Tata Safari and Harrier Petrol Launching In November
Tata Motors will introduce petrol variants of its flagship SUVs, the Harrier and Safari, in November 2025. Both models have so far been sold exclusively with diesel engines. Adding petrol versions fills a gap in Tata’s SUV lineup and brings them in line with rivals that already offer multiple fuel options.
Petrol Engine Introduction
The Harrier and Safari will use Tata’s newly developed 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine. The motor produces around 168 PS and 280 Nm of torque, with direct injection and turbocharging aimed at providing both performance and efficiency. ]
Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed torque converter automatic, catering to both driving enthusiasts and urban buyers who prefer automatic convenience.
The same engine will also feature in upcoming Tata models such as the Sierra, enabling component sharing across the range and reducing development costs.
Sales and Market Context
The Harrier and Safari together account for about 5,000–6,000 units in monthly sales, giving Tata a steady presence in the midsize SUV space. In FY2025 so far, the Harrier has sold around 28,000 units while the Safari has contributed close to 22,000 units. Both rely entirely on a 2.0-litre diesel engine. By comparison, Mahindra’s XUV700 and Scorpio-N - both offering petrol and diesel choices - together sell nearly 12,000 units monthly.
Petrol penetration in the midsize SUV category has grown over the past three years, led by models like the Hyundai Alcazar and MG Hector, which together see over 45 percent of their sales coming from petrol trims.
Diesel demand remains strong for larger SUVs, particularly in Mahindra’s portfolio, but Tata’s absence from the petrol space has limited its reach in markets such as Delhi NCR, where diesel registration is capped at 10 years. This restriction has made many buyers wary of long-term ownership of diesel-only models.
Competitive Pressures
The Safari and Harrier compete directly with the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Compass. All these rivals already offer petrol engines, giving them an advantage among customers looking for quieter, smoother, and often lower-priced alternatives to diesel. Tata’s diesel-only strategy has worked in states and segments where diesel demand is resilient, but the lack of choice has caused buyers in some markets to migrate to competitors.
Mahindra’s success with the Scorpio-N and XUV700 shows that diesel demand remains robust, particularly for buyers who cover long distances and value torque-rich performance. However, unlike Tata, Mahindra has hedged its bets with strong petrol volumes, which now account for nearly one-third of XUV700 sales. Tata’s new petrol options are expected to close this gap.
Launch and Pricing
Dealer feedback suggests that bookings for the petrol Harrier and Safari could open in October 2025, with deliveries to begin after the official November launch. Petrol engines generally cost less to manufacture than diesels because of simpler emission systems, and this could allow Tata to position entry-level petrol variants at a lower price point. This may expand accessibility for buyers who find current diesel pricing prohibitive, especially in urban markets.
Pricing will be crucial, as the Harrier and Safari sit in a competitive band where rivals offer aggressive entry points and a wide spread of features. Tata is expected to retain the equipment levels of its diesel counterparts, including multiple airbags, electronic stability systems, large infotainment displays, and connected features.
By adding petrol powertrains, Tata is aligning its flagship SUVs with broader market trends. The company is not phasing out diesel; it has secured rights from FCA to independently upgrade the 2.0-litre Multijet engine, ensuring diesel will remain available alongside petrol. This dual strategy allows Tata to serve both customer groups: those who want long-distance diesel efficiency and those who prefer petrol refinement and lower upfront costs.