The Tata Harrier EV Adventure (previewed at Auto Expo 2023) and Mahindra’s XUV.e9 Pack One (also known as the XEV 9e) are two new all-electric SUVs vying for buyers in India. Both start at nearly the same price (~₹21.5 lakh ex-showroom) and target tech-savvy buyers. The Harrier EV Adventure is a rugged, traditional SUV body (with dual-tone paint and off-road cues), while the XUV.e9 is a sleek “coupé” SUV. Each packs a long list of features, but they prioritize different things. Below we break down how they compare across key aspects.
The Tata Harrier EV Adventure (left) is a new electric SUV with a muscular, off-road–style design, while the Mahindra XUV.e9 Pack One (right) has a sporty coupe-SUV look. Both use sizable digital screens and advanced tech.
Infotainment & Connectivity
Screens and Audio: Mahindra’s XUV.e9 Pack One goes all-out on cabin tech. Its cockpit has a triple-screen layout: a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment, a 12.3-inch digital driver display, and an additional 12.3-inch passenger display. It also boasts a 16-speaker surround-sound system and even an Augmented Reality heads-up display that projects navigation and speed info onto the windshield. By contrast, the Harrier EV Adventure offers a more modest dual-screen setup: a 10.25-inch touchscreen plus a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, with a 6-speaker (4+2) sound system. Tata does include built-in GPS navigation on this base trim, whereas the Mahindra relies on smartphone integration for maps.
Smartphone Integration: Both SUVs support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Mahindra’s system is fully wireless, letting you mirror your phone without cables. (Tata’s system also supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto on this trim.) Both offer OTA (over-the-air) software updates and connected-car features (for remote diagnostics, vehicle tracking etc.). In short, the XUV.e9’s cabin is more “techy” – bigger screens and more gadgetry – while the Harrier EV’s system is simpler but still quite capable.
Safety Technology
Both SUVs come with comprehensive passive safety gear. Each offers seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver-knee airbags), ABS with EBD, a rearview camera, and front/rear parking sensors. Both have a tyre-pressure monitoring system and stability control (ESC) as standard.
Where they differ is in off-road and driver aids: Tata points out that the Harrier EV retains its ICE version’s off-road tech – for example, electronic stability control with i-VBAC (Vehicle Body Control) and a 360° camera system. Autocar notes the Harrier EV adds hill-descent and hill-ascent control plus a full traction-control system, which are handy for rugged driving. Mahindra’s XUV.e9, being a street-oriented coupe-SUV, does not offer hill-descent control. However, Mahindra did equip the XUV.e9 Pack One with a full ADAS suite (see below) and even a 360-degree camera.
In crash tests, both are expected to score highly (Tata’s ICE Harrier has 5-star NCAP ratings). Both makers advertise robust body structures and stability tech for occupant safety. Overall, passive safety is comparable, but the Harrier EV Adventure edges out with extra driving aids (like hill-hold, off-road modes and V2V/V2L charging – see below) that the Mahindra lacks.
Driving Range, Battery & Charging
The Harrier EV Adventure uses a 65 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, while the XUV.e9 Pack One has a 59 kWh pack. Tata claims the Harrier EV can cover about 622 km on a full charge (MIDC cycle), thanks to its slightly bigger battery and efficient single-motor RWD layout. Mahindra claims about 542 km range for the XUV.e9 Pack One (the higher-battery 79 kWh Pack-Three version goes to 656 km). In real-world terms, expect roughly 450–500 km from the XUV.e9 Pack One and closer to 500+ km from the Harrier under mixed driving – the Harrier has the range edge.
Charging Speeds: Both support fast DC charging and home AC charging. The Harrier EV can charge from 20% to 80% in about 25 minutes on a 120 kW DC fast charger. The XUV.e9’s 59 kWh pack can do 20–80% in roughly 20 minutes using Mahindra’s 140 kW DC charger. On normal AC (home charger), the Harrier EV takes around 10.7 hours (7.2 kW) for 0–100%, while the Mahindra needs about 8–9 hours on its 11 kW onboard charger. A unique practical bonus: the Harrier EV Adventure supports Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) power sharing, meaning you can power accessories or another EV from its battery. The XUV.e9 does not offer V2L/V2V.
Comfort & Convenience
Both SUVs aim to be spacious 5-seaters, but they outfit them differently. Seating: The Tata’s base Adventure trim gets leatherette (faux-leather) upholstery, whereas the Mahindra’s Pack One uses cloth fabric. The Harrier’s front seats offer good manual adjustability (8-way driver, 6-way passenger) and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both have heated front seats (base assumption) and a panoramic sunroof.
Rear passengers: Here the XUV.e9 has the edge in perks. Mahindra offers a fold-down center armrest and reclining rear seats on the Pack One, adding comfort on long trips. The Harrier’s rear seat is fixed (no recline, no armrest) on the base Adventure. Both have full 60:40 split-fold seats for cargo. Rear headroom is good in both, though the Harrier’s floor is a bit higher due to the battery. Each has rear AC vents for comfort; both use a single-zone automatic climate control for the cabin.
Convenience features: Both come with keyless entry, push-button start, auto headlamps and wipers, and cruise control. The Harrier Adventure adds puddle lamps on the doors and integrated side steps (for getting in and out) that the XUV.e9 lacks. On the flip side, Mahindra gives an illuminated logo and auto headlamps/wipers out of the box, which the Harrier base does not. In-cabin storage and cubby space are ample in both; both even have a small frunk (front trunk) for extra storage.
Connectivity-wise, both SUVs have modern conveniences: wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, voice commands, and OTA (over-the-air) software updates. The XUV.e9 also includes niceties like auto-IRVM and an in-car camera (for video calls or selfies) in higher trims. The Harrier, as a new flagship, will likely gain some additional “Connected Car” apps (Tata’s iRA tech) once launched. In summary, the Mahindra offers a more cushy rear-seat experience and a bit more premium feel (thanks to its tech spec), while the Tata feels solid and well-equipped for rough use.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Both SUVs come with Level-2 ADAS features, though availability on the base trims may vary. Mahindra’s XUV.e9 Pack One is equipped with a full suite including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Tata advertises that the Harrier EV includes ADAS like lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise, and collision warning (along with a 360° camera). In practice, the Mahindra’s system is well-calibrated for Indian roads and the Harrier EV should have similar safety aids. Neither base model has autonomous parking (that’s reserved for higher trims), but both have basic aids like automatic emergency braking and parking sensors. Overall, the ADAS levels are comparable – both aim to keep you safe with automatic braking and lane control, though Mahindra’s documentation is more detailed on the exact functions.
Verdict: Feature-Rich and User Value
On balance, the XUV.e9 Pack One takes the crown for sheer gadget count, especially in the cabin. Its massive screens, wireless connectivity, 16-speaker sound, and AR HUD make it feel like a high-tech lounge. It even edges out on passenger comfort with reclining seats and more creature comforts. The Harrier EV Adventure, however, isn’t far behind in real-world value. It offers a longer driving range (65 kWh vs 59 kWh battery) and unique practical features – the side steps, V2L/V2V charging, off-road modes and extra safety aids give it broad utility. In short, Mahindra’s EV is more high-tech inside, but Tata’s EV is more rugged and versatile outside.
For buyers focused on tech and interior luxury at the base price, the XUV.e9 Pack One delivers more features. For those who value driving versatility, range, and off-road readiness (plus a slightly larger battery), the Harrier EV Adventure is more feature-rich. Both are well-loaded for their price, so the choice comes down to what you prioritize – cabin tech and comfort (Mahindra) versus range, utility and safety features (Tata). Overall, they are evenly matched on paper, each excelling in different areas, giving buyers a strong argument for either model.
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