Tata Harrier vs Tata Safari : Which Tata SUV Should You Buy?

Introduction

The Tata Motors stable boasts two of the most compelling SUVs in the Indian market – the Harrier and the Safari. While both share the same Land Rover-derived OMEGARC platform, engines, and fundamental architecture, they cater to distinctly different buyer needs and lifestyles. The Harrier positions itself as a premium 5-seater SUV with coupe-like styling, while the Safari embraces its legacy as a practical 7-seater family vehicle with adventurous spirit.

This comprehensive comparison goes beyond the obvious seating capacity difference to examine every aspect that matters in real-world ownership. From design philosophy and driving dynamics to feature distribution and long-term practicality, we provide detailed insights to help you choose the Tata SUV that perfectly aligns with your requirements, whether you’re a style-conscious urban driver or a family-focused adventurer.

Price and Variant Analysis

Ex-Showroom Price Comparison

Tata Harrier:

• XE:₹ 15.49 Lakhs
• XT:₹ 17.49 Lakhs
• XZ:₹ 19.49 Lakhs
• XZ+:₹ 20.49 Lakhs
• XZ+ Dark:₹ 21.49 Lakhs
• XZ+ OEM (ADAS):₹ 22.49 Lakhs

Tata Safari:

• XE:₹ 16.19 Lakhs
• XT:₹ 18.19 Lakhs
• XZ:₹ 20.19 Lakhs
• XZ+:₹ 21.19 Lakhs
• XZ+ Dark:₹ 22.19 Lakhs
• XZ+ Adventure:₹ 22.69 Lakhs

Price Differential Analysis

Base Variant Difference: Safari costs ₹ 70,000 more
Top Variant Difference: Safari costs ₹ 20,000 more (comparing equivalent variants)

Value Proposition:

• Harrier:Better value for 5-seater buyers
• Safari:Justifiable premium for 7-seater capability
• ADAS Availability:Only in Harrier (top variant)

Design and Styling Comparison

Exterior Design Philosophy

Tata Harrier – Premium Coupe SUV:

• Design Language:Impact 2.0 – Sophisticated and sporty
• Front:Sleek LED DRLs, humanity line grille
• Profile:Coupe-like sloping roofline, 18-inch alloys
• Rear:Connected LED tail lights, sporty bumper
• Overall:Urban premium, style-focused

Tata Safari – Adventurous Family SUV:

• Design Language:Impact 2.0 – Bold and commanding
• Front:Tri-arrow signature, upright grille
• Profile:Straight roofline, quarter glass, roof rails
• Rear:Tall stance, Safari badging
• Overall:Traditional SUV, presence-focused

Key Design Differences

Roofline:

• Harrier:Sloping, coupe-inspired
• Safari:Straight, practical design

Length:

• Harrier:4598 mm
• Safari:4661 mm (+63 mm)

Third-row Windows:

• Safari:Signature quarter glass design
• Harrier:No third row, different window line

Color Options

Shared Colors:

• Calypso Red
• Telesto Grey
• Orcus White

Safari Exclusive:

• Galactic Saturn
• Stardust Ash

Interior and Space Analysis

Cabin Layout and Quality

Dashboard Design:

• Both:Identical dashboard layout and materials
• Quality:Same premium soft-touch materials
• Features:Identical infotainment and instrument cluster

Seating Configuration:

Tata Harrier (5-seater):

• Front:Premium bucket seats
• Rear:Bench seat, 60:40 split
• Space:More legroom for second row
• Comfort:Superior for 5 passengers

Tata Safari (6/7-seater):

• Front:Identical to Harrier
• Second Row:Captain seats (6-seater) or bench (7-seater)
• Third Row:Occasional seats, suitable for children
• Flexibility:Multiple seating configurations

Space and Practicality

Second Row Comfort:

• Harrier:More knee room and legroom
• Safari:Slightly compromised due to third row
• Winner:Harrier for second-row comfort

Third Row Usability:

• Safari:Best-in-class third row for segment
• Suitability:Children and occasional adult use
• Access:Easy tumble-fold mechanism

Boot Space Comparison:

All Seats Up:

• Harrier:425 liters
• Safari:73 liters (minimal)

Third Row Folded:

• Safari:420 liters (similar to Harrier)

Maximum Capacity:

• Harrier:425 liters
• Safari:1,075 liters (all seats folded)

Storage Solutions

Both SUVs Share:

• Large center console
• Door pocket storage
• Glove box capacity
• Cup holders and bottle storage

Safari Advantages:

• Additional storage behind third row
• Roof rails for additional luggage
• More flexible seating configurations

Feature and Equipment Comparison

Standard Features (Across Both)

Infotainment:

• 25-inch touchscreen (XZ and above)
• Arkamys audio system
• Wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• iRA connected car technology

Comfort:

• Automatic climate control
• Panoramic sunroof
• Steering-mounted controls
• Cruise control

Safety:

• 6 airbags
• ESP with traction control
• Hill hold assist
• Rear parking camera

Feature Differences

Harrier Exclusives:

• ADAS (XZ+ OEM variant only)
• Sportier interior themes
• Dark edition availability

Safari Exclusives:

• Third-row AC vents and controls
• Roof rails as standard
• Adventure edition variants
• Oyster White theme interior

Premium Features Availability

Both Available in Top Variants:

• 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
• 6-way power adjustable driver seat
• Wireless phone charging
• Ambient lighting
• Electrochromic IRVM

Performance and Driving Dynamics

Engine and Transmission

Identical Powertrain:

• Engine:0L Kryotec diesel
• Power:170 PS @ 3750 rpm
• Torque:350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm
• Transmission:6-speed MT / 6-speed AT

Performance Figures

Acceleration (0-100 km/h):

• Harrier AT:5 seconds
• Safari AT:2 seconds
• Difference:Safari is 0.7 seconds slower

Weight Difference:

• Harrier:1,675 kg (kerb weight)
• Safari:1,785 kg (+110 kg)
• Impact:Affects performance and efficiency

Fuel Efficiency

ARAI Figures:

• Harrier Manual:35 km/l
• Safari Manual:14 km/l
• Harrier Automatic:6 km/l
• Safari Automatic:08 km/l

Real-world Efficiency:

• Both:12-14 km/l (mixed conditions)
• Difference:Marginal, Safari slightly lower

Ride and Handling

Suspension Tuning:

• Both:Identical Land Rover-derived setup
• Platform:Same OMEGARC architecture
• Difference:Safari has slightly different tuning for added weight

Ride Quality:

• City:Both excellent, Harrier slightly more agile
• Highway:Both stable, Safari feels more planted
• Bad Roads:Safari has slight edge due to longer wheelbase

Handling:

• Harrier:More nimble, better body control
• Safari:Slightly more body roll in corners
• Steering:Identical electric power steering setup

Safety and ADAS

Standard Safety Features

Both Vehicles Include:

• 6 airbags across all variants
• Electronic Stability Program
• Hill Hold Assist and Descent Control
• ISOFIX child seat mounts
• Rear parking sensors with camera

ADAS Availability

Tata Harrier:

• Available in:XZ+ OEM variant only
• Features:Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, AEB
• Cost:Additional ₹ 2 lakhs over XZ+

Tata Safari:

• ADAS:Not available in any variant
• Expected:Might come in future updates
• Current:Relies on standard safety features

Safety Rating Expectations

Both Vehicles:

• Platform:Land Rover-derived, proven safety
• Expected:5-star Global NCAP rating
• Build Quality:Identical high-strength steel structure

Ownership Experience

Maintenance Costs

Service Costs:

• Both:Identical service schedules and costs
• Intervals:15,000 km or 1 year
• Annual Cost:₹ 15,000-20,000

Spare Parts:

• Engine Parts:Identical pricing
• Body Parts:Safari parts slightly more expensive
• Commonality:70% parts shared

Insurance Premiums

Annual Insurance:

• Harrier:₹ 45,000-60,000 (first year)
• Safari:₹ 48,000-63,000 (first year)
• Difference:Safari costs 5-7% more to insure

Resale Value

3-year Retention:

• Harrier:55-60%
• Safari:58-63%
• Advantage:Safari holds value better

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Tata Harrier If:

You Prioritize:

• Style and premium appeal
• Better performance
• ADAS safety features
• Second-row comfort
• Urban driving experience

Ideal For:

• Small families (up to 5 members)
• Urban professionals
• Style-conscious buyers
• Those wanting latest technology

Choose Tata Safari If:

You Prioritize:

• 7-seater capability
• Family practicality
• Better resale value
• Adventurous image
• Occasional extra seating

Ideal For:

• Large families (5+ members)
• Frequent travelers with groups
• Those needing flexible seating
• Buyers valuing Safari legacy

Best Value Variants

Tata Harrier – XZ:

• Price:₹ 19.49 Lakhs
• Features:Panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch screen, premium audio
• Value:Best balance of features and price

Tata Safari – XZ:

• Price:₹ 20.19 Lakhs
• Features:7-seater flexibility, all premium features
• Value:Ultimate family package

Real-world Usage Scenarios

City Driving

Harrier Advantages:

• Easier to maneuver
• Better parking visibility
• Slightly better fuel efficiency
• More agile in traffic

Safari Advantages:

• Commanding driving position
• Better visibility in traffic
• More practical for school runs

Highway Cruising

Both Excellent For:

• Long-distance comfort
• High-speed stability
• Overtaking capability
• Feature-rich experience

Harrier Edge:

• Slightly better performance
• ADAS availability for safety

Safari Edge:

• More seating flexibility
• Better for group travel

Family Vacation

Harrier:

• Perfect for nuclear family of 4-5
• More luggage space for 5 passengers
• Sportier driving experience

Safari:

• Ideal for extended family trips
• Can accommodate grandparents or extra guests
• More versatile seating arrangements

Pros and Cons Summary

Tata Harrier Advantages:

1. Sportier and more premium design
2. Better acceleration and performance
3. More second-row legroom
4. ADAS availability
5. Slightly better fuel efficiency
6. Lower purchase price

Tata Harrier Disadvantages:

1. Limited to 5 seats only
2. Lower resale value
3. Less practical for large families
4. No third-row flexibility

Tata Safari Advantages:

1. 7-seater capability
2. Better resale value
3. More practical for families
4. Safari legacy and brand value
5. More versatile seating
6. Better for group travel

Tata Safari Disadvantages:

1. Heavier and slower
2. Lower fuel efficiency
3. No ADAS availability
4. Higher purchase price
5. Less sporty to drive

Long-term Ownership Perspective

Reliability

Both Vehicles:

• Proven diesel engine reliability
• Identical mechanical components
• Good build quality
• Concern:Electronic issues in some units

Service Network

Tata Motors:

• Coverage:700+ service centers
• Quality:Consistent for both models
• Cost:Identical maintenance schedules
• Support:Good parts availability

Common Issues

Shared Concerns:

• Infotainment system glitches
• Minor electrical problems
• Sunroof rattles (some units)
• AC performance in extreme heat

Verdict and Final Recommendation

For Different Buyer Profiles

Young Couples/Small Families:

• Recommendation:Tata Harrier
• Reason:Style, performance, and premium features

Large Families (5+ members):

• Recommendation:Tata Safari
• Reason:7-seater practicality and flexibility

Urban Professionals:

• Recommendation:Tata Harrier
• Reason:Premium appeal and city-friendly size

Frequent Group Travelers:

• Recommendation:Tata Safari
• Reason:Seating flexibility and space

Safety-conscious Buyers:

• Recommendation:Tata Harrier (ADAS variant)
• Reason:Advanced driver assistance systems

Final Scores

Tata Harrier: 8.5/10
Tata Safari: 8.5/10

Conclusion

The choice between Tata Harrier and Safari ultimately comes down to your seating requirements and lifestyle needs. Both are excellent vehicles built on the same proven platform, offering premium features and sophisticated driving dynamics.

The Tata Harrier excels as a stylish, premium 5-seater SUV that prioritizes driving pleasure, modern technology, and sophisticated design. It’s the perfect choice for those who want a premium SUV experience without the need for extra seating.

The Tata Safari stands out as a practical, family-focused 7-seater that combines the Safari legacy with modern features and comfort. It’s ideal for large families and those who need the flexibility of occasional extra seating.

Final Advice: Choose based on your actual seating needs rather than perceived requirements. If you rarely carry more than 5 people, the Harrier offers better value and driving pleasure. If you regularly need extra seating, the Safari is worth the premium.

FAQs

1. Is Safari just a 7-seater version of Harrier?
   While both share the same platform and mechanical components, the Safari has different bodywork, seating configuration, and suspension tuning to accommodate the third row and additional weight.
2. Which has better ride quality?
   Both have excellent ride quality, but the Harrier feels slightly more agile while the Safari feels more planted and stable, especially at high speeds.
3. Can I add third-row seats to Harrier?
   No, the Harrier is designed as a 5-seater and cannot be modified to add third-row seats due to structural and safety considerations.
4. Which is better for highway driving?
   Both are excellent for highway driving. The Harrier has slightly better performance, while the Safari offers more seating flexibility for long trips with family or friends.
5. Does Safari have less boot space than Harrier?
   With all seats up, yes. But with the third row folded, the Safari has similar boot space to the Harrier. With all seats folded, the Safari offers significantly more space.
6. Which has better resale value?
   The Tata Safari typically has better resale value due to its 7-seater capability and the strong Safari brand legacy in the Indian market.
7. Should I pay more for Safari?
   Only if you need the 7-seater capability. If you primarily carry up to 5 people, the Harrier offers better value and driving dynamics for the price.

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