KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Tata Harrier, Safari SUVs likely to get petrol engines this November
- A new 1.5L turbo petrol to be incorporated
- New powerplant will also power the upcoming Tata Sierra when launched
Tata Motors is set to make a big move in the midsize SUV space with the introduction of petrol-powered versions of the Harrier and Safari. Until now, both SUVs have only been available with the tried-and-tested 2.0-litre FCA-sourced diesel engine. That's about to change, as a brand-new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor is highly likely to debut in November 2025, just in time for the festive season as per some latest reports. The addition of this petrol option will make the Harrier and Safari more accessible while also aligning Tata's lineup with growing customer demand for petrol SUVs. Read on to know more about this development, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community, specifically curated for petrolheads like us to keep up with the latest news and automotive updates.
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Powertrain: A New Heart For Tata's Flagships
The highlight of this update with the Tata Harrier and Safari is Tata's new 1.5-litre four-cylinder GDI turbo petrol engine, which produces around 168 PS and 280 Nm of torque. This motor will be paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque converter automatic, offering flexibility for both enthusiasts and convenience-seekers. The new powertrain will bring down their starting prices, making them more competitive in a segment dominated by multiple petrol and hybrid offerings.
Interestingly, the same 1.5L turbo petrol engine is also expected to power the upcoming Tata Sierra. The SUV will first debut in EV form in early 2026, followed by the ICE version using this petrol motor. This common engine strategy could help Tata streamline costs while maintaining consistent performance across its premium SUV lineup.
Diesel Still In The Mix
While petrol options are finally on the way, Tata is not abandoning diesel buyers. The brand has secured rights from FCA to independently upgrade and refine the 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine, which currently powers the Harrier and Safari as well as models from Jeep and MG. This means Tata can now improve efficiency, tweak performance, and cut costs without requiring FCA's approval. Production of the diesel engine will continue at the Ranjangaon facility, ensuring that both fuel choices will co-exist.
The addition of petrol variants will place the Harrier and Safari more directly against rivals like the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Compass, all of which offer petrol options. In particular, the new powertrain could help lower the entry-level pricing of both SUVs, making them attractive to buyers who find the diesel-only pricing a bit steep. With the flexibility of both petrol and diesel engines, Tata is future-proofing its position in the mid-size SUV segment, where buyers are increasingly gravitating toward petrol, CNG, and hybrid alternatives, given the uncertain nature of diesel engines.
Verdict
The arrival of petrol-powered Harrier and Safari models is a long-awaited and strategic step for Tata Motors. With the festive season launch timed perfectly, these SUVs will finally cater to a wider audience beyond diesel loyalists. The new 1.5L turbo petrol engine promises competitive performance on paper while potentially lowering entry prices, making both SUVs more accessible eventually. Combined with Tata's future Sierra plans and continued diesel upgrades, the Punch facelift is also in works and while its the bigger duo of SUVs that's in line for a November launch, there could be a flip and the Punch facelift could be the one that debuts first. For that, we will have to wait out for any official confirmation from the brand.
