After years of speculation, Tata Motors has officially announced the launch date for its much-awaited petrol-powered Harrier and Safari SUVs. Both models will make their India debut on December 9, 2025, marking a significant expansion of Tata’s SUV lineup beyond diesel engines.
The petrol variants will be powered by Tata’s new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, developed under the company’s advanced ‘Hyperion’ engine family, designed for efficiency, refinement, and strong performance.
New 1.5-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine: Power and Performance
The all-new 1.5-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol engine, first showcased at the Auto Expo 2023, is set to debut on the Tata Sierra later this month (November 25), before powering the Harrier and Safari.
According to Tata’s official figures, the engine will deliver 170hp at 5,000rpm and 280Nm of torque between 2,000–3,500rpm, putting it right on par with competitors like the Jeep Compass, MG Hector, and Mahindra XUV700 petrol.
Both SUVs are expected to come with manual and automatic transmission options. While Tata hasn’t confirmed the automatic gearbox type, industry reports suggest it could be either a torque-converter or a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for smoother and responsive performance.
No Naturally Aspirated Version Planned
Tata is also developing a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine for the entry-level variants of the upcoming Sierra, but this engine won’t be offered in the Harrier or Safari.
Instead, both SUVs will exclusively feature the turbocharged version to maintain performance parity with their premium positioning.
Interestingly, reports suggest that Jeep India might source Tata’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine for its Compass and Meridian models — a strong indicator of Tata’s growing credibility in powertrain innovation.
Expected Prices and Competitors
The Tata Harrier petrol and Safari petrol are expected to be priced slightly lower than their diesel counterparts, offering a more accessible option for buyers who prefer petrol engines for their refinement and lower maintenance costs.
| Model | Current Diesel Price Range (Ex-showroom) | Expected Petrol Variant Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Harrier | ₹14.00 lakh – ₹25.25 lakh | ₹13.50 lakh – ₹24.50 lakh (estimated) |
| Tata Safari | ₹14.66 lakh – ₹25.96 lakh | ₹14.00 lakh – ₹25.00 lakh (estimated) |
With these new variants, Tata Motors will now go head-to-head with MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Meridian, all of which already offer petrol powertrains.
What This Means for Tata Motors
The addition of petrol variants to the Harrier and Safari lineup marks a strategic milestone for Tata Motors, addressing a key gap in its SUV portfolio.
As Indian buyers increasingly shift toward petrol SUVs due to smoother drive characteristics, refined NVH levels, and narrowing cost differences with diesel models, Tata’s move is both timely and market-driven.
These upcoming petrol-powered versions are expected to broaden Tata’s appeal, attract new buyers, and strengthen its foothold in the premium midsize and three-row SUV segments.
Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 9, 2025 |
| Engine | 1.5-litre turbo-petrol (Hyperion family) |
| Power Output | 170hp, 280Nm |
| Transmission Options | Manual and Automatic (DCT/Torque Converter expected) |
| Diesel Range (Existing) | Harrier: ₹14–25.25 lakh / Safari: ₹14.66–25.96 lakh |
| Rivals | MG Hector, Hyundai Alcazar, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV700, Jeep Meridian |
Final Thoughts
With the Harrier and Safari petrol variants, Tata Motors is set to deliver a new blend of performance, refinement, and affordability. This long-awaited move will likely attract a broader customer base while reinforcing Tata’s position as a key player in India’s SUV market.
The countdown begins — December 9, 2025, could be a game-changer for Tata’s petrol SUV lineup.
