Harrier and Safari Petrol Launched—168 HP Turbo Engine Under Rs 13 Lakh [Official]

Tata Motors finally brought petrol engines to two of its most popular SUVs. The Harrier and Safari now come with a new 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol motor, and prices start at Rs 12.89 lakh for the Harrier and Rs 13.29 lakh for the Safari. Both figures are ex-showroom Delhi.

This isn’t just a token petrol option either. Tata rolled out eight variants for the Harrier petrol and ten for the Safari petrol, covering manual and automatic gearboxes plus special #Dark editions. The petrol versions cost roughly a lakh more than their diesel siblings across the lineup.

What’s Under the Hood

The new engine is called the Hyperion 1.5L Turbo-GDi. It makes 168 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque in both SUVs. That’s about 10 horses and 25 Nm more than what the same engine produces in the Sierra, which shares this powertrain.

You get a six-speed manual as standard. If you prefer automatics, there’s a six-speed torque converter from Aisin. Tata claims best-in-segment fuel efficiency, though exact numbers weren’t shared yet.

The engine itself uses direct injection and turbocharging. In real terms, that should mean better throttle response and smoother power delivery compared to older naturally aspirated petrol mills. It’s a modern unit, and it slots into a segment where diesel has dominated for years.

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Trim Levels and Pricing Strategy

The Harrier petrol starts with the Smart variant at Rs 12.89 lakh and goes all the way up to the Fearless Ultra Red #Dark automatic at Rs 24.69 lakh. The Safari follows a similar path but adds six-seater options in higher trims, which cost slightly more than the seven-seat versions.

Tata clearly wants buyers at every budget point. The base Smart variants are there to hit an attractive entry price. The top trims load up on tech and premium finishes for those willing to spend more.

You’ll find features like a 14.5-inch Samsung Neo QLED infotainment screen, Dolby Atmos sound, a 10-speaker JBL system, and dual dash cams in the higher variants. There’s also ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. The Harrier petrol gets a new Nitro Crimson color, while the Safari rides on 19-inch alloys.

Also read: Mahindra XUV 7XO Features: What You Get for Rs. 13.66 Lakh

Safety Stays Strong

Both SUVs earned five stars from Bharat NCAP with the Hyperion petrol engine. That’s the same rating the diesel versions achieved, so there’s no compromise here. Tata has been pushing safety hard lately, and it shows.

Which One Will Sell More?

The Safari will likely move more units, especially in metro markets. Indian families love three-row SUVs, and the Safari’s 6-seater option appeals to buyers who want captain’s chairs. The Harrier is the sportier choice and may do better with younger buyers or those who don’t need the third row.

Petrol demand has been climbing in cities where diesel bans loom and fuel cost differences have shrunk. Tata already has over 1.5 lakh Harrier and Safari units on the road, mostly diesel. Adding petrol opens the door to buyers who’ve been sitting on the fence.

That said, the MG Hector petrol is a direct rival now. Mahindra’s XUV700 petrol also competes. Tata’s pricing is competitive, but the real test will be how the Hyperion engine performs in everyday city traffic and highway cruising.

Also read: Tata Punch Facelift 2025—New Look, ADAS Coming January 13 [Official Teaser]

Is It Worth the Extra Lakh?

If you’re in a city with diesel restrictions or you simply prefer petrol, yes. The extra cost buys you access to a modern engine with decent power and refinement. The automatic option is particularly appealing for urban commutes.

But if you drive long distances regularly or rack up serious highway miles, the diesel still makes more sense. Fuel economy and torque favor the oil burner on open roads.

The petrol versions don’t change the Harrier and Safari’s core strengths. They’re still solid, safe, feature-rich SUVs. The Hyperion engine just gives you one more choice.

Monojit Paul

Monojit Paul is the founder and editor of techautohub.com. He covers India’s automotive industry, focusing on new launches, cars, bikes, and market trends.