MG Hector Review — Big, Bold, and Better Than Ever?

The MG Hector has always been about presence big on size, bold in design, and packed with features. But with its latest updates, MG isn’t just going for flash it’s refining the formula. The refreshed Hector feels more premium, more tech-savvy, and surprisingly composed on the road. It’s still the SUV that turns heads, but now, it’s also one that feels ready to back up its looks with genuine polish and comfort.

MG Hector

So, the Hector. Man, this thing is just… huge. Like, it has a presence, you know? That grille is basically the entire front end. And the new one, they’ve tweaked it a bit, added some new LED patterns, it looks even more techy. The big deal, obviously, is the tech inside. It’s got this massive touchscreen, and it still has that whole internet-connected car thing where you can, like, talk to it and control stuff in your house? It’s wild. And the space inside is insane, so much room. But… uhm, the engines are… fine? The petrol is adequate, the diesel is torquey, but it’s not a sporty drive. It’s a comfortable cruiser. And the price, oof, it’s gone up. You’re probably looking at something like $23,000 to over $30,000 now, which is… a lot. But for the sheer amount of car and tech you get, it’s still a statement.

Hyundai Creta

Okay, the eternal rival. The Creta is like the slick, popular kid in school. It does everything well. The design is sharp, the features list is insane—ventilated seats, sunroof, all that jazz. It’s a super safe, super sensible choice. But… and this is just me… it feels a bit… soulless next to the Hector? Like, the Hector has this bold personality, for better or worse, and the Creta is just… perfectly polished. It’s probably the smarter buy for most people, honestly. And it’s a bit cheaper, starting around maybe $16,000 and going up to like $25,000 for the top-end.

Kia Seltos

The Creta’s flashier sibling. I think the Seltos has a bit more attitude, you know? With those tiger-nose grille and the cool LED lights. And inside, it feels really modern and driver-focused. It’s got all the same great features. But it’s the same story—it’s a fantastic all-rounder, but it doesn’t have that “wow” factor in terms of size and connected tech like the Hector does. It’s more… refined, I guess. Prices are pretty much neck-and-neck with the Creta.

Tata Harrier

Now THIS is a proper rival in terms of size and road presence. The Harrier looks stunning, honestly. That design is so muscular. And it’s based on a Land Rover platform, so it feels really solid and planted. The cabin is super spacious and feels premium. But… the infotainment system, uhm, it’s just not as slick or feature-packed as the Hector’s. And it’s diesel-only, which is a dealbreaker for some. But for pure, rugged style? It’s hard to beat. Price is similar, starting around $20,000 and going up.

Mahindra XUV700

Oh man, the XUV700. This is the one that really shook things up. The tech is arguably even better than the Hector’s, with that fancy driver-assistance stuff and the crazy audio system. And it drives really well! The powertrains are great. But… the waiting period is, like, forever. And the interior, while nice, doesn’t feel as plush as the Hector’s in some places. It’s a fierce, fierce competitor. Price-wise, it’s in the same ballpark, maybe starting a touch higher around $21,000.

Skoda Kushaq

Wait, but this is a segment below, right? Smaller. But people cross-shop everything! The Kushaq is the complete opposite of the Hector. It’s not about tech or size, it’s all about the drive. It’s so much fun to throw around corners. The interior is simple and clean. But you get, like, a fraction of the space and features. It’s for the driving enthusiast, not the tech enthusiast. And it’s cheaper, starting from like $17,000. Totally different philosophy.

Volkswagen Taigun

Same as the Kushaq, really. German cousin. Brilliant to drive, feels super solid, great engines. But again, it’s a compact SUV. You sit in the Hector and then in the Taigun and it feels like you’re in two different vehicle classes. The Taigun is for someone who values driving dynamics over everything else. Prices are similar to the Kushaq.

Honda Elevate

The new kid! I really like the Elevate. It’s so… honest. No nonsense, just a straightforward, well-built, spacious SUV. The ride is comfortable, it’s super practical. But it’s not trying to win any tech wars. It’s basic compared to the Hector. And the engine is… relaxed, let’s say. It’s a breath of fresh air in a way, but it’s not a direct threat to the Hector’s tech-throne. Starts around $16,000.

Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

This one’s all about the hybrid. The fuel efficiency is just unreal. It’s the most sensible, logical choice if you want to save money on fuel. And it’s a Maruti, so resale value and service are golden. But it feels so light and… unsubstantial next to the Hector. It’s like comparing a sleek laptop to a giant gaming desktop. Different purposes. Starts around $16,000.

Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

The Grand Vitara’s twin. Toyota badge, hybrid efficiency, bulletproof reliability. It’s the car you buy forever. It’s so competent, and so, so boring to talk about. Sorry, Toyota! It’s just… it’ll never break, but it also won’t get your heart racing. It’s the anti-Hector in spirit. Similar price to its sibling.