Tata Harrier: One Impact Design SUV Born of Pedigree Power Test on Indian Roads of Today The Tata Harrier is one of the largest and premium cars from the Tata vault. It has changed the way we look at Indian SUVs in the mid-size segment ever since it was launched in 2019.
Based on the OMEGA Arc that has been derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, the Harrier boasts of strong underpinning, accompanied by future-inspired design, high safety quotient and abundant features.
With the 2023 facelift, Tata has further sharpened the focus of its flagship SUV, going up against the likes of Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector and Hyundai Creta with even more vigour.
Design and Exterior Appeal
The Harrier is hard to miss with its muscular and contemporary stance.
The face sports a prominent LED DRL (running from bonnet to bonnet line) and main LED headlamps mounted low on the bumper for a two-element headlamp setup.
It has a real presence with a gloss black grille, wide stance, and sculpted bonnet.
On the sides, the flared wheel arches, strong shoulder lines and diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels give the Harrier an imposing SUV look.
The backshowcases linked LED tail lamps, a sporty spoiler, and a tough skid plate.
The design overall is beefy but quite contemporary and it makes the Harrier one of the most handsome SUVs in its segment.
Interior and Cabin Experience
Up front, the cabin of the Tata Harrier is premium and roomy. The dash is well-organized with soft-touch materials, leatherette covers all but the base model , and a power panoramic sunroof gives the impression of flying first class.
It gets the same 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system that is sharp and responsive, partnered with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display.
Tata’s new interface comes with connected car tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice commands.
The front seats are ventilated in the higher trims, and the rear seat provides plenty of legroom and reclines for comfort.
There is plenty of head room and shoulder space in the Harrier, and it can seat five adults without any problems.
It also has a decent size 445-litre boot that can accommodate luggage for longer jaunts no problem.
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Engine and Performance
The Harrier gets its grunt from a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged diesel unit borrowed from Fiat, that pumps out 170 PS power and 350 Nm torque.
It is paired to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Hyundai sourced torque converter automatic gearbox.
It’s a spunky little motor, with lots of grunt, perfect for around town as well as freeway jaunts.
At speed the SUV is planted, with linear power and plenty of mid-range punch. It also comes with multi drive modes and terrain response modes for the increased performance for different terrains and road conditions.
While there’s no AWD even on the menu, it has deep 205 mm ground clearance and good suspension, so it is good on bad roads and to some extent even mild trails.
Ride and Handling
The ride quality of the Tata Harrier is well balanced. The suspension soaks up bumps and undulations well, especially on rough roads.
When carving at higher speeds, the Harrier stays glued to the ground, and feels assured on its broad, well-muscled shoulders.
The steering is light and quick at low speeds and weights up well on the highway, though it may feel a tad heavy in tight urban situations.
While the old one was a bit harsh and loud, the NVH levels have enhanced in the upgraded one with improved cabin insualtion and a much smoother gear shifts in the automatic version.
Pros of Tata Harrier
Forcing Design: Muscle and futuristic appearance high presence on the road.
Premium Cabin: High-quality materials, big infotainment, digital cluster and sunroof.
Potent Diesel Motor: Great highway car with good and hard hitting torque.
High Safety Standards: 6 airbags, ESP, ADAS, 5-star Global NCAP safety rating (on sibling Safari).
Good Suspension: Well-tuned suspension in accordance with Indian road conditions, stable ride.
Cons of Tata Harrier
No Petrol Version: Restricts the choice of the buyers who are looking for a petrol SUV.
No AWD: While rugged, it lacks all-wheel drive for serious off-roading.
Chunky Ride in City: Bulky size and weight would hamper its manoeuvrability in city traffic.
After-Sales: Yet to find its feet against more seasoned adversaries.
Tata Harrier: Conclusion
The Tata Harrier is a confident, competent and feature-packed SUV with Land Rover genes at a more accessible price point.
It attracts people who want a big, powerful, car with plenty of road presence and strong comfort levels.
The Venue doesn’t get the petrol and AWD options, but it more than makes up for it in diesel performance, a premium-feeling cabin and safety kit.
If you are in a search of a reliable SUV for Indian streets with a hint of class and muscularity, the Harrier is a good buy!