Introduced in 2019, the Harrier was Tata’s first attempt at a premium 5-seat SUV and the first model to utilise the brand’s Land Rover-derived Omega Arc platform. It was initially sold with only a diesel engine, and a petrol-powered version was launched about seven years later, in 2026. We’ve tested both of these in the automatic guise to find out which powertrain offers better real-world performance.
Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Harrier petrol vs Harrier diesel comparison.
Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel AT: Specifications
Both engines develop identical power, but the diesel delivers more torque
Tata offers the Harrier with two turbocharged engine options: a 1.5-litre petrol, developed in-house by Tata, and a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel. While both churn out 170hp, the diesel is torquier, developing 350Nm – 70Nm more than the petrol. These can be paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel AT: 0-100kph acceleration test
In our 0-100kph acceleration tests, the Harrier petrol outperformed the diesel by 1.24 seconds despite the latter having a 70Nm torque advantage. Up to 40kph, the diesel’s higher torque and its accessibility from lower revs helped it grab the lead. At about 60kph, the petrol version’s lighter kerb weight and stronger high-end power delivery helped it pull ahead and stay ahead.
Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel AT: Rolling acceleration test
In our rolling acceleration tests, the Harrier petrol outran the diesel by 0.45 seconds in the 20-80kph run. However, in the 40-100kph test, the Harrier diesel was ahead by almost half a second.
Tata Harrier petrol vs diesel AT: Prices
Diesel variants cost more than the petrol ones
Both engines are available with an automatic gearbox option from the one-above-the-base Pure X trim. However, the Harrier’s petrol-automatic variants are more affordable than the diesel-automatic ones by well over Rs 1 lakh in the same trim levels.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.
Uday Singh
Dipan Sur
