2020 Tata Harrier Diesel Automatic Review (XZA+)

As we write this in September 2020, Tata Harrier is one of the top selling SUVs in its category. The updated 2020 variant of Tata Harrier is more refined than the earlier version and is powered by mighty 170hp Kryotec Diesel engine (BS6). With the Country unlocking amidst pandemic, people now prefer a personal car for themselves. Should you own a big SUV like 2020 Tata Harrier ? Read our detailed review of Tata Motors‘ Top-of-the-line Harrier Diesel Automatic variant below.

First Impressions – Design and Looks

The car which we got for review was Calypso Red in Dual-tone color option which is one among the 5 colors offered for the updated 2020 model variant. It is a big SUV matching the size of its competition like Creta, Seltos or Hector. Harrier looks very stylish and its design stands out. One would appreciate the bold looks of the car from the front. The projector headlamps, Dual-purpose DRLs with side indicators enhances the look of the car in the front. Attractive Harrier badging can be found at the rear and the sides of the car. The prominent wheel arch lines, the rear tail lamp design and Shark fin antenna are some note worthy design details.

The stand-out feature of the Tata Harrier XZA+ is the large Panoramic sunroof and the 17 inch R17 Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

Interior

Harrier gets Signature Oak brown interiors, the fit and finish is good but not extra-ordinary. There are plenty of storage spaces like cup holders and bottle holders and an illuminated glove box in the front. USB charging ports are available for both front and rear passengers. There is a plentiful space provided under front armrest which also contains a 12V socket, a place to store your phone or any other items. The Steering wheel of Tata Harrier can be adjusted for both reach and rake. You get all media controls mounted on the steering wheel. The Panoramic Sunroof gets an anti-pinch feature with dual roofs.

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The front of the car houses an 8.8 inch touchscreen floating infotainment system for all connectivity features and supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The music system is top notch, thanks to 9 JBL Speakers which is on offer. The IRVM in the car gets Auto-dimming feature, shielding you from unwanted bright light entering the car from outside during night drives.

Comfort and Space

The driver seat is one of our favorite spots in the car as it gets a 6-way power adjustable seat. The front co-driver seat can also be reclined and all the passengers can enjoy the view of the sky, thanks to a very large panoramic sunroof.

The head room and leg room is more than sufficient. 3 people can easily sit at the back. You get AC vents, roof lights and arm rest with cupholders at the back.

There is an ample amount of Bootspace – 425 litres which can be expanded to 810 litres when the rear seats are folded.

Dimensions

Harrier is a big car and has a great road presence . Talking about the dimensions, Harrier measures 4598 mm in length, 1894mm in width and 1706mm in height has a wheelbase of 2741mm. Tata Harrier’s length is greater than Seltos and Creta and is shorter than Hector’s length. Width wise too Harrier is bigger than Seltos and Creta.

Engine and Performance

Harrier feels very stable and sturdy as it is built on OMEGA architecture of LandRover’s D8 Platform. 2020 Tata Harrier is powered by all new 4-cylinder 2-litre Diesel engine (BS6 compliant) . Harrier’s engine is mated to 6-speed automatic gearbox which churns out a maximum power of 170PS at 3750 rpm and delivers a peak torque of 350Nm .

Driving the Harrier

Someone who doesn’t drive SUVs regularly can drive the Harrier easily. When we were at the drivers’ seat, we felt like we own the road and were thoroughly enjoying the power of the car on highways. The handling was easy, steering wheel control was nice and manoeuvring was easy as well. For short drivers, it may take some time to get adjusted as the bonnet might cover a large part of their view. This could make gauging the traffic in front a little challenging.

The handbrake looks good and fancy, but people might expect a simpler version of it (old school way). The AC was very powerful even without any fan speed adjustments while the Horn on the steering wheel was very hard to press.. The number of options/ features offered by this car can be very overwhelming for a normal driver unless he/she is an enthusiast .

Harrier is great car for those long drives. Watching the sunlight enter the car from the panoramic sunroof is a soothing experience. When the panoramic sunroofs are opened, the car feels very spacious and large.

On highways, speeds of 100-120 kmph can be achieved without any effort. There are no vibrations what so ever and you will absolutely love the power while cruising. For someone who has driven cars like the EcoSport and the Seltos, handling the Harrier will not be a problem. But, if you live in area with narrow roads, handling the Harrier can be a challenge. Also keep in mind that you need a bigger parking space for this mighty and large SUV. The cockpit style handbrake when pulled up might be a hindrance when you try and pick your favorite drink from the armrest.

The car gets a reverse parking sensor and the reverse Camera helps you in backing up the car easily.

The top trim of Harrier offers different terrain modes like Wet mode, soft mode which can be used according to the terrain condition you are in.

Fuel Tank and Fuel Efficiency

The fuel tank capacity of Tata Harrier is 50 litres. It is a diesel car and you can expect a good mileage. We did not monitor the exact range of the car, but the distance to empty feature was ticking at 300 Kms when we had started at almost full tank fuel. The mileage varies depending on how we drive this car. You can choose among Eco mode, City mode and Sports mode depending on your need and condition like highway or city. Needless to say, the Sports mode is where all the power is.

Trims and Variants

The 2020 Tata Harrier is offered in Diesel variant only and gets about 5 trims (XE, XM, XT, XZ and XZ+) with the option for automatic transmission in 3 of its trims (XMA, XZA, XZA+). The one which we have reviewed here is the top trim XZA+variant which is fully feature loaded.

Should you buy a Harrier?

If you are in the market for a powerful mid-size SUV in the budget of 14-20 lakhs, this can be a great choice. If you are bored of the usual choices like Creta or Seltos and are a diesel enthusiast, then you can go for the Tata Harrier. Choosing Harrier with Automatic transmission increases the driving experience and comfort. Harrier is for someone who loves a Diesel SUV with a great power delivery. The fact that Harrier comes from Tata Motors which is a home-grown company and features stylish design (borrowed from Landrover D8 platform), a great level of driving comfort and performance makes this car a great choice.

Let us know what you think about the new Harrier, by commenting below.

Tata Harrier is available in EMI and Subscription options as well. Please contact your nearest Tata Motors dealership to buy this car, book a test drive or to experience it. Thanks to Tata Motors communications Team and KHT Motors, Domlur (Opp to EGL), Bangalore for making this drive happen.

Photo Credits: Divya Rathod, Achaiah Chendira,