Tata Harrier EV Adventure vs Mahindra XEV 9e Pack One: which base variant offers more?

Tata Motors recently launched the Harrier.ev as its flagship new electric SUV, positioned to directly take on the Mahindra XEV 9e, with the latter already having established a firm footing in the market. The Harrier.ev and the XEV 9e certainly differ in their body styles, but both are priced nearly at par with each other, which means buyers may end up cross shopping. The base price of the Harrier EV, at Rs 21.49 lakh, is just Rs 40,000 less than the base price of XEV 9e at Rs 21.90 lakh, both prices ex-showroom.

Here in this article, we are taking a close look at how the base variants of both SUVs compare on paper in terms of specs and range and which offers more features. Read on to find out which is the better value-for-money offering.

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: battery, range and specs

In their base variants, both the Harrier EV and the XEV 9e use a rear axle-mounted electric motor (the Tata also gets an AWD configuration with dual motors on its top trim). As you can see in the table above, the Harrier EV has a slight edge with its power output, but the XEV 9e clearly has the upper hand in terms of torque.

However, when it comes to range, which is what really matters for EVs, the difference between the Harrier EV and XEV 9e is rather negligible. Although it is the Harrier EV that has the slightly bigger battery, the XEV 9e has 4km higher claimed range. The XEV 9e also takes slightly lesser time to charge using a 7.2kW AC charger. Additionally, the XEV 9e can be had with a faster 11.2kW AC charger which brings down the charging time to 6 hours.

Do note the 7.2kW AC charger is optional on both SUVs for about Rs 50,000, while the 11.2kW AC charger comes in at an additional Rs 75,000 on the Mahindra.

Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e: Exterior features 

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 

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 

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 

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 with slightly better range and charging times, 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. The other thing to consider is that the Harrier EV’s prices are still introductory, and will go up in due course. So, on paper at least, the Mahindra XEV 9e does come across as better value than the Tata Harrier EV.