As you rightly said, the Toyota Innova HyCross is better from the rear seat, while the Tata Harrier EV is more enjoyable from the front. It's up to you to decide where your priority lies. 

When it comes to performance and dynamics, the Harrier EV ticks more boxes, as it has a much stronger and more responsive powertrain, sharper steering, tighter dynamics and a pretty comfortable ride in isolation too. 

However, its shortcoming is that of all EVs - the limitation of range and dependency on charging. Plus, the Harrier EV has shown signs of electronic glitches, at least on early cars. 

If these are things you can work with, the Harrier EV seems like the better choice for you. The Innova, meanwhile, is the better all-rounder. It's more spacious and comfortable, with rock-solid reliability and a seamless service experience. 

The Toyota Innova HyCross is a 6-7-seater MPV that ranks high on reliability and dependability. With Toyota's strong backing, your ownership experience over the next 10 years is likely to be hassle-free. 

The Tata Harrier EV, on the other hand, is a fantastic product with all the bells and whistles which you may or may not expect at its price. And while the driving experience of the Harrier EV is superior to the Hycross', Tata doesn't have a reputation for a niggle-free car, and its service centre experience can be a hit or miss. 

So even though the Harrier EV is a good car, for sheer peace of mind, the Toyota Hycross is a better bet.

Given your budget, and that you are a performance enthusiast, you should check out the Tata Sierra with the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. It comes with a smooth 6-speed torque converter automatic, which means there should be less of the rubber band effect that you might have gotten with a CVT auto. 

The Skoda Kushaq 1.5 petrol is another good option, although there is a facelift due in the second half of next year, which will bring many new features. While an EV is also a good option, the Tata Harrier EV will be slightly out of your budget, and the Tata Sierra EV will only be launched in 2026.

Since you are open to buying an EV, the Mahindra XEV 9e is a good option to consider. Ride comfort at low speeds isn't quite as good as the Harrier EV, but the Mahindra car does feel more composed at higher speeds. You can also read: Tata Harrier EV vs Mahindra XEV 9e road test comparison

Mahindra will also launch the XEV 9S on November 27. The XEV 9S has a more conventional SUV shape and comes with the flexibility of a third row of seats, in case that matters to you. 



  

An electric vehicle will prove to be far more economical for you if you primarily plan to charge it at home. Most new-age EVs like the Mahindra BE6, Hyundai Creta EV and Tata Harrier EV can comfortably handle highway trips of around 300–400 km on a single charge. So yes, if you have access to home charging, an EV would be the better choice for you.

After 50,000 to 70,000 km, it’s understandable for any vehicle to start showing some issues due to natural wear and tear. However, the severity of these issues can be greatly reduced by following the recommended service schedule, using only recommended parts and supplements, and handling the vehicle with care.

Mahindra has a fairly wide service network, though owners have reported mixed experiences with service quality. The known issues mainly relate to electronics, infotainment, and the front suspension. Mahindra has also conducted several recalls to fix faulty units.

Overall, yes, an EV will have lower maintenance costs than an ICE vehicle since it has fewer moving components and less wear and tear. The Harrier EV is a good product, especially in terms of space and comfort. However, you should also consider the Mahindra XEV 9e as an alternative.