November 2023 - Tata Harrier Diesel Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

Also Read: 2023 Tata Safari Facelift Variants Explained - Which One To Buy?

What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tata Harrier Diesel?

The pros or advantages of Tata Harrier diesel are:

• The only car in its segment with official mileage figures and a diesel-automatic powertrain
• Gets features like multiple drive modes, terrain modes, colour LCD instrument cluster, 2-zone auto AC, power front seats with ventilation, powered boot lid (know more: 18 New Features Of The 2023 Tata Harrier Facelift)
• Automatic transmission is available in all but a few lower variants
• Option of getting ADAS features without buying the top model
• Good starting price and the Smart (O) is far better loaded than before for only a slightly higher price than the old Harrier
• New style features give the Harrier an imposing and unique road presence

The Tata Harrier diesel has the following shortcomings or problems:

• Almost all variants come across as overpriced and none earns our top recommendation
• No petrol engine option
• Adaptive cruise control not available with manual transmission
• Multi-terrain modes in a front-wheel drive, monocoque car has questionable efficacy and usability
• Poor feature distribution makes mid variants poorly equipped for the asking price as they focus on good to have features more than must-have features
• ADAS features are only available with automatic transmission — Addressed by Tata in October 2023 update
• A rare car with ADAS but no adaptive cruise control feature — Addressed by Tata in October 2023 update

What Is The Price Of Tata Harrier Diesel Variants?

The Tata Harrier is available in 11 main variants — Smart, Smart (O), Pure, Pure (O), Pure Plus, Pure Plus S, Adventure, Adventure Plus, Adventure Plus A, Fearless and Fearless Plus. 4 of these are also available in black colour and they go by the Dark Edition name. The Harrier diesel-manual variants cost between Rs. 15.49 lakh and Rs. 25.04 lakh (ex-showroom).

Except for the lower 4 trims and a mid-spec Adventure variant, all other variants are also available with an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission costs Rs. 1.40 lakh more than the manual except in the case of the Pure Plus where the automatic is Rs. 1.30 lakh pricier than the manual. The Harrier diesel-automatic range costs between Rs. 19.99 lakh and Rs. 26.44 lakh.

You can use our Fuel Cost Calculator to see how much any petrol, diesel or CNG car will cost to run based on the latest fuel price in your city.

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Tata Harrier Diesel Smart - Base Model Features & Review

The base Smart variant of the Tata Harrier diesel costs Rs. 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and is only available with a manual transmission. The most notable features of the Harrier Smart are:

In the Harrier base model, you may miss the following important features:

• Remote central locking
• Power mirrors (must-have considering the width of the vehicle)
• Steering-mounted controls
• Front armrest
• Touchscreen
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• TPMS

Since it doesn’t get so many must-have features, we won’t recommend it even to budget-conscious buyers. In terms of styling too, it won’t stand out like the other variants as it doesn’t get the connected LED DRLs and tail lamps.

Tata Harrier Diesel Smart vs Smart (O) Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Smart (O) variant costs Rs. 15.99 lakh and it’s Rs. 50,000 is more expensive than the base model.

For the additional cost, it adds the following notable features:

While these features don’t quite justify the incremental cost, they are mostly in the must-have category. Moreover, they make it much more usable in day-to-day usage. With a touchscreen, a rear camera and remote central locking, the Smart (O) is a decent choice for budget-conscious buyers. You may only miss the steering-mounted controls, rear defogger and height adjustable driver seats. These features are not too easy to install from the aftermarket.

In higher variants, you will have to make huge compromises in terms of value or stretch your budget all the way towards the top trims to get a decent balance of value and features. So, the Smart (O) seems like a compromise worth making.

Tata Harrier Diesel Smart vs Pure Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Safari Pure variant is Rs. 1.50 lakh more expensive than the base model. It too only gets the manual transmission.

It adds the following notable features:

The Pure variant doesn’t get most of the additional features of the Smart (O). So, it too misses out on some must-have features like:

• Height-adjustable driver seat
• Rear defogger
• Front armrest
• TPMS
• Power mirrors

Some of these are available in the Smart (O) trim and they’re not easy to install from the aftermarket. Moreover, the Pure trim is too expensive for what it’s offering in terms of features over the base model. So, we’ll suggest you go with the Smart (O) instead of Harrier Pure and add a touchscreen, a rear camera and remote central locking instead of buying the Pure trim.

Tata Harrier Diesel Pure vs Pure (O) Variants - Price, Feature Comparison

Just like the Smart and Smart (O), the Harrier Pure also has an (O) variant. It costs Rs. 50,000 more than the Pure and carries an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 17.49 lakh.

The Pure (O) variant adds the following notable features:

Even in this variant, considering the ex-showroom price of the car, you may miss features like:

• Rear defogger
• Height-adjustable driver seat
• Cruise control
• Rear armrest

These features are downright essential in a car costing Rs. 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Moreover, just like the Pure trim, the Pure (O) also doesn’t even come close to justifying the incremental asking price over the base model for the additional features. The Harrier Pure (O) is also not recommended for buying.

Tata Harrier Diesel Pure (O) vs Pure Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Pure Plus variant of the Harrier costs Rs. 18.69 lakh with the manual transmission and this is Rs. 1.20 lakh more than the lower Pure (O) trim. It also gets the option of an automatic for an additional Rs. 1.30 lakh. The Harrier Pure Plus automatic costs Rs. 19.99 lakh (ex-showroom).

For the higher asking price, the Pure Plus variant adds the following notable features over the Pure (O) variant:

The Pure Plus variant adds a few must-have and a few good-to-have features. This trim still doesn’t get features like:

• Rear defogger
• Sunroof
• Front parking sensors
• Rear armrest
• Window curtains

It also offers incredibly poor value for money and gets a ‘Don’t Buy’ recommendation.

Tata Harrier Diesel Pure Plus vs Pure Plus S Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Pure Plus S variant of the Harrier costs Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the Pure Plus. It carries an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 19.69 lakh with the manual and Rs. 21.09 lakh with the automatic.

For the higher asking price, the Pure Plus S variant adds the following notable features over the Pure Plus variant:

Even the Pure Plus S trim still doesn’t get features like:

• Rear defogger
• Front parking sensors
• Rear armrest
• Window curtains

While it doesn’t get several useful features, we expect from a car at this price, at least in terms of value, it’s far better than some of the lower variants. Although, that’s because of the panoramic sunroof, which is a high-perceived-value feature. So, we’re somewhat okay with recommending this variant. If you don’t want to compromise on the ownership experience and also want a decent value for money, then you should consider stretching your budget.

Tata Harrier Diesel Pure Plus S vs Pure Plus S Dark Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

You can also buy the Pure Plus S variant in black colour. It’ll cost you Rs. 30,000 more.

The Pure Plus S Dark variant adds the following features over the Pure Plus S variant:

Since this is a cosmetic upgrade over the regular Pure Plus S variant, you can consider it based on your preference.

Tata Harrier Diesel Pure Plus vs Adventure Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Adventure variant costs Rs. 1.50 lakh more than the Pure Plus and carries an ex-showroom price of Rs. 20.19 lakh. This variant of the Harrier is only available with a manual transmission.

For the higher asking price, the Adventure variant adds the following notable features over the Pure Plus variant:

Among features you expect from a car at this price point, you may miss the following features:

• Power driver seat
• Ventilated seats (especially because of leather upholstery)
• Front parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Auto headlamps
• Auto wipers
• Auto-dimming inside mirror
• 2-zone AC
• Wireless phone charger
• Panoramic sunroof

While the Adventure variant covers its bases quite well with must-have features, it offers poor value for money and is not recommended.

Tata Harrier Diesel Adventure vs Adventure Plus Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Adventure Plus variant costs Rs. 1.50 lakh more than the Adventure and carries an ex-showroom price of RS. 21.69 lakh. It also gets the option of an automatic transmission, which costs Rs. 23.09 lakh and is Rs. 1.40 lakh pricier than the Harrier Adventure Plus manual.

For the higher asking price, the Adventure Plus variant adds the following notable features over the Adventure variant:

In the the Adventure Plus variant, you may miss the following features:

• Power driver seat
• Ventilated seats
• Auto-dimming inside mirror
• 2-zone AC
• ADAS features

On the value front, this variant only justifies almost 70% of the incremental cost over the base model with the additional features. So, it too kind of gets the buying recommendation. Consider upgrading to the Adventure Plus A variant. It not only offers better value, it also brings the features to a level expected from a car of this class and at this price.

Tata Harrier Diesel Adventure Plus vs Adventure Plus Dark Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Adventure Plus variant is also available in black colour for an additional Rs. 55,000.

The Adventure Plus Dark variant gets the following additional features:

Since this is a cosmetic upgrade, we’ll leave it up to you to decide if you should buy it or not.

Tata Harrier Diesel Adventure Plus vs Adventure Plus A Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

Next in line is the Adventure Plus A variant, which costs Rs. 1.0 lakh more than the lower Harrier Adventure Plus. It carries an ex-showroom price tag of Rs. 22.69 lakh with the manual and Rs. 24.09 lakh with the automatic transmission.

The Adventure Plus A variant adds the following ADAS features:

Even here, you’re only getting about 74% value for the incremental price you are paying over the Harrier base model. However, with the automatic it’s a bit more lucrative option as it gets adaptive cruise control with stop-&-go. While you still don’t get a few luxurious features like power driver seat, power boot lid, dual-zone auto AC and ventilated seats, the Adventure Plus A comes across as a somewhat decent option and worth considering.

Tata Harrier Diesel Adventure Plus vs Fearless Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

If you want the car without the ADAS, then for about Rs. 30,000 more than the Adventure Plus A, you can go with the Fearless trim. It costs Rs. 22.99 lakh with the manual and Rs. 24.39 lakh with the automatic.

Compared to the Adventure Plus variant, you get the following notable additional features in the Harrier Fearless:

The Harrier Fearless gets most of the luxurious features you expect from a Rs. 23 - 24 lakh car. This variant is worth buying but doesn’t get our outright top recommendation as it only justifies about 73% of value over the base trim.

Tata Harrier Diesel Fearless vs Fearless Dark Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

You can also buy the Fearless variant in black colour for an additional cost of Rs. 55,000 (ex-showroom).

The Harrier Fearless Dark variant gets the following additional features:

Since this is a cosmetic upgrade, you can will have to decide if you should buy this or not on your own.

Tata Harrier Diesel Fearless Plus vs Fearless Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Fearless Plus is the top model of the Harrier. It costs Rs. 1.50 lakh more than the lower Harrier Fearless variant. The Fearless Plus manual costs Rs. 24.49 lakh (ex-showroom) while the automatic costs Rs. 25.89 lakh (ex-showroom).

For the higher asking price, the Fearless Plus variant adds the following notable features over the Fearless variant:

The Fearless Plus variant justifies about 80% of the incremental cost over the Harrier base model with the additional features. It’s as good as it’s gonna get for you with the Harrier facelift. This variant is worth buying but it’s still far from justifying the full 100% cost. Therefore, it doesn’t get our top recommendation.

Tata Harrier Diesel Fearless Plus vs Fearless Plus Dark Variant - Price, Feature Comparison

The Fearless Plus is also available in black colour for an additional Rs. 55,000.

You get the following features with the Fearless Plus Dark:

Here too, you should decide for yourself if this extra price is acceptable for the black colour and larger alloy wheels.

Which Variant Of The Tata Harrier Diesel Should You Buy?

The Harrier is in general an expensive car and therefore none of its variants justify the incremental cost over the base trim. The base model itself is poorly equipped and the feature distribution throughout the variant lineup is terrible. While we’re getting alloy wheels in the base variant, we don’t get must-have features like power mirrors and height-adjustable driver seat. Even higher trims miss out on several must-have features we expect from a car at this price.

Still for budget-conscious buyers, the Smart (O) is a decent option. Although it only justifies 50% of the incremental cost, the price jump in absolute terms is nominal. So you’re only paying Rs. 25,000 more for the additional features. But some of the additional features it offers are must-have. It’s a much better option for buyers on a budget as the next few variants not only offer horrible value for money, they also don’t offer a decent feature distribution.

From there, the Pure Plus S is the next variant worth considering although it only justifies the incremental cost with high value features like panoramic sunroof. Even in this variant, you won't get several must-have features. So, the next one worth considering is Adventure Plus A, which offers ADAS features without splurging on the top model of the Harrier facelift.

Next up, the Fearless is suitable for buyers who want a luxurious ownership experience and don’t care much about the futuristic ADAS features. But if you want it all, then the Fearless Plus is also worth considering as it offers slightly better value for money than the lower Fearless trim of the Harrier 2024.

Just like the Harrier manual, the Harrier automatic’s Pure Plus S, Adventure Plus A and the Fearless twins are worth buying. So, you can choose based on your budget and feature preferences. If you’re interested in the ADAS features, then you’d be glad to know that the Harrier automatic also gets adaptive cruise control with stop-&-go feature. This makes the Harrier with ADAS all the more useful in day-to-day city as well as highway usage.

What Are The Engine Specifications Of The Tata Harrier Diesel?

The Harrier is a D-segment SUV with 2-row of seating. It competes with the Mahindra XUV700 5-seat and MG Hector. The Hector also has a 2.0L diesel engine, which makes the same power and torque output with similar mileage figures too, with the manual transmission. So, the Harrier beats it with the option of an automatic transmission.

The Tata Harrier’s other rival is the Mahindra XUV700, which has a 2.2L turbo diesel engine, is available with 2 performance versions in different variants. In lower variants, the XUV700 diesel makes slightly lower power output than the Harrier but about the same torque. This 155PS version of the XUV700 diesel only gets a manual transmission.

The more powerful version of the XUV700 diesel makes a higher 185PS of power and a considerably higher 420Nm of torque with the manual transmission. With the automatic, this engine makes an ever higher 450Nm of torque. While we don’t know the efficiency numbers of the XUV700 diesel, we can rest assured that it’s considerably lower than the segment standards. Perhaps, that’s the reason why Mahindra are keeping these figures a secret.

*Estimated

What Are The Dimensions Of The Tata Harrier?

The Tata Harrier is the shortest in its class but also the widest. All 3 cars have about the same wheelbase. Just like the mileage figures, Mahindra haven’t revealed the ground clearance and boot space numbers either. They are probably much less than the segment standards. While the Harrier’s ground clearance figures are also unavailable, the pre-facelift had a 205mm clearance. We should expect it to be either the same or very close to that figure. Tata generally keep their ground clearance figures north of 200mm for their SUVs. With the information we have right now, it looks like the Harrier has the credentials to offer imposing road presence.

Find out how you can get the best mileage or fuel efficiency from your car:

10 Tips To Get Better Mileage From Your Perol, Diesel Or CNG Car

What Are The Colour Options Of The Tata Harrier Diesel?

The 2023 Harrier diesel is available in the following exterior colour options:

• Light grey
• Dark grey
• White
• Red
• Green
• Yellow
• Black

To know exactly what colour options are available in each variant, you can visit the following link:

New Tata Harrier 2023 Facelift — All Exterior Colour Options

Note: Here is a quick look at our length-based segmentation of cars to give you an idea of how we are classifying cars based on their size.

Also Read: Car Segments Explained - With Body Styles And Examples

Also Read: GNCAP Star Ratings & Vehicle Safety Simplified