After years of anticipation, Tata Motors has officially confirmed the launch date for the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari SUVs — both models are set to make their debut in India on December 9, 2025.
The introduction of these petrol variants marks a major milestone for Tata, as the Harrier and Safari have so far been offered only with diesel engines. The upcoming models will feature Tata’s all-new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, part of the company’s advanced ‘Hyperion’ engine family.
New 1.5-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine: Power and Performance
The new 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, first showcased at the Auto Expo 2023, will soon debut on the Tata Sierra on November 25, before powering the Harrier and Safari.
As per Tata’s initial figures, the engine is expected to deliver 170hp at 5,000rpm and 280Nm of torque between 2,000–3,500rpm. These numbers put it right in line with rival SUVs like the Jeep Compass, MG Hector, and Mahindra XUV700 petrol.
Both the Harrier petrol and Safari petrol are expected to come with manual and automatic transmission options. While Tata hasn’t yet revealed the type of automatic gearbox, sources suggest it could be either a torque-converter or a dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
No Naturally Aspirated Version Planned
Tata will also introduce a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine in entry-level Sierra variants, but that version will not be available for the Harrier or Safari. Instead, the larger SUVs will exclusively use the more powerful turbo-petrol engine to match their size and positioning.
Interestingly, industry reports indicate that Jeep may source Tata’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine for the Compass and Meridian, highlighting the strength of Tata’s new powertrain development.
Price Expectations and Rivals
The Tata Harrier petrol and Safari petrol are expected to be priced slightly lower than their diesel counterparts, making them a more affordable entry point for buyers seeking refinement and performance without diesel maintenance costs.
- Tata Harrier diesel price range: ₹14 lakh – ₹25.25 lakh (ex-showroom)
- Tata Safari diesel price range: ₹14.66 lakh – ₹25.96 lakh (ex-showroom)
With the addition of petrol variants, Tata will now directly compete with MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Meridian — all of which already offer petrol and diesel engine options.
What This Means for Tata Motors
The launch of petrol versions for the Harrier and Safari fills a crucial gap in Tata’s SUV portfolio. The move comes as the Indian market sees rising demand for petrol SUVs, thanks to smoother performance, better NVH levels, and reduced price gaps compared to diesels.
The upcoming petrol variants are expected to boost Tata’s sales in both the premium midsize SUV and three-row SUV segments.