Tata Harrier vs Safari: How Does the Extra Row Impact Performance?

The Tata Harrier and Safari are two popular SUVs that share a lot in common. They’re built on the same platform, use the same engine and transmission options, and even sport similar styling. However, the Safari’s extra row of seats translates to a higher weight, which naturally raises questions about its performance compared to the lighter Harrier.

To see how this weight difference impacts real-world performance, we put both SUVs through a series of acceleration and deceleration tests. Both the Harrier and Safari are powered by the same diesel engine with automatic transmission, and both utilize front-wheel drive. They also share the same tire profile.

While Tata Motors doesn’t officially publish kerb weight figures, our tests revealed a clear difference in the performance of the two SUVs. The Harrier consistently outperformed the Safari in all three acceleration tests, which is expected considering its lighter weight. The Safari lagged behind the Harrier by over a second in the 0-100 km/h test, showcasing the weight penalty. While the Safari managed to close the gap slightly in the quarter-mile test, the Harrier still maintained its lead.

However, the Safari redeemed itself in the braking test, where it managed to stop quicker than the Harrier. It’s worth noting that the Harrier’s braking test was conducted in wet conditions, which might have affected its stopping distance. We suspect that the two vehicles would have shown a closer stopping time difference in dry conditions.

In terms of pricing, the Harrier is priced between Rs. 15.49 lakh and Rs. 26.44 lakh, making it a competitor to the Mahindra XUV700 (5-seater), MG Hector, Jeep Compass, and even compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.

The Safari, starting from Rs. 15.49 lakh and going up to Rs. 26.89 lakh, goes head-to-head with the MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700.

While the Safari’s extra row of seats comes with a slight performance trade-off, it offers a significant advantage in practicality and passenger capacity. Ultimately, the choice between the Harrier and Safari boils down to your individual needs and preferences.