2024 Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Harrier 2023: Comparing Their Base Variants Priced Rs 14-16 Lakh for Budget-conscious Car Buyers

What are some of the best budget cars, or value for money cars in India? Let’s look at the 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier 2023 to compare their base variants for budget-conscious buyers.

In this article, we will discuss

• What a budget-conscious buyer looks for in a car
• 2024 Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Harrier 2023 – a comprehensive analysis of their base variants, features, affordability, and fuel efficiency
• How to pick the right car for you

So, can these cars be considered the best budget premium SUVs? What affordable car options do they have in their lineup? Read on.

What a Budget-conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car

A budget-conscious buyer should look for these in a car:

• Affordability – a car should be affordable, and have low maintenance costs
• Fuel efficiency – The car shouldn’t guzzle fuel
• Safety features – Essential safety features are a must in a car
• Brand perception – Is the brand of the car known for its wide service network, after sales service, etc.
• Resale value – The car should fetch good resale rates

Budget buyers want maximum value at minimum cost when purchasing a car. Affordability is top priority, but they still expect decent power, features, space, fuel economy and ride quality. Reliability is paramount to reduce maintenance costs.

They prefer no-frills variants that provide excellent basics over more expensive trims with superficial additions. Overall, price remains the key factor that drives decisions.

Why 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier 2023 are popular

Both the 2024 XUV700 and Harrier 2023 score highly on affordability but Mahindra edges ahead slightly. XUV700 pricing starts from just ₹12.49 lakhs while Harrier starts at ₹14.65 lakhs. Their fuel-efficient diesel engines returning around 16-18 km/l combined economy help keep running costs low.

Generous safety equipment including 6 airbags on higher variants give peace of mind too. Cabins offer decent space for four/five and ride height tackles uneven roads well. Mahindra’s widespread service network also makes maintenance easy on the pocket.

For the budget buyer, the XUV700’s very reasonable pricing and lower ownership costs give it an advantage over the well-packaged yet pricier Tata.

2024 Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier 2023 base variants in Rs 14-16 lakh range

For 2024 Mahindra XUV700, we have:

For Tata Harrier 2023, we have:

Mahindra XUV700 MX

The affordable MX petrol variant itself packs in must-haves like 7-inch digital cluster, dual zone climate control, wireless charger etc. at a reasonable price. If you’re looking for value for money cars, you can check out our comparison of the 2024 XUV700 with Tata Safari 2023.

Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel

At ₹15.47 lakhs, the MX diesel offers frugality of around 16 km/l from the same feature-loaded package maximizing value. If you’re looking for a family car, you can check out our comparison of the 2024 XUV700 with Hyundai Alcazar.

Tata Harrier Smart

The Smart variant comes loaded with kit like 17-inch alloys, 7-inch touchscreen and 6 airbags justifying its ₹15.49 lakhs cost through features and presence. If you’re a gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Harrier 2023 with Mahindra Scorpio-N and Hyundai Alcazar.

Tata Harrier Smart (O)

At just ₹50,000 over Smart, Smart (O) adds handy features like auto-dimming IRVM, push button start and cruise control further enhancing the value proposition.

Our Pick for the Best variant among 2024 Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier 2023 for Budget-conscious buyers

The Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel priced at ₹15.47 lakhs emerges as the best affordable variant with its combination of reasonable pricing and abundant features.

Firstly, undercutting both Harrier variants while matching them on equipment, the XUV700 MX diesel maximizes value. Savings of ₹1-1.5 lakhs over rivals align perfectly with budget expectations.

In terms of features, from wireless charging and 7-inch digital cluster to dual zone climate control, drive modes etc. the Mahindra variant itself offers goodies surpassing both Harriers. More car for the money.

The XUV700’s 153 BHP 2.2L diesel also clearly outmuscles the Harrier’s 170 BHP 2.0L oil burner promising better driveability and efficiency around 16 km/l. Ownership is fuss-free too.

Considering its sub-₹16 lakh pricing coupled with a modern diesel engine and generous features, the XUV700 MX diesel delivers unmatched value. An outright budget winner.

The Top 3 choices

2. Mahindra XUV700 MX Diesel
3. Tata Harrier Smart
4. Tata Harrier Smart (O)

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The XUV700 MX diesel clearly leads packaging maximum features and frugal running into a sub-₹16 lakh variant. Unbeatable value without compromises.
• At ₹15.49 lakhs, the Harrier Smart itself offers generous equipment like 17-inch alloys, 6 airbags, auto headlamps paired to the Harrier’s imposing presence. Justifies pricing through kit.
• The Harrier Smart (O) variant enhances the package with additions like smart keyless entry, push button start, auto-dimming IRVM etc. Hard to argue with its value.

In summary, the XUV700 MX diesel is the outright affordable choice packing in latest features at excellent prices. But the reasonably equipped Harrier duo make their own cases for style and features respectively to those wanting something more upmarket.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.