Check Out These Pros And Cons Before Buying The Tata Harrier Or Safari Petrol!

With the new turbo-petrol powertrain, Tata has given the Harrier and Safari a fresh dimension beyond their long-standing diesel identity. Sourced from the new Sierra, this 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine brings stronger performance, better refinement, and a more premium feature experience, especially on higher trims. At the same time, it also brings in a few compromises that serious buyers should factor in. 

Engine	1.5-litre turbo-petrol
Transmission	6-speed manual/6-speed torque converter automatic
Power (PS)	170 PS
Torque (Nm)	280 Nm

Here is a breakdown of what works and what doesn't in the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari.

Performance & Driving Experience

Pros: Refined, Strong, and Effortless At Speed

The new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol makes 170 PS and 280 Nm, which is a lot more potent than the unit in the Sierra and also one of the most powerful petrols in this segment. The power delivery is linear, seamless, with no spikes whatsoever, making it comfortable to drive in the city and relaxed during highway cruising.

Both Harrier and Safari reach a decent pace quickly and are stable at triple-digit speeds. High-speed composure is reassuring, and Tata claims a top speed of 216 kmph, underlining the performance focus of the engine. The petrol motor feels distinctly quieter than the diesel and a lot more refined, particularly when pushed.

Cons: Paddle Shifters Dilute Driver Engagement

On automatic versions, for example, paddle shifters have an inconsistent feel. The shift responses are delayed, and sometimes the inputs do not even register. This is in direct contrast to a general driving experience that is smooth and only provides limited manual control for enthusiastic drives.

Interior & Cabin Experience

Pros: More Premium Than Before

Of course, the cabin experience has taken a clear step forward. There's the large 14.5-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard, matched by a digital instrument cluster as well as a digital IRVM that greatly enhances rear visibility (something sorely needed on the Safari).

Features like ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and richer interior finishes enhance the overall feel. The return of the Red Dark edition, along with the new Nitro Crimson exterior colour, adds visual drama and reinforces premium positioning on the petrol variants. 

Cons: Touchscreen Responsiveness At Startup

A large infotainment system is great, but at times, it takes a few seconds more to load up and work properly after firing up. However short the lag, it affects usability at quick startups and somewhat lessens the overall high-tech feel inside the cabin.

Features & Safety

Pros: Segment-Strong On Both Counts

The JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos is one of the best in its segment, boasting crystal-clear surround sound and strong bass response courtesy of its 10-speaker setup.

Other practical features like front and rear wiper-washers, a digital IRVM, and connected-car technology add to everyday convenience. Safety-wise, both the Harrier and Safari retain their 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and continue with a comprehensive safety suite to further strengthen Tata's safety credentials.

Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Reality

Cons: Real-World Efficiency Remains A Concern

While the ARAI claimed figures have it pegged at 25 kmpl for the Safari and 25.9 kmpl for the Harrier, our review units never moved above or fell below an 8 kmpl figure, either in the city or on the highway. We are not sure if this is a bug or an actual figure, but if this is indeed a bug, affecting a few units, we're keeping our fingers crossed that Tata irons out this problem before both SUVs arrive at dealerships.

ZigSays…

It's in the form of a more refined, quieter, and smoother drive that the petrol-powered Tata Harrier and Safari provide strong performance with excellent high-speed stability, one of the best sound systems in this segment, along with the addition of some new features, a big touchscreen, and digital mirrors, all of which enhance their premium appeal-together with bold Red Dark styling.

However, inconsistent paddle shifter response, infotainment lag at startup, and low real-world fuel efficiency prevent them from being all-rounders. These petrol SUVs make sense for buyers who value refinement, performance, and features over efficiency. Still, the diesel holds the practical edge.

Would you opt for the smoother petrol experience, or does frugalness of fuel still count more in a mid-size SUV? Let us know in the comments.