Tata Motors just pulled the trigger on the most anticipated SUV launch of the year. As of Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Tata Harrier Petrol is officially on sale, starting at a surprisingly aggressive ₹12.89 lakh.1
The thing is, for years, the Harrier was a “diesel-only” club, which kept it out of a lot of suburban driveways.2 Or nothing. Let’s be real, with diesel taxes and 10-year scrap rules in Delhi-NCR, this petrol version isn’t just a new engine—it’s a lifeline for the model. Those too.
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The “SUV War” Log: Field Notes
It’s an ongoing situation where the Harrier is now undercutting the top-end versions of the Creta and Seltos while offering a much bigger footprint.
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The Powerhouse: The new 1.5L Hyperion T-GDI engine is a beast.3 It’s pumping out 170 hp, which wipes the floor with the Creta’s standard 113 hp.4 Even the Creta Turbo (158 hp) can’t quite catch it.
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The Mileage Myth: Tata claimed a certified 25.9 kmpl during NATRAX testing.5 The thing is, real-world city driving will likely be closer to 12–14 kmpl. Turbo-petrols are thirsty if you have a heavy foot.
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The “Mini” Harrier: The interior got a massive refresh, borrowing the 14.5-inch QLED screen and the digital shifter from the Harrier EV.6 It feels a generation ahead of the current Seltos.
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The Transmission: You get a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Torque Converter (sourced from Aisin).7 No jerky DCTs here, which is a big win for reliability-seekers.
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Quick Spec Comparison: Petrol Power
[Table: Harrier vs. Creta vs. Seltos]
| Feature | Tata Harrier Petrol | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo (Hyperion) | 1.5L NA / 1.5L Turbo | 1.5L NA / 1.5L Turbo |
| Max Power | 170 hp | 113 hp / 158 hp | 115 hp / 160 hp |
| Peak Torque | 280 Nm | 144 Nm / 253 Nm | 144 Nm / 253 Nm |
| Base Price | ₹12.89 Lakh | ₹10.79 Lakh | ₹10.99 Lakh |
| Top Price | ₹24.69 Lakh | ₹20.05 Lakh | ₹19.49 Lakh |
And Here’s the Kicker…
While the Harrier starts at ₹12.89 lakh, that’s for the “Smart” base trim.8 If you want the automatic, you have to jump to the Pure X variant at ₹17.53 lakh.9 The thing is, at that price, you’re already looking at the mid-to-high variants of the Creta.
Tata is betting that buyers will pay the premium for the “big car” feel and the 5-star B-NCAP safety rating. It’s an ongoing situation where the mid-SUV segment just got a lot more crowded, and Hyundai/Kia might have to rethink their pricing for the 2026 facelift.
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End…
