Finally, the wait is over! After years of rumours and speculations, Tata Motors will finally bring in the petrol-powered versions of its premium SUVs, the Tata Harrier and Safari. On December 9, 2025, the two SUVs will finally get Tata’s long-awaited 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol unit, which will be a major addition in the company’s powertrain lineup.
Headlining this facelift will be the new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, direct-injection Hyperion turbo-petrol engine – an all-new powertrain touted to bring a perfect blend of performance and economy. This motor is said to develop 168 PS of power at 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. For context, it puts this in direct competition with newer turbo-petrol engines from Hyundai, Mahindra, and MG.
First showcased at the Auto Expo 2023, the Hyperion engine created quite a buzz for being Tata’s first major petrol turbo unit designed entirely in-house for larger SUVs. It will make its public debut under the hood of the Tata Sierra EV in just under two weeks before being introduced in the Harrier and Safari lineups.
Long after their respective launches, Harrier and Safari have been sold with only diesel engines: the proven 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel unit sourced from FCA, as seen on the Jeep Compass and Meridian. Although these diesel models have been well-received because of their strong power delivery and general reliability, their exclusivity has meant Tata Motors has missed out on the customer demographic seeking smoother, finer, and sometimes more affordable petrol-powered SUVs.
The upcoming petrol variants are likely to bridge this gulf, making Tata a closer competitor with brands like Mahindra (XUV700), Hyundai (Tucson, Alcazar), and MG Motor (Hector, Gloster).
And that’s something Tata claims will translate to strong mid-range performance with its new Hyperion Turbo GDI motor. The consequence is apparent: the petrol Harrier and Safari are tailor-made to cater to buyers who need an SUV that offers refinement, punch, and smoothness.
For the gearbox, Tata will reportedly offer manual and automatic transmission options. Although the homegrown company is tight-lipped about the details of the automatic transmission, our sources indicate that it could be either a six-speed torque converter or a DCT.The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine will be exclusive to the entry-level models of the upcoming Tata Sierra and will not be applied to the Harrier and Safari since these two cars aim at a more performance-oriented audience.
Interestingly, it is reported that Jeep India is considering the new Tata 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine for its future Compass and Meridian SUVs. That speaks highly for the strength and flexibility of Tata’s new powertrain technology and reflects a growing confidence in the brand’s engineering capability.
Tata Motors still holds the rights to work on and update the 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel for the Harrier and Safari. Though, it is yet uncertain whether the revamped unit will come along with the petrol versions in December or not.
The Harrier and Safari with the petrol powerplant are expected to be a tad more affordable compared to the diesel-powered SUVs. The new petrol iterations may finally drive Tata’s premium SUVs into mainstream acceptance among customers that need to satisfy their urge for higher mileage returns and smooth performance in city commutes.
The new variants will also aid Tata in strengthening its presence in urban markets where petrol SUVs are gaining traction due to their lower entry price and easing of major city restrictions on diesel.
The introduction of a petrol engine in the Tata Harrier and Safari range is a significant milestone for Tata Motors. It will not only increase the versatility of both flagship SUVs for the brand but also underline the company’s growing engineering capability and determination to provide multiple powertrain options.
With the official launch set for December 9, 2025, and the Hyperion engine ready to make its presence felt, Tata Motors seems poised to make a big splash in India’s premium SUV market.
Now, all eyes are on Tata’s December reveal, an unveiling that could very well redefine the equation between power, refinement, and innovation in the Indian automotive landscape.