2023 Tata Harrier Review: Much More Than A Facelift

The Tata Harrier 2023 is a 5-seater SUV that’s priced in the budget space of Rs 15-25 lakh (ex-showroom). Sitting below the Tata Safari, it is the biggest 5-seater SUV Tata produces; and like the Tata Safari, it is based on Tata’s OMEGA ARC architecture, which in itself is a derivation of Land Rover’s D8 platform.

For the same price as a Tata Harrier 2023, you can also consider options such as the MG Hector or Mahindra XUV700 which are in the same size category of 4.6-4.7 metre-long SUVs. For a similar price you can also get higher variants of smaller/compact SUVs such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder and MG Astor.

The Tata Harrier was originally launched in 2019, followed by a quick update in 2020 that included an increase in power output and the addition of an automatic transmission. The Harrier facelift 2023 is the first major refresh the SUV has received.

Exterior

The Tata Harrier facelift makes extensive changes to the SUVs design. While the basic design and stance of the Harrier haven’t changed, it now looks a lot more modern and futuristic. This new Harrier gets a more prominent front grille with dull silver elements that make it look a little more flashy while not being as shiny as chrome elements would have been.

Adding to the more attention grabbing look are new LED DRLs that spread across the Harrier SUV’s front end. These lights (and the new tail lights) have welcome and goodbye lighting animations when you unlock or lock the 2023 Harrier. Sitting below the DRLs are a new set of LED projector headlights.

Over to the side, the Tata Harrier facelift gets a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels, going up to 19-inch wheels if you choose to buy the #Dark edition Harrier. Over to the rear, the Harrier 2023 sports a more distinctive tail light setup and you will also see a chiseled finish with reflectors integrated into the rear fenders.

For 2023, the new Harrier has been updated with unique colour options such as Sunlit Yellow, Coral Red and Seaweed Green, besides traditional options such as white and grey.

Interior

A big change with the Harrier 2023 is the switch from variants to ‘personas’. Each persona is linked with a different interior colour and design language unique to it. While the dashboard design of the Harrier facelift is brand new, it also changes from a black-grey colour mix with the Smart and Pure personas, brown-black with the Adventure persona and the option of a yellow contrasted interior with the Harrier Fearless; but only if you choose the Sunlit Yellow exterior paint shade.

Tata has reworked the dashboard design to make it look more modern but also to improve the ergonomics of the car. Smaller issues such as the dashboard fouling with the driver’s knee have been corrected to a large extent, and drivers up to 6ft in height will be more comfortable. However, the new dashboard and steering extensively use piano black panels, which are prone to scuff marks and scratches. 

The new Harrier’s fit and finish quality has improved and it now feels better built on the inside. Additionally, Tata’s been more generous with the use of soft touch/leatherette elements including some that underline the dashboard. The seats of the Harrier 2023 are large and comfortable even for users who are big in size. Users as tall as 6 feet in height or even slightly taller can sit one behind the other comfortably. Given the car’s large size and cabin width, the Harrier is also a good 5-seater. 

Boot space is also generous for weekend road trips with the family or for airport runs. Boot space is rated at 445 litres, going up to 815 litres with the rear seat folded.

Technology

The Tata Harrier is now more tech-loaded than ever before! New features of the 2023 Harrier include dual-zone climate control, powered front seats with 3 memory settings for the driver and a powered tailgate. While the touchscreen infotainment system of the original Tata Harrier offered an average experience, the new 12.3-inch touchscreen is easily one of the highlights of this family SUV. The system supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and offers a user-interface that’s very easy to understand and operate. The touchscreen is also used to access and control a wide range of features such as the punchy 10-speaker JBL music system and mood lighting that’s present in the cabin as well as the lining of the panoramic sunroof.

Additionally, the new Tata Harrier gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with multi-view modes. Your navigation feed can also be displayed in this instrument cluster; Google Maps if you are connected via Android Auto and Apple Maps if you’re using Apple CarPlay. The buttons to operate this screen are on the new 4-spoke steering wheel.

Other features include ventilated front seats, a wireless phone charger, 45W USB Type-C charging (front row), Alexa-to-smart home connectivity, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers and leatherette upholstery. The Harrier 2023 also gets features such as drive modes (Eco/City/Sport) and traction modes (Normal/Wet Road/Rough Road).

It must be noted that while headlining tech features offered a great user experience, there were glitches such as the digital instrument cluster display going off and Apple CarPlay periodically disconnecting while using navigation.

Safety

The safety package of the Harrier 2023 is stronger than ever. 6 airbags come as standard with an additional driver knee airbag offered with the range-topping variants. The Harrier SUV also gets a 360-degree camera with excellent resolution and clarity. This camera also includes a blind-view monitoring feature that displays the side camera feed when you use your indicator, to improve visibility. Other safety features include front and rear parking sensors, ABS with EBD, stability control and auto-dimming IRVM.

ADAS

Forward-collision Warning and Auto-emergency Braking - The Harrier 2023’s forward-collision warning system can be adjusted for high, medium and low settings wherein the system will give a visual warning on the instrument cluster along with a sound alert if the car expects the possibility of a crash. Auto-emergency braking has also been tuned well for Indian road conditions and it doesn’t panic brake unnecessarily as some systems tend to. Additionally, auto emergency braking can be deactivated if you wish.

Rear-collision Alert - This feature activates the hazard lights if the radar detects a vehicle approaching from behind at high speed. This system does seem a little sensitive for Indian conditions and engages often even in traffic. This feature expands to also include rear-cross traffic alert for safer exits out of parking spaces.

Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go - This feature lets you set maximum speed and following distance from a leading vehicle. The stop-and-go function adds a layer of convenience, enabling you to come to a dead stop and then automatically start once traffic gets moving. This is tailored well for Indian conditions.

Other ADAS features include lane departure warning, blind-view monitoring, and traffic sign recognition and warning. The system is capable of operating features like lane centering assist and lane-keeping aid but they will be included as software updates at a later stage.

Drive

The Tata Harrier comes powered with a 2-litre diesel engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission that drive the front wheels only. The engine produces 170PS and 350Nm. 

Between the two transmissions, we would recommend buying the Harrier automatic as it offers a more convenient driving experience. Performance is strong and the Harrier is a good family SUV for daily city drives or for weekend road trips with the family. The automatic transmission gets paddle-shifters for additional control when you need it. 

Ride comfort has also improved with the new Harrier, and this SUV offers a comfortable experience over bad roads, while feeling planted and steady at high speeds. Notably, the Harrier 2023 also offers better noise insulation than before. While this does help mute the engine’s noise to a large extent, the engine itself is showing its age and the diesel clatter is audible.

The Harrier petrol is expected in 2023 with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Verdict

The 2023 Tata Harrier is a spacious, comfortable and practical family SUV as it always has been. With the latest update, the Tata Harrier is also more futuristic in its design, personalised and more premium on the inside while offering a tech package that is both rich and easy to use.