Tata Harrier

Tata didn’t hold back on the Harrier’s bold new look. The updated front end blends seamlessly with the existing body, featuring full-width LED daytime running lights (DRLs) that greet you with slick welcome animations.

Gloss black accents and sharp sculpting around the grille and air curtains give it a leaner, less bulky appearance. While the Harrier now sports a more athletic vibe compared to the Safari, some glossy panels and intricate textures might demand extra cleaning effort.

The side profile stays familiar but gains a sleeker vibe with blacked-out elements, while the rear gets subtle tweaks like a modern full-width LED taillight. A hidden wiper (like the Nexon’s) would’ve been nice, but overall, the redesign feels cohesive.

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter diesel engine (170PS/350Nm) remains unchanged, pairing with a 6-speed manual or automatic. It’s not the quietest in its class, but Tata’s NVH improvements shine—idle vibrations and cabin noise are noticeably reduced. The torque-rich motor pulls strongly from low revs, making city drives effortless (you can almost live in second gear) and highways stress-free.

Sport mode adds urgency without feeling jerky, while City mode (140PS) handles daily commutes smoothly. The manual gearbox isn’t the slickest, but the clutch is light, and shifts are manageable. Wind noise at speed lingers, but it’s less intrusive than before.

The Fearless trim’s black-and-yellow theme is bold but well-executed. Soft-touch materials, contrast stitching, and asymmetric AC vents elevate the cabin vibe, though the glossy yellow trim feels slightly flat. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen is a star—responsive, intuitive, and packed with features like wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, voice commands, and JBL’s 10-speaker setup.

Downsides? The capacitive climate controls (replacing physical buttons) are finicky, and the steering wheel’s gloss black panels attract fingerprints. Practical touches like a 45W USB-C port, cooled storage bin, and terrain mode selector add value.

Safety gets a major upgrade: six airbags (plus a knee airbag on top variants), 360-degree camera, and ADAS with emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. The systems work without being overly intrusive—perfect for India’s chaotic roads. 

Comfort shines too: front seats are cooled and power-adjustable, while the rear bench offers ample space (even for three adults). The panoramic sunroof and aircraft-style headrests enhance the airy feel, though thick A-pillars and large mirrors create blind spots.

The switch to electronic power steering transforms the Harrier. It’s nimbler in traffic, with steering that weights up naturally at speed. Body roll is minimal for an SUV this size, and the suspension tackles rough roads confidently—potholes barely faze it.

Off-road, the terrain modes (and capable ESC) handle gravel trails easily, though AWD’s absence might deter hardcore adventurers. Ride quality stays plush, with only mild firmness at low speeds.