In a market hungry for SUVS, the Tata Hexa had everything going for it: powerful performance, rugged build, premium interiors, and a price that undercut most rivals. It was easily one of the best cars Tata had ever made on paper and in person. Yet, despite ticking nearly every box, the Hexa quietly slipped into obscurity. It wasn’t the car that failed the market; it was the market that failed to recognize its value. In a country where perception often trumps performance, the Hexa became one of Indian auto history’s most underrated vehicles. Lets dive deeper into the Hexa’s lost legacy.
A Bold, Muscular Design
The Tata Hexa had a bold, no-nonsense design that gave it a strong presence on the road. Its broad stance, clean lines, and SUV proportions made it look purposeful and solid even though it was actually an MPV on paper, more about function than flash. The styling was mature, blending ruggedness with subtle sophistication, and it appealed to those who preferred substance over show. However, in a market where dramatic styling often catches more eyes, the Hexa’s more restrained design didn’t always stand out in the crowd. It wasn’t trying to turn heads, but it was built to get the job done. And for some, that quiet confidence was exactly what made it so appealing.
LED DRLs, 19-inch wheels, automatic folding IRVMs, and such things are a trend of modern top variant SUVs today, but the TATA Hexa proudly boasted of these features back then in 2019. Allover, The exterior design and appeal of the Hexa was much ahead of it’s time.
Interior
The Tata Hexa’s interior offered a spacious and practical layout with a focus on comfort and functionality. Available in both 6- and 7-seater configurations, it featured well-cushioned seats, decent legroom across all three rows, and a clean dashboard design with soft-touch materials and subtle metallic accents. Higher variants included leather upholstery, ambient mood lighting, and a 10-speaker JBL audio system that provided a good in-cabin experience.
The infotainment system, while compact, supported Bluetooth, USB, AUX, and voice commands. Features like automatic climate control with rear AC vents, cruise control, tilt steering, and multiple storage spaces add to the convenience. Safety equipment included up to six airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control, hill hold, and a rear parking camera. Overall, the Hexa’s interior was well-equipped for its time, offering comfort, space, and features suitable for family and long-distance use.
Powertrain
The Hexa was powered by a 2.2-litre VARICOR diesel engine, available in two states of tune:
- VARICOR 320 (for base XE variant)
- Power: 148 bhp
- Torque: 320 Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox
- VARICOR 400 (for XM, XT, XMA, XTA variants)
- Power: 154 bhp
- Torque: 400 Nm
- Transmission options:
- 6-speed manual
- 6-speed automatic
- Optional 4×4 (all-wheel drive)
Pricing and Competition
The Hexa was priced between ₹13.7 lakh to ₹18.2 lakh (ex-showroom). It undercut the Toyota Innova Crysta while offering more rugged features like AWD and SUV-like styling. Value for money was good on paper, but customers often gravitated toward more modern or established alternatives.
Verdict
The Tata Hexa was ultimately a brilliant SUV or MPV, whatever the customer may want to call it. Offering a superior build quality, modern and relevant features, along with a very powerful engine even by modern standards. The Hexa truly deserves a comeback, and if Tata Motors decides to run it again, it could be successful and take on the likes of cars like the Kia Carens, XUV 700, and the Thar Roxx.
