Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV 700 are popular mid‑size SUVs. Keeping in mind that safety is a high priority for buyers in this segment, we compare their crash test ratings, features, and protection for adults and children.
Global NCAP Crash Tests
Tata Harrier and Safari were tested under Global NCAP’s new, stricter protocol in October 2023. They scored 5 stars for adults and 5 stars for children, with an adult occupant score of 33.05/34 and child occupant score of 45/49. XUV700 was tested earlier in October 2021 under the older, less strict protocol. It scored 5 stars for adult occupants(16.03/17) and 4 stars for child occupants (41.66/49).
As the Tata Harrier was tested under updated norms, its higher child score and full five‑star child rating may carry greater weight. XUV700’s child protection is one star lower.
Adult Occupant Safety
Harrier’s adult score is 33.05 out of 34 points. That is nearly perfect protection. Head and neck protection are rated good; chest protection is adequate. its bodyshell is stable and can withstand more load. Mahindra XUV700 scored 16.03 out of 17. Even this is excellent. Head, neck, chest and knees get good protection. Body shell and footwell are rated stable. Both SUVs protect adults very well. Harrier uses newer tests, so its result may be slightly more reliable.
Child Occupant Safety
Harrier scored the full 45/49 child protection points. It includes perfect CRS installation marks and strong protection in side impact tests. Child safety rating for Harrier is full five stars . XUV700 scored 41.66/49, giving it four stars. It offers ISOFIX anchorages and support leg for child seats. It prevented head exposure but lost some marks in dynamic criteria. Again, because Harrier was tested under updated norm, its score holds more relevance.
Change in Protocol Over Time
Harrier’s test in 2023 used updated rules. These include side impact tests, pedestrian protection, ESC compliance and more stringent requirements. XUV700 test in 2021 used earlier protocol. ESC and active tech were optional, side impact poles were not mandatory. That makes comparison a bit uneven. Harrier’s score is based on stricter norms.
Safety Kit Offered
Tata Harrier comes standard with 6 airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ISOFIX anchorages, and seat belt reminders, even in mid trims. Higher trims have Level-2 ADAS features like AEB, lane‑keep assist, blind‑spot detection, adaptive cruise control.
XUV700 offers 6 airabgs, ABS, ISOFIX mounts, and seatbelt pre‑tensioners. Higher trims add Level-2 ADAS, ESC, 7 airbags, driver drowsiness detection, AEB, lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and smart pilot assist. So both offer similar across trims.
Which is Safer?
Harrier and XUV700 both scored five stars for adult safety. Harrier scored a full five-star child rating. XUV700 scored four stars for child protection. Harrier’s test was under new, stricter protocol. That makes its high scores more meaningful. Harrier also offers 6 airbags, stability control and ISOFIX across trims. However, even the XUV700 offers these. So in direct safety comparison: Tata Harrier can be said to be marginally safer, especially for child safety.
Final Thoughts
Both SUVs protect adults very well. For child occupants, Harrier offers slightly better safety. Harrier was tested under stricter and newer norms. That makes its results more relevant. Safety features are similar between both the models. So, if safety is the highest priority, the Tata Harrier comes across as a better choice. However, the Mahindra XUV700 offers more seats, slightly more features, better dynamics and a higher reliability. So, one can choose between the two SUVs based on his exact requirements.