MG Hector Plus 7-Seater Review: Is It the Best Under ₹25 Lakhs?

The 7-seater SUV segment in India is a fiercely contested battlefield, and the MG Hector Plus, with its blend of imposing size, feature-rich cabin, and competitive pricing, is a strong contender. With many of its popular 7-seater variants comfortably slotting under the ₹25 lakh on-road price point, the question remains: does it have what it takes to be the segment’s champion?

Here is our in-depth look at the MG Hector Plus 7-seater.

The Big Plus: Space and Features

The MG Hector Plus truly excels in offering a premium and spacious experience, a key selling point for a family SUV.

• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: The Hector Plus leverages its considerable dimensions to offer an excellent cabin experience. The first two rows are genuinely spacious, with well-cushioned seating that provides a comfortable ride, especially at low speeds, thanks to its soft suspension setup. The 7-seater configuration features a bench seat in the second row, making it a true seven-adult capacity vehicle (though with a caveat for the third row).
• Technology Hub: This is where the MG shines. It comes loaded with segment-leading technology, including the massive 14-inch HD portrait touchscreen infotainment system which dominates the dashboard, connected car features (i-Smart), a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, and a powered tailgate on higher variants.
• Advanced Safety (ADAS): The top-spec variants include Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking, offering a significant safety and convenience boost, though this is often restricted to the automatic petrol variants.

Performance: Easy-Going, Not Enthusiastic

The Hector Plus comes with two engine options, catering to different driving preferences:

• Petrol Engine: The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is available with both a 6-speed manual and a smooth 8-step CVT automatic gearbox. While the engine is adequate for city driving and easy cruising, it can feel a little unexciting and lacks the punch for spirited high-speed driving, particularly with the CVT exhibiting the common “rubberband effect.”
• Diesel Engine: The powerful 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine offers much stronger performance with its 170PS power output. However, it is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. The lack of a diesel automatic option is a major drawback when rivals offer this popular combination.

The Trade-Offs: Where It Falls Short

No car is perfect, and the Hector Plus has a few compromises that buyers must consider:

• Third-Row Space: While it is a 7-seater, the last row is best reserved for children or for short trips. Taller adults will find space and under-thigh support to be limited, a common issue in this segment but one to note.
• Driving Dynamics: The soft suspension, which makes for a comfortable low-speed city ride, is a double-edged sword. At higher highway speeds, the ride can feel floaty, and there is noticeable body roll, which might not inspire confidence for an enthusiastic driver.
• No Diesel Automatic: As mentioned, the absence of a diesel-automatic combination is a significant miss, especially since the diesel motor is the clear choice for long-distance cruising and better fuel economy.
• The SUV Look: Compared to rivals like the Tata Safari or Mahindra XUV700, the Hector Plus’s design, while imposing, has been critiqued for looking more like a large crossover/MPV due to its height and somewhat narrow stance, lacking the ‘butch’ traditional SUV road presence.

The Verdict: A Value-for-Money, Family-First SUV

So, is the MG Hector Plus the best 7-seater under ₹25 lakhs?

The answer depends on your priority.

• Choose the Hector Plus if: Your family’s priority is a luxurious, feature-packed cabin, second-row comfort, and segment-leading technology. You mostly drive in the city, value a relaxed ride, and find the ADAS and enormous infotainment screen compelling. For the price, it offers immense value in terms of creature comforts.
• Consider its rivals if: You are looking for a more engaging driving experience, a more robust ‘SUV’ feel, and need a powerful diesel-automatic combination for highway touring (looking at you, Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari).

The MG Hector Plus is not the most dynamic or the most spacious 7-seater in the final row, but it offers a package of comfort, features, and technology that is incredibly hard to beat at its price point. It’s a wonderful, tech-laden, comfortable family transporter—and for many buyers, that makes it the best choice.