Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Launch Soon? Here’s What You Should Know

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With stricter emission norms and a possible future ban on diesel engines in major cities, many Indian buyers are now thinking twice before choosing a diesel SUV. Tata Motors seems to have sensed this shift and is reportedly preparing petrol variants of its popular SUVs – Tata Harrier and Tata Safari. Until now, both SUVs have only been offered with diesel engines, but that could change very soon.

In this article, we’ll break down all the key details you should know as a potential buyer — including expected specs, launch timeline, price difference, and more.

Why Petrol Versions of Harrier & Safari Matter

If you’re someone who drives mostly in the city or wants a smoother and quieter engine, a petrol SUV could be a great choice. Diesel engines are powerful and fuel-efficient on highways, but they’re becoming harder to maintain in urban areas due to stricter regulations.

That’s why the Tata Harrier petrol and Tata Safari petrol will open up new choices for buyers looking for a BS6-compliant, future-proof SUV.

Expected Engine & Performance

As per industry reports, both SUVs will come with a new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (TGDi). Here’s what you can expect:

• Engine: 1.5-litre TGDi, 4-cylinder
• Power: 168 bhp
• Torque: 280 Nm
• Transmission options:
  • 6-speed manual gearbox (MT)
  • 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT)

This new turbo-petrol engine will offer strong mid-range punch for city and highway use, along with smoother refinement compared to the current 2.0L diesel unit.

Note: Tata already offers a smaller 1.2-litre TGDi petrol engine on Altroz Racer and other models, but the 1.5L unit is expected to be tuned specifically for the bigger Harrier and Safari.

Launch Timeline – When Are These Petrol SUVs Coming?

While Tata Motors hasn’t officially confirmed the launch date, reliable sources suggest that the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari could hit the showrooms by late 2025 or early 2026. Tata has been focusing more on electric vehicle development, particularly the upcoming Tata Harrier EV, but the petrol version is definitely part of the pipeline.

Expected Pricing – Will It Be Cheaper Than Diesel?

Yes, petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari are expected to be around ₹1 lakh cheaper than their diesel counterparts (variant-to-variant). This makes the petrol models more affordable upfront, which is a big advantage for buyers on a budget.

Here’s a rough price range estimate:

Harrier Petrol vs Diesel – Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Petrol if:

• You mostly drive in cities
• You want lower upfront cost
• You prefer a quieter engine
• You drive less than 1,000–1,200 km/month

Choose Diesel if:

• You do a lot of highway drives
• You need higher torque for towing or hilly areas
• You drive more than 1,200 km/month

What About the Harrier EV?

Tata Motors is also planning to launch the Harrier EV, likely in the next few months. It will be the flagship electric SUV from Tata, expected to offer:

• Up to 450 km driving range
• 500 Nm torque
• Dual-motor AWD (All-Wheel Drive) setup
• Advanced ADAS, digital cluster, and panoramic sunroof

So if you’re looking at an electric option and ready for the EV lifestyle, Harrier EV might also be worth waiting for.

Visit Tata Motors official website to explore more about Harrier, Safari, and their upcoming EVs.

FAQs – Buyer Questions Answered

Q. Will the Tata Harrier petrol be as powerful as the diesel?
A: The petrol engine will offer slightly less torque but similar horsepower. For city use and occasional highway drives, performance will be more than enough.

Q. Is petrol better than diesel in 2025?
A: Yes, especially for urban users due to fewer restrictions, lower maintenance, and smoother refinement.

Q. Will Harrier petrol be available in automatic transmission?
A: Yes, reports suggest it will come with a 7-speed DCT automatic option.

Q. Should I wait for the petrol model or buy diesel now?
A: If you’re in no hurry and mostly drive in the city, it’s worth waiting for the petrol version. Otherwise, diesel is still a great all-rounder.

Final Thoughts – Should You Wait for Harrier & Safari Petrol?

Tata Motors entering the petrol SUV space with Harrier and Safari is a smart move, especially with the changing fuel landscape in India. With a powerful turbo petrol engine, smoother refinement, and competitive pricing, these SUVs are expected to attract a new range of urban buyers.

If you’re planning to buy a premium SUV and want to avoid the uncertainties around diesel vehicles, waiting for the petrol Harrier or Safari makes a lot of sense.