Rain sensing wiper	No	No
Touchscreen type (LCD, TFT, OLED)	LCD	None
Touchscreen size	10.4	No
Touchscreen Navigation	Yes	No
Voice Activated Controls	Yes	No
Bluetooth Connectivity (Android Auto, Apple CarPlay)	Yes	No
Internet Connectivity	No	No
Audio System (Brand)	Infinity	None
Audio System – # of speakers	4	0
Wireless charging	Yes	No

How to Pick the Right Car for You?

• The MG Hector 1.5 Turbo Style stands out due to its array of tech features like a large LCD touchscreen, voice-activated controls, touchscreen navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a high-quality Infinity audio system, and wireless charging capabilities. These features, along with keyless entry and power windows, make it more feature-rich of the two base variants.
• The Tata Harrier XE, while lacking in some of the high-tech features offered by the MG Hector, still presents a solid option for those who prioritize driver assistance features such as lane-keeping assist and power steering. Besides, it has a more powerful diesel engine. However, without features like a touchscreen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium audio system, it falls short in meeting the high-tech demands of a gadget lover.

These two options provide different ranges of features, with the MG Hector clearly coming out on top for those who value cutting-edge technology in their vehicle. The Tata Harrier XE, on the other hand, is more suited to those who appreciate essential driver assistance features and a simpler tech interface.

Let us know which one you liked the most in the comments. If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.

Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered