Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector or Tata Harrier: best all-rounder SUV under Rs 25 lakh

I am looking for a SUV within a budget of Rs 25 lakh. My priorities are a comfortable ride, must be well equipped, safety and good performance. My use will be a mix of both city and highway driving. I am also looking for good after sales services and am not willing to wait more than a month for my purchase. 

Sunil Hemdev, via email

Autocar India says: The Mahindra XUV700 is the one to go for. Performance of both petrol and diesel engines is strong, the interiors feel premium and stability and ride comfort are excellent too. The car has a very long waiting period, so if you are in a hurry, then you will have to give this a pass.

The other SUV option is the MG Hector, which has been refreshed recently and gets a more upmarket interior. It is pretty comfortable too. The petrol’s performance is dull and the diesel lacks an automatic, but if you can live with that, then it certainly deserves to be second on your list.

The upcoming refreshed Harrier is something that might also interest you. It excels in the looks and space department, and Tata will finally upgrade the touchscreen to improve the user experience. However, the car itself isn’t as user-friendly, comfortable or refined as the Mahindra or MG, and its sales and support network, although improving, isn’t the nicest in the business.

Also see:

2021 Mahindra XUV700 review, test drive

Mahindra XUV700 first look video

MG Hector facelift review: Raising the bar

MG Hector facelift video review

Bookings open for Tata Harrier, Safari with ADAS; launch next month

2020 Tata Harrier review, road test