Tata is all set to launch the Hexa in January 2017 and will lock horns with the Mahindra XUV500 and Toyota Innova Crysta. However, the Tata Hexa’s key rival will be the Mahindra XUV500, which falls in the same price band. The XUV500 has been the segment favourite and it won’t be an easy task for Tata Hexa to dethrone it. However, the Hexa comes well-armed to make it a tough fight. Let’s find out who wins in various departments.
Tata Hexa vs Mahindra XUV500 Design Comparison
Looks are subjective but it’s easy to make a choice between the two in the styling department. While the XUV500 gets a true SUV design the Tata Hexa is unmistakably a crossover. However, the Hexa benefits from many subtle styling cues from the JLR design language that give it a tough guy appearance. The XUV500 has been around for more than five years without much changes to the exteriors. Although it has received a handful of midlife facelifts, the overall design has not changed much and started showing its age now. The Hexa has the advantage of fresh design, however, those looking for the quintessential SUV design, will still find the XUV500 more appealing.
Tata Hexa vs Mahindra XUV500 Performance Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Tata Hexa | |
| Engine | 2.2 L litre Diesel | 2.2 litre Varicor 400 Diesel |
| Power | 140 bhp | 154 bhp |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Mileage | 16 kmpl/13.85 kmpl | Not revealed yet |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual/6-speed Automatic | 6-speed Manual/6-speed Automatic |
It’s clear from the above table that the Tata Hexa packs more punch under the hood. It has 400Nm of torque, which is significantly higher than the XUV500’s 330Nm and the Innova Crysta’s 360Nm. Moreover, the six-speed automatic transmission of the Tata Hexa is smoother than competition and the best in class without doubt. However, the Hexa’s notchy and reluctant manual gearbox shift action is a let down.
Tata Hexa is the only car in the segment to get different drive modes. A rotary dial in the centre console lets you select from Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road modes that changes the power delivery of the car to suit the driver’s style and the terrain requirements. There’s perceptible change in the car’s response in all four modes. However, the super drive modes are available only on the manual variant and it would make more sense to have this feature on the automatic.
Tata Hexa vs Mahindra XUV500 Space Comparison
| Mahindra XUV500 | Tata Hexa | |
| Dimensions (LengthxWidthxHeigh) | 4585 x 1890 x 1785 mm | 4788 x 1903 x 1791 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 200mm | 208mm |
| Wheelbase | 2700mm | 2850 |
The Tata Hexa emerges the clear winner in terms of space as well. It is over 200 mm longer than the XUV500 150 mm longer than the XUV500 in wheelbase. The Hexa is also the widest in the segment at 1,903 mm.
Tata Hexa vs Mahindra XUV500 Features Comparison
The Tata Hexa score big in terms of interior quality and the features on offer. Hexa’s interior panels are made of high quality soft-touch plastics and you get a sense of premiumness once inside the cabin. The Hexa also gets a 10-speaker audio system, the quality of which highly exceeds the XUV500. Customers would also appreciate the eight colours ambient lighting that can be controlled using a smartphone app. The XUV500 gets just one colour for lounge lighting. While the XUV500 gets a in-built navigation system, the Hexa comes with a set up that connects with the smartphone navigation and displays the directions on the screen. The XUV500 also comes with tyretronics that monitors the pressure in each tyre and this feature in not on offer in the Tata Hexa.
Tata Hexa vs Mahindra XUV500 Price Comparison
| XUV500 | Tata Hexa | |
| Price Range | Rs 12.04 – 17.37 lakh | Rs 11.99-17 lakh (expected) |
