Choosing between a Hyundai Creta and Tata Harrier diesel-automatic

I currently drive a 2016 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza that gives me a mileage of 19-20kpl. My daily commute is 100km (60 percent on the highway and 40 percent in the city). Within a budget of Rs 20 lakh (on road, Delhi), I want a diesel-automatic SUV that has good mileage, is fun to drive, and has a panoramic sunroof, but the most important of all is that it should be safe, as I have a kid. I have shortlisted the Hyundai Creta and the Tata Harrier diesel.

Tushar Gupta, Faridabad

Given your usage, which is primarily on the highway, we feel the Harrier will be a better option than the Creta. The Creta is a better city SUV but not as good on the highway as the Harrier, which feels more settled and stable at speeds. Also, the Harrier’s 170hp, 2.0-litre engine feels much stronger than the Creta’s 1.5 diesel, which develops a lower 115hp.

The extra power, well-sorted suspension and tough chassis make the Harrier more fun to drive than the Creta. However, bear in mind that, at low speeds and whilst parking, the bigger Harrier, with its old-school hydraulic power steering can feel quite heavy.