Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass drag race shows why the Harrier needed an engine update

Mid size SUV segment is quite competitive in the Indian market. This segment currently consists of SUVs like Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, MG Hector, Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass. Out of these SUVs, Tata Harrier, MG Hector diesel and Jeep Compass diesel use the same Fiat sourced 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel engine. All these SUVs also generate similar amount of power as well. Tata when initially launched Harrier in 2019, it used to produce 140 Ps and 350 Nm of torque paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Later, Tata Motors gave Harrier an update in 2020 and it now generates 170 Ps. Here we have a video that shows a drag race between the 140 PS version Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass.

The video has been uploaded by HEAT 17 on their YouTube channel. In this video, Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass compete against each other in a drag race. The Tata Harrier used here is a pre-facelift or 140 Ps version. Jeep Compass generates 170 Ps. Jeep Compass used here is also a pre-facelift version.

Also read: 2020 Mahindra Thar vs Jeep Compass in a tug of war (Video)

Vlogger’s choose an empty stretch of road for this experiment and the race is done in two rounds. Both the driver’s line up the SUVs on road and then as soon as they receive a hand signal, the race starts. In first round, Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass were both right next to each other. Initially, Jeep had the lead for some time and then Tata Harrier overtook Compass.

For a moment it felt like Tata Harrier was going to win the round but, mid way through the race Jeep Compass smoothly overtakes the Harrier and then maintains the lead through out the race. Tata Harrier was not far away from the Compass.

In second round, both the SUVs lined up once again and when the race started both SUVs moved off the line quickly. Unfortunately, it looks like Tata Harrier driver missed a gear and that gave Jeep Compass a window to take the lead. Jeep Compass driver used the opportunity well and maintained the lead. Gap between Harrier and Compass kept on increasing. Harrier was almost two to three SUV lengths away from Jeep Compass.

Jeep Compass won both rounds and was announced as the winner of the race. The main reason why Tata Harrier could not win the race was simply because it was running short on power. Although both SUVs were powered by a 2.0 litre turbo diesel engine, Jeep Compass was generating 170 Ps while Harrier was generating 30 Ps less. The gear shifts in Harrier were also not smooth in comparison to Jeep Compass which also a reason why it could not do well in the race.

The pre-facelift version of Harrier had these issues and that is why Tata decided to launch an updated version of the SUV in 2020. The updated version of the SUV generates 170 Ps and 350 Nm of peak torque. Tata also offered a 6-speed automatic transmission which was missing from the SUV before. If, the current version of Harrier and Compass participate in a drag race, then the results would be interesting.

Also read: All New Tata Safari: Can a tall adult comfortably sleep in it? (Video)