We earlier expected the new Tata Harrier to be priced close to the Jeep Compass. But Tata pulled a rabbit out of its hat by undercutting the Jeep. In fact, at its price point, the Harrier is a value proposition like none other for SUV buyers in the sub-Rs 20 lakh price bracket.
Now, it’s only the top variant of the Tata Harrier that is priced close to the base-spec Jeep Compass. Both command a price tag higher than Rs 16 lakh, which brings us to the question, should you go for a fully loaded Tata or go for that venerable Jeep badge? We find out which of the two SUVs delivers better value as an overall package. But before that let’s take a look at the exterior dimensions and engine specs of the two SUVs.
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Disclaimer: For a fair comparison, we are pitting the top-spec Tata Harrier XZ against the Jeep Compass Sport which is Rs 35,000 more expensive than the former.
Tata Harrier XZ vs Jeep Compass Sport
Common Features: Both cars get projector headlamps but the ones on the Compass are quad-halogen units instead of HIDs. Other features like DRLs, rear parking sensors, rear wiper, rear washer and defogger, electrically adjustable ORVM, four disc brakes, touchscreen, front console with sliding armrest, rear center armrest with two cup holders, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program (ESP), ISOFIX anchor points and traction control are common on both.
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What Tata Harrier offers over Jeep Compass: Auto HID units for projector headlamps, fog lamps with cornering function, 17-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, puddle lamps on power-folding ORVMs, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, rear parking camera. On the inside, it gets leather upholstery and soft-touch leather on the dashboard, 8-way adjustable driver seat instead of 6-way seats on the Compass, 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto coupled with 9-speaker JBL system with amplifier and a 7-inch TFT screen for the instrument cluster. Then there are the additional safety features such as four extra airbags, hill hold and descent control and rollover mitigation.
What Jeep Compass offers over Tata Harrier: Nothing
Verdict: We have an open and shut case in front of us. As expected, the top-spec Tata Harrier is way more feature loaded than the base variant of the Jeep Compass. The Harrier is priced just so aggressively, that it falls right in between the compact and midsize SUV segments. But talk of size and it’s comparable to midsize SUVs like the Compass and Tucson, and hence the comparison.
In its base variant, the Jeep is very basic, but does get a 5-inch touchscreen and a few more feel good features. The Jeep Compass will be your pick only if you're fixated on that Jeep badge. But, given that you're spending north of Rs 15 lakh, it's the Tata Harrier that offers a bang for your buck.
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Detailed prices
Source: cardekho.com
