For years, the Indian SUV market has whispered about a missing piece in Tata Motors’ flagship puzzle. While the Harrier and Safari have dominated the diesel segment with their Land Rover-derived pedigree, the absence of a petrol heart was the only void left to fill.
In 2026, that void is officially gone. Tata Motors has pulled the wraps off the petrol-powered Harrier and Safari, introducing a high-tech 1.5L Hyperion turbo-petrol engine that promises to blend performance with a level of refinement previously unseen in these muscular behemoths.
🚀 The Heart of the Beast: 1.5L Hyperion Engine
The highlight of the 2026 update is the Hyperion 1.5L Turbo GDi four-cylinder engine. Far from being a simple port, this motor is a masterpiece of modern engineering, designed to move these heavy SUVs with ease.
- Performance Stats: It delivers a robust 170 PS of power and 280 Nm of peak torque.
- Transmission Choices: Drivers can opt for a 6-speed manual (MT) for total control or a 6-speed torque converter automatic (AT) for a seamless urban commute.
- Engineering Marvels:
- Weight Reduction: The petrol models are roughly 80 kg lighter than their diesel counterparts, leading to more agile handling.
- Advanced Tech: Featuring an electronically actuated variable geometry turbocharger (eVGT) and 350-bar direct injection, the engine virtually eliminates turbo lag.
- Durability: Tested over 15 lakh kilometers, it utilizes AI and ML-driven systems like Smart Shift Assist to optimize gear changes in real-time.
📺 A “Cinematic” Cabin: World-First Tech
Tata isn’t just updating the engine; they are redefining the in-car experience. Both SUVs now feature a 36.9 cm (14.5-inch) cinematic infotainment display—the world’s first in an ICE vehicle to use Samsung Neo QLED technology.
| Feature | Details |
| Display | Samsung Neo QLED with ultra-high resolution and contrast. |
| Sound | 10-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos and a central channel. |
| Interior (Harrier) | Oyster White & Titan Brown theme with Benecke Kaliko leatherette. |
| Interior (Safari) | Regal Carnelian Red with Steel Black accents. |
| Connectivity | iRA 2.0, Alexa Home-to-Car, and a JLR-derived command shifter. |
🛡️ Safety & ADAS: The 5-Star Standard
True to Tata’s DNA, the 2026 Harrier and Safari petrol models maintain their 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. They are equipped with Level 2+ ADAS, offering over 22 advanced functions including:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning.
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
- 7 Airbags (with 6 as standard across all variants).
🎨 Aesthetics & Variants: From “Smart” to “Accomplished”
The petrol range is spread across five main trims: Smart, Pure, Adventure, Fearless, and Accomplished.
To keep the look fresh, Tata has introduced the Nitro Crimson exterior shade—a deep, metallic red that demands attention. The Harrier sits on 18-inch Lunar Graphite alloys, while the Safari ups the ante with 19-inch Blackstone wheels featuring sporty red brake calipers.
💰 Pricing and Market Impact
While diesel variants traditionally carry a premium, the petrol Harrier and Safari are expected to start at approximately ₹ 15.49 lakh and ₹ 16.20 lakh (ex-showroom) respectively. This aggressive positioning places them directly in the crosshairs of the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector, and Hyundai Alcazar.
By adding this refined petrol engine, Tata Motors has effectively silenced the critics. Whether you are a highway cruiser who loves the diesel’s grunt or a city dweller looking for the smoothness of a high-tech turbo-petrol, the Harrier and Safari duo now offers a world-class choice for every kind of Indian adventurer.
When choosing between the high-end trims of the 2026 Tata Safari Petrol, you are essentially deciding between “Executive Luxury” (Fearless) and “Flagship Indulgence” (Accomplished).
While both sit at the top of the pyramid, the Accomplished persona (specifically the Accomplished+ and its Ultra/Stealth derivatives) serves as the true “showstopper” with several exclusive comfort and aesthetic upgrades.
Fearless vs. Accomplished: Key Differences
| Feature | Fearless / Fearless+ | Accomplished / Accomplished+ |
| Wheels | 18-inch Lunar Graphite Alloys | 19-inch Blackstone Alloys (with Red Brake Calipers on specific editions) |
| Interior Theme | Oyster White & Titan Brown | Cosmic Gold or Stealth Black (Edition dependent) |
| Front Seats | 6-way Powered Driver Seat | 4-way Powered Passenger Seat + Electric Boss Mode |
| Comfort | Ventilated Front Seats | Ventilated 2nd Row Seats (Exclusive to 6-seater) |
| Tailgate | Standard Powered Tailgate | Gesture-Controlled Powered Tailgate |
| Safety | 6 Airbags (Fearless) / 7 Airbags (Fearless+) | 7 Airbags Standard + Emergency Call/Breakdown Assist |
| Convenience | Standard IRVM | Auto-Dimming IRVM |
1. The “Accomplished” Advantage
The Accomplished trim is designed for those who spend as much time in the back seat as the front.
- Electric Boss Mode: A button on the Accomplished trim allows the rear passenger to move the front co-driver seat forward, maximizing legroom—a feature missing in the Fearless trim.
- Second-Row Ventilation: If you opt for the 6-seater captain chair layout, the Accomplished+ is the only variant that offers ventilated seats for the middle row, making it the ultimate choice for long, hot Indian summers.
- Aesthetic Presence: While Fearless is sporty, Accomplished is “Grand.” It features sequential turn indicators with “Welcome & Goodbye” light animations and larger 19-inch wheels that give the SUV a much more intimidating road presence.
2. The “Fearless” Sweet Spot
The Fearless trim is the “Practical Luxury” choice. It includes the core tech upgrades—the 12.3-inch Cinematic Touchscreen, the 10.2-inch Digital Cockpit, and the 10-speaker JBL sound system.
- It is perfect for the driver-owner who wants all the premium tech (like Level 2 ADAS and 360-degree cameras) but doesn’t necessarily need the gesture-controlled tailgate or the extra passenger-seat power adjustments.
Which one should you buy?
- Choose Fearless+ if you want the best value for money in the premium segment. You get the 5-star safety, the massive screens, and the ADAS suite without paying the “flagship tax.”
- Choose Accomplished+ if you want the “Full Safari Experience.” It’s the right pick if you prefer the 6-seater layout, want the largest possible wheels, and value those small but significant “wow” features like the gesture tailgate and the rear-seat ventilation.