Tata Motors has introduced the petrol-powered Safari and Harrier to cater to buyers who prefer petrol engines over diesel, without compromising on size, road presence, or feature depth. These SUVs are positioned as premium, family-oriented offerings with a focus on comfort, safety, and everyday usability.
This article shares first-drive impressions based on real-world driving conditions.
Powertrain & Technical Specifications
The Hyperion petrol powertrain is engineered to deliver strong performance, smooth drivability, and flexibility across driving conditions.
Variants & Availability
What Stands Out
Build Quality & Design
The first thing that stands out is the tank-like build quality. Everything feels solid and well engineered, from the heavy doors to the tight panel fitment. Both SUVs command a strong road presence, aided by tasteful alloy wheel designs and a clean, well-proportioned stance. The design approach is timeless rather than trend-driven, which helps the Tata Harrier and Safari age gracefully over the years.
Under the bonnet, the sense of quality continues. The engine bay is neatly laid out, well insulated, and comes with proper under-engine protection, with no visible signs of cost cutting. Overall, the exterior design and build quality remain key strengths of the Harrier and Safari, reinforcing their appeal in the midsize SUV segment.
Engine Refinement & Driveability
The petrol engine feels refined and vibration-free at idle, with a pleasant exhaust note when pushed. In Drive (D) mode, power delivery is linear and relaxed. Tata appears to have tuned the engine to strike a practical balance between performance and fuel efficiency, making it suitable for mixed city and highway usage.
This setup will appeal to buyers looking for ease of driving rather than outright aggression.
Performance in Sports Mode
Switching to Sports mode or using paddle shifters transforms the character of the SUV. Keeping the engine between 1,750–3,500 rpm unlocks strong mid-range performance, ideal for overtakes and expressway cruising.
At triple-digit speeds, the vehicle remains stable and composed, thanks to the OMEGA-Arc platform. It inspires confidence on the highway, offering a reassuring sense of control even at higher cruising speeds.
Ride, Handling & Braking
The suspension is tuned between balanced and mildly firm, allowing the SUV to glide over broken roads while keeping body roll well under control below 100 km/h. Steering is light, making city driving surprisingly easy for a vehicle of this size.
Despite weighing close to 1,800 kg, the Safari never feels cumbersome. Braking performance is progressive, with slight nose dive under hard braking but always within control.
Automatic Gearbox Experience
The 6-speed torque converter automatic is smooth and predictable in its responses. It does not rush to upshift, which helps deliver linear and consistent performance, similar to the behavior experienced earlier in the Tata Sierra.
In Sports mode, the gearbox holds higher RPMs, ensuring quicker throttle response and noticeably improved performance. The difference between drive modes is clearly perceptible.
Features & Technology
The top variants offer a well-rounded mix of advanced safety, in-cabin technology, and comfort-focused features, aimed at both everyday usability and long-distance touring.
Expected Fuel Efficiency
Based on driving conditions and mode usage:
Actual figures will vary depending on drive mode, driving style, tyre pressure, and load.
Observations & Limitations
Interior Design Consistency
While the cabin feels premium overall, a closer look shows that seat design, dashboard layout, and attention to detail feel slightly better in the Tata Sierra, despite it sitting in a lower segment. This comparison comes naturally after experiencing both vehicles in quick succession.
Visibility & Blind Spots
Blind Spot Monitoring is useful, but the thick door panels can occasionally affect judgment, especially on the right side. This is something owners are likely to adapt to over time.
Low-RPM Behaviour
Below 1,700 rpm, the engine feels slightly sluggish. Once past that threshold, it becomes confident and composed. For inclines or quick responses, Sports mode is recommended. Auto Hold proves especially useful in such scenarios.
After-Sales Experience
Tata’s after-sales service is improving consistently, though it still doesn’t match the refinement and consistency of Japanese manufacturers. Progress is evident, but expectations should be realistic.
Final Thoughts
The petrol-powered Tata Harrier and Safari offer a strong alternative for buyers who want to avoid diesel without sacrificing size, comfort, or presence. The focus is clearly on delivering a balanced mix of performance, refinement, and efficiency, tailored for real-world usage.
These are large SUVs, and understanding the trade-offs that come with size and petrol power is key. For the right buyer profile, this combination makes a lot of sense.
The petrol-powered Tata Harrier and Safari offer a strong alternative for buyers who want to avoid diesel without sacrificing size, comfort, or presence. The focus is clearly on delivering a balanced mix of performance, refinement, and efficiency, tailored for real-world usage.
These are large SUVs, and understanding the trade-offs that come with size and petrol power is key. For the right buyer profile, this combination makes a lot of sense.
Drive impression and detailed walkaround videos are available on YouTube.
Disclosure: Travel, food, and stay expenses for this drive were covered by Tata Motors.