MG Hector Blackstorm Edition vs Tata Harrier Dark Edition: Which Midsize SUV Looks Better In Black?

MG Motor India has added yet another SUV to its Blackstorm Edition range, the Hector. Like other Blackstorm special edition models, it features blacked-out cosmetic updates with red highlights on both the exterior and interior. One of its rivals, the Tata Harrier Dark Edition, features a very similar treatment and is the prime go-to option for those looking for a stylish black SUV. 

If you are eyeing either of these models, we explain how they compare highlighting their visual updates.

Design

Let’s start with the newbie, the MG Hector. With the Blackstorm Edition, the red highlights on the bumper, ORVMs, and brake callipers are tastefully done and contrast nicely with the black hue. To gel along, the alloys are finished in black and all the blingy chrome elements on the grille and side are now dark chrome.Yes, the Hector with its almost all-black look does look stealthy, but if you ask this author, the Harrier does it one better. 

Sure, the Harrier might miss out on the red highlights at the moment (a Red Dark Edition might come later on). But clearly, the all-black look complements the Harrier’s refreshed design much better and highlights its connected lighting elements much better as well. Opting for the all-black Harrier also means you get larger 19-inch alloys, that gives it a much beefier stance. 

Interior

Once again, on the inside, both cars adorn the black theme and definitely look the part. The Hector Blackstorm edition gets tasteful splashes of red on the inside, which gives it a nice contrast. That said, we feel MG could have gone the whole way and offered it with a black roof liner, which would have completed the look. 

Once again, kudos to Tata for nailing the all-black look on the inside. It gets well nicely, especially with the plentiful splashes of gloss black elements inside the cabin. The roofliner is also finished in black, which does complete the look. And even the infotainment screens, when compared to the Harrier’s standard variants, get a darker theme to gel along with this particular variant. 

Features

Both feature nearly identical features. Check out the complete features lists of both the Hector Blackstorm and Harrier Dark Edition below.

Engine Options

Both SUVs offer the same Fiat-sourced 170 PS 2-litre diesel engine with a 6-speed manual as standard. However, the Harrier Dark offers an automatic transmission with its diesel engine, an option that’s lacking in the Hector. 

That said, the Hector Blackstorm provides you with an additional option of a 143 PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. Paired with either a CVT automatic transmission only. The Harrier Dark is solely available with its diesel engine choice.

Price And Verdict

Design is always subjective, which black car you like depends solely on you. According to this author’s opinion, the Harrier with its updates pulls the all-black look better than the Hector. Especially on the inside, considering that the Harrier Dark looks really sporty and nice. That said, you tell us which car’s look you like in the comments below. 

Tata has set the price range for the Harrier Dark Edition between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 26.44 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the MG Hector Blackstorm Edition is priced from Rs 21.25 lakh to Rs 21.95 lakh (ex-showroom). Do note that the Harrier Dark is offered in multiple variants, while the Hector Blackstorm is based on Sharp Pro variant. 

Apart from rivalling each other, they rival with the Mahindra XUV700 and Jeep Compass, as well as compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and Kia Seltos.

The Blackstorm is also offered with Hector Plus as well and we’ll soon be comparing it with the Tata Safari.