The Tata Harrier EV and Vinfast VF7 are premium electric SUVs priced roughly in the range of Rs 20 lakh to Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). The Harrier EV looks bold and more SUV-ish, whereas the VF7 is sleeker and lower-slung. That said, both are loaded with features and offer potent powertrain options. Here in this article, we compare the top-spec variants of both SUVs to find which offers the best performance, regen and range.
Vinfast VF7 vs Tata Harrier EV: Specifications, price
Harrier EV offers a bigger battery and better range, but VF7 is more powerful and costs less.
*Power-to-weight is hp per tonne
^Torque-to-weight is Nm per tonne
We tested both vehicles in their top-spec AWD version, with a 75kWh battery on the Harrier EV and a slightly smaller 70.8kWh battery on the VF7. While both cars make about the same torque, the VF7 develops 40hp more than the Tata. In their AWD avatars, both use a dual-motor setup, whereas their lower variants are available with a single-motor setup. Also, the Harrier EV offers a higher claimed range, despite being about 117kg heavier than its rival.
Before Vinfast hiked prices early this year, the VF7 undercut the Harrier EV by a couple of lakh rupees at the top end and was the value pick. Now, that price difference has come down to about Rs 1.1 lakh.
Vinfast VF7 vs Tata Harrier EV: Performance tests
More power, weighs less – VF7 definitely is the better performer.
The Vinfast is faster in all of these tests, thanks to its lower kerb weight and more powerful motors. In the sprint to 100kph, it is 0.71sec quicker than the Harrier EV. The 20-80kph and 40-100kph runs are 0.73sec and 0.37sec faster in the VF7, respectively.
During our time testing these EVs, we experienced some tyre spin in the VF7 when launching it hard. On the other hand, because the traction control system in the Harrier EV AWD cannot be turned off at all, it got off the line each time without any drama.
Vinfast VF7 vs Tata Harrier EV: Regen and Range
Stronger regen modes make Harrier EV more efficient in the city.
The Harrier EV showed much stronger battery regeneration in all three regen modes. While the regenerative braking of these SUVs is close in the highest regen mode, the VF7 offers much less regenerative braking in the medium and low settings and takes twice as long to slow down from 80-20kph when compared to the Harrier EV.
The stronger regen modes in the Harrier EV help it deliver better efficiency of 5.45km/kWh in the city versus 5.1km/kWh for the VF7. This translates to a real-world range of 409km for the Harrier EV in the city and 361km for the VF7 and emphasises the importance of regen modes in making the car more city-efficient.
On the highway, the Vinfast delivered a higher efficiency of 5.92km/kWh versus 5.24km/kWh for the Harrier EV. So in the real world, you can expect a range of 393km with the Harrier EV, whereas the VF7 will go 26km further.
Vinfast VF7 vs Tata Harrier EV: Conclusion
The Harrier EV is the more accessible option here, priced from Rs 21.7 lakh to Rs 29.2 lakh, while the VF7 ranges between Rs 23 lakh and Rs 28.1 lakh. For most urban buyers, the Harrier EV makes a stronger case with its effective regen modes and better real-world efficiency. However, if outright performance is a priority, the VF7 stands out as the more engaging option.
Brand trust is another key factor to consider. Tata’s established presence in India gives the Harrier EV an advantage, whereas Vinfast is still a relatively new entrant. That said, Vinfast counters this with a 10-year/2 lakh km warranty on both the vehicle and battery pack. In comparison, the Harrier EV offers a lifetime battery warranty for the first owner, along with a standard 3-year/1.25 lakh km vehicle warranty.
Uday Singh
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Dhruv Dhaka
