The specification sheet below compares the forthcoming Tata Hexa to its main rivals - Mahindra XUV500 and the Toyota Innova Crysta. For the purpose of this comparison, we're using the specifications of the XUV500 2.2L (Mahindra also sells a 1.99L with same power/torque outputs in select cities), and the diesel variant of the Crysta (a petrol variant is also sold in select cities).
The Tata Hexa emerges as the behemoth of the segment: It is over 200 mm longer than the XUV500 and 50 mm longer than the Crysta in overall length, and 150 mm longer than the XUV500 and 100 mm longer than the Crysta in wheelbase. The Hexa is also the widest in the segment at 1,903 mm.
The Hexa and the XUV500 use a 2.2-liter diesel engine, though the Hexa outputs more on paper. Our test drive of the Hexa revealed that it is slower compared to the XUV500 in real world conditions. The Crysta diesel is available with two engine options - a 2.4L with a 5MT or a 2.8L with a 6AT.
On the gearbox front, all vehicles here offer a 6-speed torque converter automatic. Thanks to its ladder frame chassis, the Hexa loses out on the power-weight ratio to the monocoque XUV500.
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On the pricing front, the Innova Crysta is the most expensive of the bunch, with prices extending to INR 22 lakhs, ex-Showroom, for the top-end 2.8-liter ZX. At INR 18.53 lakhs, the XUV500 W10 AWD AT offers the benefits of an automatic gearbox, an AWD system and features such as a sunroof and electrically-adjustable driver's seat. Tata Motors will announce prices for the Hexa in January 2017.