Tata Motors Planning All-New Harrier With Hybrid Powertrain And Premium Features

The new-gen Tata Harrier, which reigns supreme in the Indian automobile market with its muscular build and formidable road presence, is poised to return with its biggest and most revolutionary overhaul yet. While the current Harrier, built on the OmegaArc platform with Land Rover DNA, garnered considerable attention with its impressive looks, its sales have slowed over time. To revitalize this sluggish market, Tata Motors is now working on a completely new masterplan.

New Advanced Architecture

The biggest news coming from the auto world is that Tata Motors may bid farewell to the old OmegaArc platform in its next-generation Harrier. Instead, the new Harrier is expected to be built on the company’s state-of-the-art ARGOS (All-terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable Architecture) platform. This robust platform is also used in the recently launched new Tata Sierra.

The biggest advantage of this platform change will be that the new Harrier will be fully compatible with future technologies. It will feature improved space management (packaging) within the cabin and enhanced crash test safety.

Most importantly, the old platform did not support all-wheel drive, but this new architecture could fulfill a long-standing customer demand, making the new Harrier an AWD (All-Wheel Drive) option. In terms of design, Tata will not alter the original aggressive look of its iconic SUV, but will instead make it even fresher and more powerful with modern lighting and trim.

Futuristic Features

The current Harrier is already quite advanced in terms of features, but its conventional (ICE)-powered models lag behind their electric counterparts in some aspects. To address this shortcoming, the next-gen Harrier will utilize Tata’s new TiDAL electronic architecture, which allows for the seamless integration of highly hi-tech features into the car’s systems.

Inside its luxurious cabin, you’ll find a massive 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster for the driver. Taking safety to the next level, the car will feature Level-2+ ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) and a full seven airbags. An unprecedented 540-degree camera will be added to provide a clear view of all four sides and even the ground beneath the car during tight terrain and off-roading.

Powertrain and Performance

On the engine front, the new-generation Harrier could prove to be a major game-changer in the Indian market. The current model’s proven 2.0-liter Kryotec diesel engine and the new 1.5-liter Hyperion turbo-petrol engine will continue to be available with 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox options, but the real surprise could come in the form of a hybrid version.

Considering rising fuel prices in the market, Tata Motors is planning to introduce the Harrier Hybrid this time around. To achieve this, the company is likely to rely on the 1.5-liter Atkinson-cycle naturally aspirated petrol engine used in the Sierra.

Combined with a hybrid system, this will not only provide the massive SUV with significant power but also deliver impressive mileage. Meanwhile, its electric version is the Harrier. EV will retain the larger 65kWh and 75kWh battery packs, offering long-distance travel on a single charge.

Market Competition

The new-generation Tata Harrier will primarily compete with the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector, Jeep Compass, and the recently launched Mahindra Thar Rock. Furthermore, its premium features and price range will likely attract customers purchasing the top variants of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Alcazar, and Hyundai Creta. However, the Tata Harrier’s robust chassis, JLR-inspired DNA, and new, modern platform will give it a psychological and technical advantage on the road over all its rivals.

Expected Price and Launch Date

In terms of pricing, the current Harrier’s on-road price starts at around ₹15.33 lakh and goes up to ₹31.47 lakh. With the addition of the new ARGOS platform and advanced technologies like ADAS Level 2+, the new-generation model could see a slight price increase of around ₹35,000 to ₹50,000. The price of its electric variant (Harrier.ev) could also increase by ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.

As for its arrival in the Indian market, car enthusiasts may have to wait a little longer. Experts suggest the next-gen Tata Harrier could launch in late 2027 or early 2028. This is because Tata Motors currently has the Sierra EV, a 7-seater version of the Sierra, the next-gen Nexon, and facelifts of other Alto-class vehicles in its pipeline.