Tata Motors is all set to launch the 2021 edition of legendary Tata Safari. Actually, it is a bigger brother of the current SUV, Harrier. Is it just the extra seats or do we have something more in the Safari? Let’s find out.
Powertrain Comparison | Do we have anything different under the hood?
The simple answer to this question, No. Both Safari and Harrier share the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine capable of producing 170ps of power and 350Nm of torque. As for the transmission options too, you will get the same 6-speed manual and AT. In short, it’s the same under the hood.
So, where is the difference?
The major difference is the dimensions of both the SUVs. Take a look:
Dimensions Comparison | Tata Safari vs Tata Harrier
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| Tata Safari | Tata Harrier | |
| Length (mm) | 4,661 | 4,598 |
| Width (mm) | 1,894 | 1,894 |
| Height (mm) | 1,786 | 1,706 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,741 | 2,741 |
The width and wheelbase are same as that of the Harrier. Tata has added an extra overhang of 63mm to accommodate the third row of seats. Safari also offers extra headroom of 80mm.
The next difference is the seating options. Tata Safari will be offering 6-seater and 7-seater options. The 6-seating configuration will come with captain seats in the second row. As for the 7-seater, you will get a bench-type sitting arrangement in the second row.
Safety Package: There are a few additions here as well
Both Tata Harrier and Safari will share the same platform, i.e. the Omega Arc derived from Land Rover’s D8 platform. Tata Safari will be getting a few safety features package upgrade such as:
- Disc brakes at all the corners
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Dynamic Wheel Torque by brake
- Brake disc wiping
- Engine drag torque control
Other than these, all the safety features from Harrier such as ABS with EBD, CSC, Electronic Traction Control (ETC), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Descent Control (HDC) and so on, will be offered.
Other than these, there are no differences between Safari and Harrier. You do get a similar structure with few design changes in the front fascia and rear profile. But overall, it’s Harrier with extra seats and a few features. Let’s list down the major changes in the visuals of SUVs:
- Bigger alloy wheels: Safari is expected to get 18-inch alloys as compared to the 17-inch on Harrier.
- A new front grille: Safari get a new tri-arrow front grille instead of the mesh grille at the Harrier.
- A new colour: Tata will offer a new colour option: Dark Blue with the Safari.
- Roof rails: Tata Safari will be getting functional roof rails with loading capacity of 75kgs, a feature that is not present on Harrier.
- New LED Tailamps: Safari will boast a new set of LED tailamps.
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Price comparison | Is Tata Safari a VFM SUV over Harrier?
Tata is yet to unveil the prices of Safari. Still, it is predicted that Safari will be around ₹60,000-70,000 costlier than the Harrier. If such is the case, one can go for the Safari as it offers extra seats with few extra features. Rest, we will have to wait for the Republic Day!
What do you think, is it the Tata Harrier or Safari? Do let us know in the comments section below.
Also, read Upcoming Tata Safari (Gravitas) Vs MG Hector PLUS
Both the Harrier and the new Safari are good looking cars with street presence and both are similar under the skin, being based on the same platform (tho’ the platform nomenclatures – X,Y,Z or Omega, Beta, Epsilon etc – are mildly amusing!). The external dimensions too are similar, the WB being identical.
Does the similarity extend to the drive train too? Are both – Harrier & the new Safari – FWD?
That would be a pity since the earlier Safari (with its RWD/4WD option) offered great peace of mind to owners with its ruggedness & abuse-friendliness.