Tata Harrier versions EXPLAINED: Which one to buy & why

Tata launched the Harrier SUV two days back and it is already generating a lot of interest with waiting periods running into months. Priced from Rs 12.69 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), the Harrier is available in four different trims of the base XE, XM, XT and XZ. The top spec XZ retails at Rs 16.25 lakh.

If you are wondering which among the versions should you buy and why, continue to read this article below:

Tata Harrier XE : 12.69 lakh

The XE might be the ‘base’ or the entry level version of the Harrier, but it does offer a lot of kit that will keep customers happy. In terms of safety, it gets dual front Airbags, ABS, alarm system and speed sensitive auto door locks. In terms of exterior design though, it misses out on alloy wheels, DRLs and any sort of chrome accents. Step inside and owners will not get any audio set-up but instead will be offered all four power windows, rear a/c vents, sunglass & umbrella holder, tilt & telescopic steering etc. So in terms of the basic creature comforts, Tata has offered the essential kit on the XE version but surprisingly, this version is only sold in one colour option, the Orcus White. Do note that at this price, it rubs shoulders with the base version of the Mahindra XUV500.

Tata Harrier XM : Rs 13.75 lakh

For Rs 1.06 lakh over the base Harrier, the XM trim offers a lot of value additions. For example, it looks better on the outside with front fog lamps and dual coloured outside mirrors with turn indicators. In terms of safety, you get display for the rear parking sensors as well as remote locking. Up next, the XM offers chrome finish around the ac vents, door pads and on the dashboard and a rear parcel shelf. Customers will also get a 7″ display for the audio set-up with 6 speakers, steering controls and Bluetooth connectivity. While the engine remains in the same state of tune across all the four versions, the XM gets driving modes that the XE does not. Lastly, for convenience, you get powered outside mirrors, follow me lamps, rear wash/wiper and a boot lamp. The XM is available in all colour options but not in the promotional copper shade.

 

Tata Harrier XT : Rs 14.95 lakh 

Priced under Rs 15 lakh (mental block for most customers), for Rs 1.21 lakh over the XM version, we feel the XT will be the highest selling trim in the line-up. This comes with a lot of kit and will satisfy most user requirements as well. We will start with the exteriors that look far better thanks to 17-inch alloy wheels and the badass looking dual function LED DRLs with indicators. This is what gives the Harrier its character and is one of the USPs too. In terms of safety, you get a rear defogger as well as a reverse camera with display. Step inside and the changes over the XM are also visible.

These include premium oak wood finish on the dashboard, soft touch materials, chrome liners, push button start, fully automatic climate control, powered seats, electrically foldable mirrors etc. Convenience further includes auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, cooled glovebox and rear arm-rest with cupholders. Even the infotainment system gets support for video playback, voice recognition, voice alerts, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and also gets Tata’s ConnextNext app suite. All in all, these features truly justify the Rs 1.2 lakh premium over the XE Harrier.

Tata Harrier XZ : Rs 16.25 lakh

The top spec Harrier comes loaded with even more features and demands a premium of Rs 1.3 lakh over the XT model. This also rubs shoulders with the W11 (not W11 (O)) trim of the XUV500 but of course is about Rs 60,000 cheaper. In terms of added features over the XT, you get more safety in the form of 6 Airbags and an advanced ESP (electronic stability program) that offers driver aids like hill hold control, hill descent control, roll over mitigation, traction control, corner stability etc. You also get child seat ISOFIX anchor points on the rear outer seats and brake disc wiping function. On the outside, the XZ offers Xenon HID Projector Headlamps while on the inside, it gets a larger 8.8″ touch-screen interface with as many as 9 JBL speakers. If you are an audiophile, do pick this version. Other features include leather treatment for the seats, door pads, steering and gear knob, logo projection from the outside mirrors and a large TFT display for the instrument cluster. The engine also gets Terrain Response Modes which come handy off the road. Adventure seekers will love this. All in all, though the pricing is on the higher side, the extra features seal the package. That said, the XUV500 W11 does offer a sunroof and TPMS or tyre pressure monitoring system.

Our pick

The mid level XT seems to be a good value pick. Priced under Rs 15 lakh, it offers almost all the features that the customer and his family would seek. If you can live with a smaller touch-screen, less Airbags and no advanced ESP, the Harrier XT will keep you satisfied. However, if you have the budget, opt for the top spec XZ model!