The 2023 Tata Harrier is set to make its official debut on October 17th, with a revamped design and numerous features. This mid-size SUV faces a competitive market, but it aims to stand out. Let”s explore whether it”s worth considering.

2023 Tata Harrier Review: Looks That Impress

The Tata Harrier is undeniably one of the most visually appealing SUVs in its segment. Tata Motors” new design philosophy, based on the Curvv Concept, has significantly impacted the Indian automotive industry, starting with the recent Nexon launch. While maintaining its robust presence, the Harrier now exhibits a more dynamic look, appealing to a new generation of SUV enthusiasts. The split headlamp design remains, but it now offers a cleaner and contemporary appearance. The front end displays a busy yet composed layout with chrome accents. This theme extends to the air dam and bumper as well.

The sleek connected LED daytime running lights (DRLs) are placed beneath the hood, accompanied by sequential indicators. Tata Motors has redesigned the headlight structure, creating a vertical column with cornering fog lamps below it. The SUV”s silhouette remains familiar, but it features newly designed alloy wheels, ranging from 17 to 19 inches based on the variant. The rear follows suit with connected LED taillights, vertically oriented reflectors, and restyled bumpers.

Stepping inside the cabin, the Harrier offers a futuristic, spacious, and tech-oriented experience. Tata Motors has added a touch of premium quality with a personalized dual-layered dashboard, combining black and body-colored panels to create a lively interior. The glossy black center console houses touch capacitive buttons and dual-zone climate control toggle switches.

The four-spoke steering wheel resembles something out of a high-tech gaming console. The top Harrier trims feature a 12.3-inch infotainment system paired with a powerful 10-speaker JBL sound system and a subwoofer with multiple sound modes. This infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice assistants like Alexa, and over 250 voice commands, including control of the panoramic sunroof. The 10.25-inch all-digital instrument cluster provides comprehensive information, including ADAS functions, navigation, and tire pressure monitoring.

The Harrier leaves no stone unturned in terms of charging and connectivity options. The center console houses 45W C-type and USB ports, a wireless phone charger, two additional charging slots, and a 12V socket within the armrest storage. Rear passengers also get C-type and traditional USB slots.

The Harrier maintains its reputation for ergonomic seats, offering excellent back and under-thigh support in both the front and rear. Ventilated front seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver”s seat, and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat enhance comfort. Rear passengers benefit from sunshades.

Regarding safety, the Harrier includes six airbags as standard, with the top variant featuring an additional driver”s knee airbag. The 2023 version now comes equipped with front parking sensors in addition to rear parking sensors. Other safety features encompass emergency call support, three-point seat belts, a 360-degree camera, electronic stability program, ISOFIX anchorages, and ABS with EBD. The Harrier offers three traction control modes: normal, wet, and rough.

In February, Tata Motors introduced the ADAS suite in the Harrier, which includes features like forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, high beam assist, lane departure warning, lane change alert, and blind spot detection. The 2023 version now includes new adaptive cruise control and a blind view monitor that utilizes external rearview mirror cameras.

2023 Tata Harrier Review: Driving Experience

The Harrier continues to be powered by a 168bhp 2.0-liter diesel engine with 350Nm of torque. It is available with either a 6-speed torque converter automatic or a manual transmission. The engine delivers responsive performance, especially at lower RPMs, but truly shines in the midrange power band. However, it falls short in terms of refinement, as it tends to be noisy, potentially disrupting the cabin”s serenity. The manual gear shift feels somewhat laborious and could benefit from a lighter and more effortless design. Moreover, the Harrier still grapples with limited space for the left foot due to the proximity of the center console to the clutch pedal.

The suspension setup performs adequately on paved roads and manages to absorb shocks from uneven surfaces. It”s advisable to slow down when encountering deep potholes to ensure passenger comfort.

The Harrier has transitioned from hydraulic steering to an electric-powered system. This lighter steering makes maneuvering in tight corners, parking spaces, and U-turns considerably easier. Additionally, with three driving modes (Eco, Normal, and Sport), both the engine response and steering weight adjust based on the selected mode.