Tata Harrier vs Mahindra XUV 7XO (XUV700) vs Hyundai Alcazar vs MG Hector: Best SUV Under Rs 25 Lakh in 2026

Four big family SUVs, one budget band. The Tata Harrier, the Mahindra XUV 7XO (the January 2026 facelift that replaced the XUV700 name), the Hyundai Alcazar and the MG Hector all start between roughly Rs 12 lakh and Rs 14.5 lakh ex-showroom and stretch past Rs 20 lakh. They are also very different cars. Here is a clear, spec-by-spec comparison using prices and ratings checked in mid-October 2026.

First, is the XUV700 still on sale in 2026?

Not under that name. Mahindra launched the facelifted XUV700 as the XUV 7XO in January 2026, with bookings opening on 14 January. It keeps the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and 2.2-litre diesel engines, adds triple 12.3-inch screens and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon system, and is priced from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 25.79 lakh ex-showroom after a July 2026 hike of up to Rs 88,000. If you search for the XUV700 today, this is the car the showroom will sell you.

Two more name checks matter. The Harrier is a strict 5-seater, and its 6/7-seat twin is the Tata Safari (Rs 13.40 lakh to Rs 26.91 lakh, same engines). The regular Hector is also a 5-seater, while the Hector Plus (from about Rs 17.29 lakh) brings 6 and 7 seats. We compare the four nameplates most buyers shortlist, and flag the Safari and Hector Plus wherever a third row is a must.

Tata Harrier vs XUV 7XO vs Alcazar vs Hector: full spec comparison

Price: which SUV is cheapest?

On sticker price, the MG Hector is the cheapest way in at Rs 11.99 lakh, and it also has the lowest ceiling at Rs 20 lakh. The Harrier and XUV 7XO are almost level at the bottom (Rs 13 lakh vs Rs 13.99 lakh) and both run past Rs 25 lakh at the top. The Alcazar starts highest at Rs 14.51 lakh, but its top variant tops out under Rs 22 lakh, which makes the fully loaded Alcazar the cheapest fully loaded 7-seater of the group.

Remember that top-end prices are very different: Harrier up to Rs 26.11 lakh, XUV 7XO up to Rs 25.79 lakh, Alcazar up to Rs 21.96 lakh and Hector up to Rs 20 lakh. Budget for on-road costs too: CarWale lists the Harrier at Rs 15.43 lakh to Rs 31.81 lakh on-road in Mumbai. Festive and Diwali discounts can shift these numbers by tens of thousands, so ask for a written quote.

Engines and performance: which is most powerful?

The XUV 7XO is the clear performance pick. Its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol makes about 200 PS and 380 Nm, and the 2.2-litre diesel makes 185 PS with up to 450 Nm in automatic form. It is also the only car here with all-wheel drive, offered on select diesel automatic variants.

The Harrier now gives you a choice: the 2.0-litre diesel (170 PS, 350 Nm) or the new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol launched in January 2026 (170 PS, 280 Nm). Autocar India's December 2025 review said the petrol 'really exceeds expectations', though it returned about 8 kmpl in their test. The Alcazar pairs a 160 PS 1.5 turbo-petrol (with a 7-speed DCT) and a frugal 116 PS 1.5 diesel. The Hector is petrol-only right now with a 143 PS 1.5 turbo and a CVT automatic option; reports suggest a diesel may return, but MG has not officially confirmed a date.

Mileage is where the order flips. The Alcazar diesel manual has the best claimed figure at 20.4 kmpl, while the Hector petrol is the thirstiest at 12.34 to 13.79 kmpl claimed. Keep the tyres at the right pressure on long trips, as a small 150 PSI auto cut-off digital tyre inflator in the boot helps you hold the claimed numbers closer.

Safety: which SUV has the best crash rating?

Two of the four have independent 5-star ratings. The XUV 7XO scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP on 15 September 2026, with 30.76/32 for adult protection and 44.97/49 for child protection, and the rating covers all variants. The Harrier scored 5 stars in Bharat NCAP in December 2023 (30.08/32 adult, 44.54/49 child) and 5 stars in Global NCAP in October 2023; the petrol Harrier was given the same 5-star rating in December 2025.

The Alcazar and Hector have not been crash tested by Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP. That does not mean they are unsafe, and both get 6 airbags (standard on Alcazar), but if a verified score matters to you, the Tata and Mahindra have the edge. See our full Bharat NCAP 2026 list for every rated car.

Space, features and comfort

Third row and boot

If you regularly carry six or seven people, the shortlist really becomes XUV 7XO vs Alcazar (or the Safari and Hector Plus). The Alcazar has the longest wheelbase here at 2760 mm and offers ventilated second-row seats, but just 180 litres of boot with all rows up. The XUV 7XO offers about 240 litres with all rows up, though CarDekho's review notes there is very little luggage room with all seven seats in use. For a 5-seater, the Harrier's 445-litre boot is practical, and the Hector's cabin is the airiest of the lot.

Screens, sound and ADAS

All four offer wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, panoramic sunroofs on mid to top trims, 360-degree cameras and Level 2 ADAS on upper variants. The XUV 7XO has triple 12.3-inch screens and a Harman Kardon setup with Dolby Atmos; the Harrier has a 14.5-inch touchscreen and JBL audio; the Alcazar gets Bose audio and twin 10.25-inch screens; the Hector has a 14-inch portrait touchscreen. If you buy a lower variant with a plain wired CarPlay screen, a K713A CarPlay video box can add wireless projection and streaming apps.

If the variant you buy uses halogen bulbs and you want brighter night driving, a plug-and-play Falcon 240W LED headlight is worth checking for fitment (H4/H19 sockets only).

Best for: our picks

• Best overall and best for performance: Mahindra XUV 7XO. Most power, AWD option, 5-star Bharat NCAP (2026), 6/7 seats, and loaded with tech.
• Best 5-seater and best for highway comfort: Tata Harrier. 5-star Bharat NCAP and Global NCAP, a big 445-litre boot, and a choice of petrol or diesel. Need 7 seats? Pick the Safari.
• Best for mileage and value 7-seater: Hyundai Alcazar. Up to 20.4 kmpl claimed, smooth DCT, and the fully loaded version costs nearly Rs 4 lakh less than the top XUV 7XO.
• Best for tight budgets and city buyers: MG Hector. Lowest entry price, huge cabin and screen, easy CVT; but no diesel and no crash rating yet.

Pros and cons at a glance

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

Hyundai Alcazar

MG Hector

MG has also just brought back the dark-themed Hector editions; read about the MG Hector Blackstorm and Snowstorm. If your budget sits a step lower, our Tata Sierra vs Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos comparison covers the best mid-size SUVs, and if a people mover suits you better, a Maruti XL6 owner can keep it clean with a CARIZMA XL6 waterproof cover.

Looking after a big SUV

Large SUVs often live outdoors in Indian homes, so a fitted cover saves paint during monsoon and festive dust. Harrier owners can pick the GLORY waterproof Harrier cover (see our GLORY cover review), and XUV owners can read our XUV700 ECONO cover review. A slim ELIXIR vent perfume also keeps a three-row cabin fresh on long family drives.

★ Spotlight: Autofy VoltX

Big diesel and turbo-petrol SUVs need a healthy battery.

The VoltX is a jump starter and 150 PSI tyre inflator in one box, ideal for highway trips in a Harrier, XUV 7XO, Alcazar or Hector. See the VoltX

Follow Autofy on Instagram and YouTube for more car comparisons.

Frequently asked questions