The Tata Harrier EV and the Vinfast VF7 both premium electric SUVs roughly priced in the range of Rs 20-30 lakh (ex-showroom). The Harrier EV looks bold and more SUV-ish, whereas the VF7 is sleeker and lower slung. That said, both cars are loaded with features and offer potent powertrain options. Here in this article, we compare the top-spec variants of both cars to find which EV offers the best performance, regen and range.
Vinfast VF7 vs Tata Harrier EV: Specifications, price
Harrier EV offers a bigger battery, better range but the 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 slightly smaller 70.8kWh battery on the VF7. While both cars make about the same torque, the VF7 makes 40hp more than the Tata. In this AWD avatar, both cars use a dual motor setup, whereas lower variants are available with a single motor setup in both models. Also, the Harrier EV offers a higher claimed range, despite being the heavier car here (by about 117kg)
Before Vinfast hiked prices early this year, the VF7 undercut the Harrier EV by a couple of lakhs and was the value pick. Today, the price difference between the two has come down and is about Rs. 1.1 lakh between these top-spec variants.
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 0.71s quicker than the Harrier EV. 20-80kph and 40-100kph runs are 0.73s and 0.37s 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 the 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 cars are close in the highest regen mode, the VF7 offers very less regenerative braking in the medium and low setting, 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 helps 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 27km 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
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Dipan Sur
