With just a slight price difference, are you ready to trade a few creature comforts in the Tata Nexon for the larger, more basic Tata Harrier? We’ll help simplify your decision-making process.
Tata Motors recently gave the Nexon a mid-life update and then turned its attention to the Harrier and Safari SUVs. Both models have hit the market, and the base-spec Tata Harrier (priced at Rs 15.49 lakh) costs only a bit more than the top-spec Tata Nexon diesel manual (priced at Rs 14.89 lakh). In this article, we’ll compare what these two vehicles offer to make it easier for potential cross-shoppers to decide.
Price
Base-spec Tata Harrier Smart MT: Rs 15.49 lakh
Top-spec Tata Nexon Fearless Plus S DT Diesel MT: Rs 14.89 lakh
Price Difference: Rs 60,000
To ensure a fair comparison, we’ll be comparing the base-spec manual Harrier with the top-spec manual variant of the Nexon. The top-spec Nexon variant with the AMT gearbox is also priced at Rs 15.49 lakh (ex-showroom), making it a direct competitor.
Dimensions
Base-spec Tata Harrier:
Length: 4605mm
Width: 1922mm
Height: 1718mm
Wheelbase: 2741mm
Boot space: 445 litres
2023 Tata Nexon:
Length: 3995mm
Width: 1804mm
Height: 1620mm
Wheelbase: 2498mm
Boot space: 382 litres
The Tata Harrier can be considered the bigger sibling of the Nexon, offering more space in terms of length and wheelbase. This results in a roomier cabin and a larger boot space.
2023 Tata Harrier:
Infotainment system: Not available
Driver’s display: 7-inch semi-digital
Apple Carplay/Android Auto: Not available
Connected Car Tech: Not available
Ambient lighting: Not available
Ventilated Seats: Not available
Audio system: Not available
Climate control: Automatic AC
Rear AC vents: Yes
Headlights: LED projector headlights with connected LED DRLs
Auto headlights: Not available
ORVMs: Electronically adjustable
Keyless entry/push button start-stop: Not available
Cruise control: Not available
Sunroof: Not available
Wireless phone charger: Not available
Airbags: 6
360-degree camera: Not available
Parking sensors: Rear only
ISOFIX mounts: Yes
Tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS: Yes
ADAS: Not available
Top spec 2023 Tata Nexon Fearless +S:
Infotainment system: 10.25-inch touchscreen
Driver’s display: 10.25-inch fully digital display
Apple Carplay/Android Auto: Wireless
Connected Car Tech: Yes
Ambient lighting: Not available
Ventilated Seats: Yes
Audio system: 9-speaker JBL sound system with subwoofer
Climate control: Automatic AC
Rear AC vents: Yes
Headlights: Sequential LED DRLs with LED projector headlights
Auto headlights: Yes
ORVMs: Automatic and Electronically adjustable and foldable
Keyless entry/push button start-stop: Yes
Cruise control: Yes
Sunroof: Yes
Wireless phone charger: Yes
Airbags: 6
360-degree camera: Yes
Parking sensors: Front and rear
ISOFIX mounts: Yes
Tyre pressure monitoring system TPMS: Yes
ADAS: Not available
The top-spec Nexon boasts an impressive list of creature comforts, including larger screens, seat ventilation, and wireless phone charging, enhancing the in-cabin experience significantly.
The base-spec Harrier, while not as feature-rich, still provides decent features like single-zone climate control, electrically adjustable ORVMs, height adjustment for driver and passenger seats, all four power windows, rear AC vents, and Type-A and Type-C charging ports in its base variant. Safety equipment, including six airbags, TPMS, and parking sensors, is common between the two vehicles. However, it’s worth noting that the Harrier has received a 5-star safety rating from GNCAP, whereas the facelifted Nexon has yet to be tested (though the pre-facelift model secured a 5-star rating in older Global NCAP norms).
Powertrains
Base-spec 2023 Tata Harrier:
Engine: 2-litre diesel engine
Transmission: 6-speed MT
Output: 170PS/350Nm
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 16.14kmpl
Top spec 2023 Tata Nexon Fearless +S:
Engine: 1.2-litre turbo-petrol or 1.5-litre diesel
Transmission: 6-speed-MT/7-speed DCT (petrol), 6-speed MT/6-speed AMT (diesel)
Output: 120PS/170Nm (petrol), 115PS/260Nm (diesel)
Fuel efficiency (claimed): 17.44kmpl/17.01kmpl (petrol), 23.23kmpl/24.08kmpl (diesel)
The Harrier continues with its 2-litre diesel engine, while the Nexon offers a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The top-spec Nexon provides multiple powertrain options, while the base-spec Harrier offers a single choice with the 6-speed MT.
If you prefer a petrol engine, the Nexon is your only choice, but the Harrier’s diesel unit is more powerful than both of the Nexon’s engine options. However, the Nexon’s 1.5-litre diesel engine is the most fuel-efficient.
Verdict
In summary, the Harrier offers more cabin space and road presence due to its larger dimensions. However, the base-spec Harrier falls short in terms of features when compared to the fully loaded Nexon. While their safety equipment is similar, the in-cabin experience of the top-spec Nexon is far superior to the base Harrier.
On the powertrain front, the top-spec Nexon offers a range of options, while the Harrier’s entry-level trim is limited to a single diesel and manual pairing. If you prioritize space and road presence, along with sheer power, you can opt for the base-spec Harrier. However, if cabin space and the convenience of an automatic transmission are more important, the top-spec Nexon is the better choice. In short, the base-spec Harrier is a big package with a small impact, while the top-spec Nexon is a small package with a big impact. Both options have their merits.
