In this comparison review, we delve into the world of midsize SUVs, pitting the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Compass against each other. These vehicles represent the epitome of modern SUV engineering, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and features. We’ll scrutinize their exterior and interior designs, comfort levels, features, powertrains, performance, and overall value for money.
Exterior and Design
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass, although slightly smaller in dimensions, exudes sophistication with its well-defined lines and iconic Jeep design cues. Its urban styling, characterized by body-colored cladding and a two-tone roof, adds to its charm.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier commands attention with its striking design and imposing presence. The ‘Dark’ variant, featuring blacked-out elements and connected LED lights, accentuates its bold character. Its large 19-inch wheels and connected LED tail-lamps further enhance its appeal.
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 strikes a balance between modernity and elegance, with well-proportioned styling and refined design elements. Its oversized DRLs add a touch of flair without appearing overdone, while its spacious dimensions provide a commanding road presence.
Interior and Comfort
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass offers a plush interior with a blend of classic and modern elements. Its comfortable seats and sporty driving position make it a joy to be in. High-quality materials and a generous use of soft-touch plastics elevate the cabin’s ambiance.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier boasts a feature-packed interior with multiple large screens and touch panels. While its design is modern, some ergonomic flaws and fit-and-finish issues detract from its overall appeal. However, it compensates with ample storage, ambient lighting, and practical features.
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 impresses with its bright and airy cabin, featuring a twin-screen layout that exudes sophistication. Its minimalistic dashboard design and premium materials enhance the overall sense of luxury. Ample storage, comfortable seats, and good visibility further elevate the driving experience.
Rear Seat Comfort
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass offers a comfortable rear seat for two adults, although headroom may be limited for taller passengers. Its narrow width and dark interior colors slightly diminish the sense of space, but it compensates with ample knee room and supportive seats.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier excels in rear seat comfort, providing ample space and supportive seating. Pillar-mounted rear air vents, storage options, and charging provisions enhance practicality. Additionally, its electrically operable tailgate adds convenience to the overall package.
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 offers spacious and comfortable rear seating, with a reclinable backrest and ample legroom. Its boss-mode feature allows for additional legroom by adjusting the front passenger seat. The flat floor and generous cabin width ensure a comfortable ride for all occupants.
Features
All three SUVs come equipped with a host of features, including auto LED headlamps, panoramic sunroofs, dual-zone climate control, and wireless charging. However, the Tata Harrier stands out with its 12.3-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and illuminated steering wheel. The Mahindra XUV700 impresses with its ADAS suite, premium speakers, and intuitive infotainment system, offering great value for money.
Powertrain and Performance
Jeep Compass
Powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine, the Jeep Compass delivers adequate performance, albeit with a slightly lazy transmission. Its refined engine and superior cabin insulation result in a comfortable driving experience, although it falls short in outright acceleration compared to its rivals.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier shares the same diesel engine as the Compass but offers a more refined driving experience with its 6-speed automatic transmission. While its power delivery is smooth, it lacks the punch of its competitors, especially in rolling acceleration. However, its capable suspension setup ensures a composed ride over rough terrain.
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 boasts a powerful 2.2-liter diesel engine, delivering class-leading performance and smooth acceleration. Its intuitive 6-speed automatic transmission enhances the driving experience, making it the quickest SUV in this comparison.
Ride and Suspension
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass offers tight body control and superb handling, catering to driving enthusiasts. Its ride quality exudes toughness and tackles rough roads with ease, providing a balanced driving experience.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier delivers a comfortable ride, albeit with slightly jittery low-speed performance. Its Land Rover-derived underpinnings ensure composed handling, although it may feel heavy around bends compared to its rivals.
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 features a soft suspension setup, offering a comfortable ride at low speeds. Its rugged chassis and car-like driving manners make it versatile on various terrains, providing a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.
Verdict
While the Jeep Compass impresses with its solid fundamentals and fun-to-drive nature, it falls short in terms of value for money and overall features. The Tata Harrier, with its bold design and extensive feature list, offers a compelling package but suffers from engine refinement issues and interior imperfections. Ultimately, the Mahindra XUV700 emerges as the clear winner, thanks to its refined powertrain, spacious interior, and clever packaging, delivering exceptional value for money in this competitive segment.
Read More:
