Tata Motors is preparing to make a big change in the SUV world. In an official declaration of its near future product strategy, the company said it will add petrol variants of the much-loved SUVs, the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari, by the end of FY2026. These forthcoming models will create a wider buying opportunity for the always-growing SUV buyers, providing more-refined petrol alternatives to only diesel models.
There is plenty of pomp that goes along with Tata talking big announcements as a part of a more substantial plan to launch several additional models and an outstanding 23 facelifts of vehicles in the coming years. Tata has not revealed the specifics in terms of variant-wise particulars and feature lists as of yet, but it has confirmed the new Harrier and Safari will have a brand new 1.5-litre TGDi turbocharged petrol engine as the powertrain — something Tata originally launched at the 2023 Auto Expo!
New Tata 1.5L TGDi Turbo Petrol Engine: Power Meets Efficiency
Tata's forthcoming petrol versions of the Harrier and Safari will be the first to be equipped with Tata's new 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine, which will offer a compelling proposition of power, efficiency, and emissions compliance. Reportedly, the engine will yield 170PS of power with a peak torque of 280Nm, comparable with vehicles in the midsize SUV segment.
The engine has been conceived with high-pressure direct injection, an advanced combustion design, and offers better emissions and thermal efficiency. It will also meet the newly prescribed BS6 Phase 2 emissions and is compatible with E20, consistent with the effort to move the country towards greener mobility options.
Tata will offer the new petrol motor with two transmissions — a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) that will appeal to both driving enthusiasts and urban commuters.
Current Diesel Engine Options for Harrier and Safari
So far, the Harrier and Safari have been powered only by a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbo diesel engine sourced from Stellantis. The engine delivers maximum power of 170PS and torque of 350Nm, coupled with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
Despite being known for its durability and suitability for highway use, the introduction of a petrol variant from Tata will offer more options in a growing segment, one that has seen an influx of petrol and hybrid models from competitors.
Expected Prices: Petrol Variants to Support Diesel Variants
From a price perspective, the Tata Harrier and Safari petrol variants are expected to be cheaper than the diesel versions, clarifying the decision for buyers on a tighter budget.
The expected price range is as follows:
| Model | Expected Petrol Price Range | Current Diesel Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Harrier Petrol | ₹12.5 lakh – ₹15.5 lakh | ₹15 lakh – ₹26.50 lakh |
| Tata Safari Petrol | ₹15.5 lakh – ₹27 lakh | ₹15.50 lakh – ₹27.25 lakh |
Based on these expected ex-showroom prices, the petrol variants establish themselves as more value for money options, aimed at urban and semi-urban customers who do not require the heavy torque of the diesel engine.
When Will it Launch?
While Tata Motors has yet to reveal the specific timeframe for a launch, we can expect both the Harrier petrol and Safari petrol in India around March 2026, in the last quarter of FY2026. The petrol versions of these products will likely fit into Tata's evolving plan of expanding their powertrain options across a range of price points.
Final Word
The introduction of petrol variants of the Tata Harrier and Safari is a bold step in Tata Motors' evolution.Plas with the 1.5L TGDi engine launch of petrol powered models will allow Tata to strike a balance between performance, efficiency, and affordability – the three factors guaranteed to all lead to success in the ever competitive area of SUVs. This introduction will broaden not only Tata's SUV portfolio but will provide greater flexibility for customers in deciding on a powertrain that suits them.
As the launch date gets closer, we will see more solid details on the variant features and trims and real-world fuel economy figures get finalized. For now, the future for Harrier and Safari looks bright and there will finally be petrol power on the horizon.