Tata Harrier Review 2025: Stunning Looks, Strong Diesel Power, But Is It Worth the Price?
Tata Harrier Review: Diesel SUV That Feels Built for India
The Tata Harrier has slowly grown into a favorite among SUV Fans in India. It’s Very big, bold, diesel-powered, and unapologetically rugged. While other brands are chasing flash, the Harrier stick to the basics strong build, comfortable drive, and serious road presence. If you’re in the market for an SUV that doesn’t feel like a plastic toy and handles Indian roads like a pro, this is one car that deserves a long, honest look.
Road Presence That Commands Attention
Let’s not beat around the bush — the Tata Harrier looks fantastic. It’s the kind of SUV that people notice when it drives by. The wide stance, split headlamp setup, and bold grille give it a serious attitude. There’s no unnecessary chrome overload, no gimmicky design bits — just clean, muscular lines.
At nearly 4.6 meters long, it’s a big car. But it wears its size well. The new alloy wheels (especially the dark editions) look sharp, and the floating roof design with the blacked-out pillars gives it a modern edge. It looks just as comfortable pulling into an office parking lot as it does parked by a highway dhaba.
Inside: Where Tough Meets Comfortable
Step inside the Tata Harrier, and you’ll be surprised at how premium it feels. Tata has clearly learned what Indian buyers want — a bit of luxury, without overcomplicating things.
The dashboard is clean and horizontal, with soft-touch materials in the right places.
The large 10.25-inch touchscreen (in the newer variants) is smooth and clear.
The digital instrument cluster feels fresh and informative, not cluttered.
Seats are large, with good cushioning and support — ideal for long journeys.
Rear seat comfort is especially worth praising. There’s plenty of legroom, and the wide cabin means three passengers in the back won’t be fighting for space. Add in rear AC vents and a panoramic sunroof, and it’s a very pleasant place to sit.
Powertrain: Strong Diesel That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
The Tata Harrier is available with a 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine, the same unit sourced from Fiat and used in the Jeep Compass and MG Hector. But Tata has tuned it differently — here, it feels less aggressive but more usable.
You get:
- 170 PS of power
- 350 Nm of torque
- Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed torque converter automatic
The automatic, in particular, is smooth and well-matched to the engine. It doesn’t lurch or stutter, and it handles bumper-to-bumper traffic well. On highways, the Harrier settles into a strong cruise — plenty of torque, and never short of breath during overtakes.
This isn’t a performance SUV, and it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s built for Indian roads, Indian traffic, and Indian fuel quality — and in that, it performs admirably.
Ride Quality: Built for Bad Roads
If there’s one area where the Tata Harrier beats most rivals hands down, it’s the suspension. It glides over potholes, broken roads, and highway expansion joints without breaking a sweat.
It has that old-school SUV feel — tall, firm, but never uncomfortable. You feel the road, but it doesn’t bother you. And on the highway? It’s rock solid at triple-digit speeds. No floatiness, no nervous steering. Just stability and confidence.
There’s a reason so many Harrier owners prefer it for long-distance trips — it’s comfortable, planted, and feels reassuring on any surface.
Safety: No Shortcuts Here
Tata has become a household name when it comes to car safety, and the Harrier takes that reputation seriously. Although it hasn’t received an official GNCAP crash test score, its sibling, the Safari, which shares the same platform, scored well.
Key safety features include:
6 airbags
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard
Traction control, cornering stability, hill hold & hill descent
360-degree camera in top trims
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in the latest facelift: lane keep assist, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking, and more
You feel protected in the Tata Harrier. Not just because of features, but because the entire structure feels solid. The doors shut with a reassuring thud, the panels feel heavy, and the cabin insulation is impressive.
Features That Make Daily Life Easier
Tata didn’t just throw in flashy tech for the sake of it — they focused on meaningful features.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
JBL audio system (punchy and crisp)
Panoramic sunroof (massive and smooth to operate)
Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory
Auto-dimming IRVM
Ambient lighting in the cabin
Connected car tech (ZConnect app)
What stands out is that these features aren’t buggy or half-baked. They work well, and they actually enhance your driving experience.
Mileage and Running Costs
Let’s be real — this is a diesel SUV. It’s not going to give hatchback-like mileage, but it’s quite respectable.
Manual Harrier: around 15–16 km/l on highways
Automatic Harrier: around 13–14 km/l in mixed conditions
If you drive mostly in cities, expect slightly lower numbers. But the torque-rich engine means you’re not constantly revving it — which helps save fuel.
In terms of maintenance, Tata has improved massively in the last few years. Spare parts are now more affordable, and service centers are much more professional than before.
Price & Variants: Something for Every Budget
The Tata Harrier starts around ₹15.5 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to around ₹26 lakh for the fully loaded variant.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Smart / Pure trims – for those who want solid basics without spending too much
Adventure / Fearless trims – more tech, better interiors, great for city + highway use
Dark Editions – for those who love stealthy, all-black styling
Red Dark & Dual Tone options – for those who want a bit of flair
No matter which trim you choose, you’re getting the same strong engine and build. It’s more about what features matter to you.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Harrier?
If you:
- Drive long distances or on bad roads often
- Prefer diesel power with real torque
- Want a big SUV that actually feels tough
- Value safety and comfort equally
- Want an Indian-built car that doesn’t compromise
Then the Tata Harrier is a no-brainer.
It’s not perfect. The infotainment UI could be snappier, and petrol fans won’t find an option here. But as a whole package, the Tata Harrier feels honest, capable, and made for India in the truest sense.
