Tata Harrier

The Tata Harrier is a five-seat midsize SUV built on a Land Rover-derived platform, sold only with a 2.0-litre diesel engine in India. The 2023 facelift brought a cleaner front face, a large vertical touchscreen, and an ADAS suite on top trims. It earned a five-star Global NCAP rating, giving it strong appeal for buyers who prioritise safety, road presence, and long-distance highway comfort over outright fuel efficiency.

On the road the Harrier feels planted and substantial, which is its biggest strength. The 2.0-litre diesel makes a healthy 168 bhp and 350 Nm, so overtaking on highways is effortless and the SUV settles into a relaxed cruise. The ride absorbs broken Indian roads with confidence, and the high seating position gives a commanding view. The trade-off is weight: the Harrier feels large in tight city traffic, and the turbo diesel is a touch laggy below 1,800 rpm before it gathers pace.

Inside, the cabin has matured considerably. The 12.3-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control on higher trims lift the ambience close to premium territory. The dashboard layout looks clean, and material quality is mostly solid. However, the touchscreen software can lag, and Tata's fit-and-finish, while improved, still trails the consistency of Korean rivals. Rear seat space is generous for two adults, though it is strictly a five-seater unlike the seven-seat Safari twin.

Feature load is genuinely impressive for the money. Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, JBL audio, and wireless smartphone mirroring are available, and the long warranty options reassure buyers wary of long-term reliability. The diesel-only line-up suits high-mileage users but rules out anyone wanting a petrol or city-friendly small motor.

Ownership costs are reasonable for a diesel of this size, and service network reach has widened. Buyers should test the automatic if they drive mostly in cities, as it smooths out the low-rev lag better than the manual.