The base variants of both electric SUVs are set apart by just Rs 40,000.
Tata Motors recently debuted the Harrier EV as its flagship new electric SUV which is positioned to directly take on the Mahindra XEV 9e, the latter already having established a footing in the market. Although full specs and prices are yet to be revealed, Tata Motors has announced the base price of the Harrier EV to be Rs 21.49 lakh. That’s just Rs 40,000 less than the XEV 9e which is priced from Rs 21.90 lakh, both prices ex-showroom.
While we really can’t compare the specs as of now, here in this article we are taking a close look at what features you get on the base variant of both SUVs, and which offers more for your money.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Exterior features
| Harrier.ev vs XEV 9e exterior features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrier.ev | XEV 9e | ||
| Headlamps | LED Bi-projectors | LED Bi-projectors | |
| LED DRLs | Yes | Yes | |
| Tail lamps | LEDs | LEDs | |
| Wheels | 18-inch alloys with aero covers | 19-inch steel wheels with aero covers | |
| Illuminated logos | No | Yes | |
| Sequential turn indicators | No | No | |
| Auto headlamps and wipers | No | Yes | |
| Rear spoiler | Yes | Yes | |
| Integrated side step | Yes | No | |
| Puddle lamps | Yes | No | |
| Electric adjust/fold ORVMs | Yes/Yes | Yes/No | |
| Colour | Dual-tone | Single-tone | |
On the exterior, the Harrier EV has some additional features over the XEV 9e, namely puddle lamps, auto-folding ORVMs, an integrated side step and dual-tone colour shades. It has alloys, albeit a size smaller, as opposed to the Mahindra’s steel wheels. The XEV 9e, however, goes one up with illuminated front and rear logos and auto headlamps and wipers.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Interior features
| Harrier.ev vs XEV 9e interior features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrier.ev | XEV 9e | ||
| Infotainment screen size | 10.25-inch | 12.3-inch | |
| Digital driver’s display | 10.25-inch | 12.3-inch | |
| Passenger screen | No | 12.3-inch | |
| Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | Wired | Wireless | |
| Auto AC | Yes | Yes | |
| Seat upholstery | Leatherette | Fabric | |
| Leather wrapped steering | Yes | Yes | |
| Wireless Charger | No | No | |
| On-board navigation | Yes | No | |
| Audio system | 4 speakers, 2 tweeters | 4 speakers, 2 tweeters | |
| Ventilated front seats | No | No | |
| Push button start | Yes | Yes | |
| Driver’s seat adjust | Manual | Manual | |
| 60:40 split rear seats | Yes | Yes | |
| Fast charging Type C ports | Yes | Yes | |
| Front armrest | Yes | Yes | |
| Rear armrest | No | Yes | |
| Reclining rear seats | No | Yes | |
| Connected car tech | Yes | Yes | |
| OTA updates | Yes | Yes | |
| Rear window sunshade | No | No | |
| Tilt/Telescopic steering | Yes/Yes | Yes /Yes | |
On the equipment front, the XEV 9e has a clear advantage over the Harrier.ev. Not only does the XEV 9e have larger infotainment and driver’s display, but it also gets an additional screen for the passenger right from the base variant; plus, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also wireless as opposed to them being wired on the Harrier.ev. The rear seats, too, are more comfortable, thanks to the reclining function and fold-down armrest.
The Harrier.ev does claw back some ground with leatherette upholstery and on-board navigation right from the base variant, but the XEV 9e impresses more with its convenience and feel good features.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Driving features
| Harrier.ve vs XEV 9e driving features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Harrier.ev | XEV 9e | ||
| Drive modes | Sport, City, Eco | Default, Range, Everyday, Race | |
| Terrain modes | Normal, Wet/Rain, Rough Road | Snow mode | |
| Drift mode | Yes | No | |
| Boost mode | No | Yes | |
| Brake regeneration | Yes | Yes | |
| Cruise control | Yes | Yes | |
| V2V charging | Yes | No | |
| V2L capabilities | Yes | No | |
As far as driving features are concerned, the Harrier EV has a few more tricks up its sleeve with the Terrain modes – Normal, Wet/Rain and Rough Road. In comparison, the XEV 9e only gets a snow mode which comes in on a higher trim on the Harrier.ev. The latter has also the distinction with vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-load charging capabilities which the Mahindra completely misses out on. A unique distinction on both SUVs is the drift mode on the Harrier.ev and Boost mode on the XEV 9e.
Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: safety features
| Harrier.ev vs XEV 9e safety features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Harrier.ev | XEV 9e | |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Camera | Rear | Rear |
| Parking sensors | Rear | Rear |
| ADAS suite | No | No |
| Electronic parking brake | Yes | Yes |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent/ascent control | Yes | No |
| Traction control | Yes | No |
| All wheel disc brakes | Yes | Yes |
On the safety front, while both SUVs are evenly matched on the basics, the Harrier.ev marks out an advantage with hill descent/ascent control and a traction control system.
What’s the verdict?
For just Rs 40,000 more, the Mahindra XEV 9e clearly has the more techy and feature-laden interior, while the Harrier.ev has more safety and driving-related features. It must be noted that both SUVs are fundamentally quite different – the XEV 9e is a born-electric coupe-SUV while the ICE-converted Harrier.ev is more traditional in its body style. However, both SUVs are rear-wheel driven, with the Harrier.ev having a slight advantage with a battery size of 65kWh as opposed to the XEV 9e’s 59kWh unit. Until full specifications are out for the Harrier.ev, both SUVs seem quite evenly matched on paper, for now.
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