Tata Harrier Pure X Dark 2.0 Diesel AT

Within your price range, you are choosing between the Tata Harrier Adventure X+ and the Mahindra XUV 7XO AX5, both with diesel-automatic powertrains. Between the two, the XUV 7XO would be our pick. Since you are comparing a five-seater with a seven-seater, the third row clearly isn’t a priority. However, the XUV 7XO still has the more spacious and comfortable cabin of the two. Its 2.2-litre diesel engine is also more powerful than the 2.0-litre unit in the Harrier. 

In terms of features, the Harrier offers ADAS in the Adventure X+ trim, which is only available on the AX7 Tech trim of the XUV 7XO. However, if this isn’t important to you, the XUV 7XO is still quite well equipped. Before you decide, make sure you test drive both these vehicles extensively.

Between the two, we would suggest going for the Kia Seltos HTX IVT. Considering that 80% of your usage will be in Bangalore city, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with the IVT/CVT transmission is a very good combination. The gearbox is smooth and makes the car extremely easy to drive in heavy traffic conditions, which is important for everyday city commutes.

The Seltos is also easier to drive and park in the city compared to the larger Tata Harrier. In addition, Kia generally has a more consistent ownership and service experience, which is something that becomes important when you are planning to keep the car for the long term. From a resale perspective as well, the Seltos tends to hold its value well.

The Tata Harrier does offer a wider rear seat and a more spacious cabin, so if rear seat comfort for three adults on long trips is your absolute priority, it does have an advantage there. However, considering your usage is mostly in the city, the Seltos will be the easier and more practical car to live with.

Given what you're looking for in your SUV, the Tata Sierra makes more sense than the Harrier for you. It will feel like a considerable upgrade from your Ford EcoSport Diesel MT, most notably in size and features. And yes, as you mentioned, its standout design is really one of its biggest selling points. 

The Harrier has a much stronger engine, though build quality isn't too far off, but the premium Tata Motors is asking over the Sierra, spec for spec, doesn't feel worth it when the latter is such a good package. The sunroof, unfortunately, has become an inescapable feature in modern cars, especially in these segments, and it's something that you'll just have to accept and not use if you want the rest of the features as well. 

Tata is known to update its models regularly and add new trim levels, and maybe it will introduce more variants that have the rest of the features minus the sunroof. All things considered, the Sierra represents far better value than the Harrier.

Both these SUVs are solid picks, and choosing between them boils down to your priorities. The Tata Harrier is the physically larger SUV of the two and therefore has more interior space and a more commanding road presence. The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine offers refined and effortless performance, and the 6-speed torque converter is smooth in operation. Ride quality and high-speed stability are also exceptionally good, making it a superb highway cruiser.

The Kia Seltos is the newer of the two and has a more modern interior and exterior design. In the variants you've chosen, it is also better equipped, getting features like ventilated front seats, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, a better sound system and more ADAS features. Its 1.5-litre turbo-petrol offers similar refinement and performance to the Harrier, but the DCT isn’t as smooth-shifting as the Tata’s torque-converter automatic. Kia also has a better reputation for after-sales service and should have better resale value.

If the Harrier’s road presence, ride comfort and smooth automatic are important to you, then pick the Harrier. However, if features and after-sales service matter more, the Kia Seltos is the better bet.