2023 Tata Harrier Review First Drive Review
Published On Oct 14, 2023 By Tushar for Tata Harrier
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The 2023 Tata Harrier corrects a lot of things missed in the original car while giving you new reasons to consider buying a Harrier
The 2023 Tata Harrier is more than just a small update to the big 5-seater family SUV. It's not an entirely new generation in the traditional sense i.e. it’s still based on the same platform as before but it's a big change.
The Tata Harrier 2023 is a 5-seater SUV that sits in the Rs 15-25 lakh (ex-showroom) budget space. It's a bit smaller than the Tata Safari but has a similarly commanding road presence.
If you're thinking of buying a Tata Harrier in 2023, you could also take a look at other SUVs like the MG Hector or Mahindra XUV700. They are vehicles that are roughly the same in size. Or, you could buy the top-end versions of smaller SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, VW Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, Toyota Hyryder, and MG Astor for a similar price as the entry-to-mid range models of the Tata Harrier.
Exterior:
The new Tata Harrier has undergone some significant changes in its appearance. While the main shape of the Harrier remains the same, it looks more modern now; almost like a concept car. The grille is more prominent with shiny silver elements that are not as bright as chrome. It also has new LED daytime running lights that give a cool welcoming and goodbye effect when you unlock or lock the car. Below these lights, there are new LED projector headlights.
On the sides, the 2023 Harrier gets new 18-inch alloy wheels, and you can get even bigger 19-inch wheels if you choose the #Dark edition Harrier. At the back, the 2023 Harrier has a different design for its taillights, and you'll see some sharp details with reflectors on the rear fenders.
The 2023 Harrier also comes in exciting new colours like Sunlit Yellow, Coral Red, and Seaweed Green, along with the usual white and grey.
Interior:
One big change in the 2023 Harrier is that it's organised into different "personas," each with its own interior colour and style. The dashboard has a new look, and it matches the persona you choose. For example, in the Fearless persona, if chosen with the yellow exterior colour, gets a bright yellow panel on the dashboard, along with yellow contrast finishers on the doors and centre console.
The 2023 Harrier is more comfortable for tall drivers, and it's roomy enough for five people too. Drivers up to 6 feet tall won’t find their knee brushing up against the centre console like they may have earlier. Another notable improvement is seen in the interior fitment quality, complemented with the use of leatherette elements on the dashboard.
The 445-litre boot space is quite large, too, making it great for family trips or when you need to carry multiple large suitcases for airport transfers.
Technology:
The 2023 Harrier is loaded with new technology. It has features like dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with memory settings for the driver, and a power-operated tailgate. The highlight is a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It's easy to use and controls features like the high-quality 10-speaker JBL sound system and mood lighting. There's also a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which shows your navigation if you're using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay (Google Maps cannot be displayed here if you’re using Apple CarPlay, only Apple Maps).
Other features include ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging, various USB ports, smart home connectivity, automatic headlights and wipers, and comfy leatherette seats. The Harrier 2023 also has drive modes for different road conditions.
Safety:
The 2023 Harrier is safer than ever, with six airbags as standard and an extra knee airbag for the top models. It has a high-resolution 360-degree camera for better visibility and features like front and rear parking sensors, ABS, stability control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is on offer with the Adventure+ A, Accomplished+ and Accomplished+ Dark variants.
| Feature |
How does it work? |
Notes |
| Forward Collision Warning + Auto Emergency Braking |
Detects a probable collision with the vehicle in front and gives you an audible warning. In case you do not apply the brakes, the vehicle brakes automatically to avoid an accident. |
Functions as intended. Brakes well in time in case of emergencies. Collision warning sensitivity is selectable; low, medium, high. |
| Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop and Go function) |
You can set maximum speed and select the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The Safari manages speed to maintain the distance. With the stop and go functionality, it can come to a halt (0kmph) and automatically start moving forward when the vehicle in front starts moving. |
Super helpful in bumper-to-bumper driving. Minimum distance still feels a little more than ideal by Indian conditions. Resumes driving smoothly. In case of longer halts, you have to press ‘Res’ button on the steering wheel or tap the accelerator. |
| Blind Spot Monitoring |
Detects whether vehicles behind you are possibly not in your mirror’s field of view. |
Functions as intended. Visible orange coloured indication on the mirror. Helpful while changing lanes on the highway, and in city traffic. |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
Detects oncoming vehicles from behind the vehicle. |
Helpful in case you are reversing out of a parking spot and cannot spot an oncoming vehicle. Also has a door open warning for when you are parked on the side of the road. |
Other features such as traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, rear collision warning and overtaking assist are also available. Tata Motors will add lane centering assist and lane keep assist as a software update in the coming months.
Drive:
The Harrier 2023 has a 2-litre diesel engine with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission. This engine produces 170PS and 350Nm. The automatic is a better choice for convenience, now aided by the inclusion of paddle-shifters. The ride is comfortable, even on rough roads, and it handles well at high speeds. However, the engine can be a bit noisy.
In 2023, Tata will also introduce a petrol version of the Harrier with a smaller engine.
Overall:
The 2023 Tata Harrier is a spacious, comfortable, and practical family SUV. It has a fresh, personalised design, a premium interior, and a user-friendly tech package.