The Petrol SUV Shift Is Finally Real

For years, premium SUVs in India have been dominated by diesel engines. motormitra.in Tata Harrier and Safari built their reputation almost entirely on diesel torque, long-distance comfort and road presence. Mahindra too relied heavily on diesel for its larger SUVs. But the market is changing fast.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Stricter emission norms, rising diesel costs, urban usage patterns and growing petrol demand are forcing manufacturers to rethink strategies. times.motormitra.in That’s where this comparison becomes important. Tata’s move to introduce petrol versions of Harrier and Safari comes at the same time Mahindra is preparing the XUV 7XO petrol as a feature-packed, tech-heavy challenger.

On one side are two big, heavy, premium SUVs adapting to petrol power. On the other is a smaller but smarter rival designed around petrol performance from day one. Auto.MotorMitra

Segment Positioning: Not the Same Size, Not the Same Buyer

Before comparing numbers, it’s important to understand that these SUVs do not target the same buyer profile, even though they overlap in price bands. motormitra.in

Harrier and Safari sit in the premium mid-size SUV category. They focus on size, comfort, highway stability and strong visual presence. Safari adds a third row and positions itself as a proper family SUV for long-distance travel. times.motormitra.in

Also Read:- New Tata Harrier Petrol Price List 2026: Varient-Wise

XUV 7XO, meanwhile, is expected to sit below them in overall size. It is aimed at urban buyers who want petrol performance, cutting-edge features and a more manageable footprint without stepping into full-size SUV territory. Auto.MotorMitra

This clash is less about direct replacement and more about choice — size and space versus tech and agility.

Expected Pricing: Where the Lines Start Blurring

Petrol engines are generally cheaper than diesels, and that is where Tata hopes to widen the appeal of Harrier and Safari. times.motormitra.in

Harrier Petrol is expected to start around the ₹15 lakh mark and stretch to roughly ₹22 lakh depending on variant and gearbox. Safari Petrol will sit slightly higher, likely starting near ₹16 lakh and going up to ₹24 lakh for top trims. Auto.MotorMitra

XUV 7XO Petrol is expected to be more aggressively priced, with estimates pointing towards a ₹12–16 lakh range.

This means buyers shopping in the ₹15–18 lakh bracket could realistically consider all three, which was not the case earlier when diesel pricing pushed Harrier and Safari out of reach for many petrol-only buyers. times.motormitra.in

Petrol Engines: Different Approaches, Different Characters

Harrier and Safari petrol versions are expected to use Tata’s new turbo-petrol engine, likely around 1.5 litres. motormitra.in Power output is expected to be in the 160–170 hp range, paired with both manual and automatic transmissions.

The focus here will be smoothness, refinement and acceptable fuel efficiency rather than outright sportiness. These engines will be tasked with moving heavy SUVs, so tuning will likely prioritise relaxed cruising rather than aggressive throttle response. Auto.MotorMitra

XUV 7XO petrol, on the other hand, is expected to use a smaller turbo-petrol unit, likely a 1.2-litre engine producing around 130 hp. While the numbers look lower, the lighter body and compact dimensions could make it feel quicker in city driving. times.motormitra.in

Driving Use Case: City vs Highway

This is where the real difference lies.

Harrier and Safari petrol will appeal to buyers who do a mix of city and highway driving but value stability, comfort and confidence at speed. On highways, the longer wheelbase and heavier build will work in their favour, offering a planted and relaxed driving experience. Auto.MotorMitra

Safari petrol adds an extra dimension with its three-row seating, making it suitable for long family trips where space and comfort matter more than outright fuel efficiency. times.motormitra.in

XUV 7XO petrol is expected to shine in urban conditions. Its smaller size, lighter weight and tech-focused setup will make it easier to live with in traffic, parking and short daily commutes. Occasional highway runs won’t be a problem, but it won’t match the big Tata SUVs for long-distance comfort.

Features and Technology: Where XUV 7XO Strikes Back

Tata Harrier and Safari petrol versions are expected to carry over most features from their diesel counterparts. Auto.MotorMitra These include large touchscreens, digital instrument clusters, panoramic sunroof, JBL sound system, ventilated seats and advanced driver assistance systems.

Mahindra, however, has built a reputation for packing maximum tech into its newer models, and XUV 7XO petrol is expected to push hard in this area. Dual-screen layouts, advanced connected car tech, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera and segment-first features are all expected. times.motormitra.in

For buyers who prioritise screens, gadgets and digital experience, XUV 7XO will likely feel more modern. For those who value comfort, cabin space and solid build, Harrier and Safari still hold strong appeal. motormitra.in

Space and Practicality: Safari’s Clear Advantage

When it comes to sheer space, there is no contest.

Safari petrol, with its three-row layout, will be the clear choice for larger families. It offers flexibility that neither Harrier nor XUV 7XO can match. times.motormitra.in

Harrier petrol suits buyers who want a spacious five-seater with strong road presence and a premium feel without the complexity of a third row.

XUV 7XO petrol, while practical for small families or couples, is not designed to replace a full-size family SUV. Its strength lies in efficiency of space rather than outright roominess. Auto.MotorMitra

Also Read:- 2026 Tata Punch Revealed Ahead of Jan 13 Launch | More Features, Sharper Style

Quick Comparison Snapshot

SUV	Engine	Seating	Core Strength
Harrier Petrol	1.5L Turbo	5	Comfort, road presence times.motormitra.in
Safari Petrol	1.5L Turbo Auto.MotorMitra	7	Space, family touring
XUV 7XO Petrol	1.2L Turbo	5	Tech, city usability motormitra.in

Which One Makes Sense for You?

If you want size, comfort and highway confidence but prefer petrol over diesel, Harrier petrol makes strong sense. Auto.MotorMitra If you have a large family or regularly travel long distances with multiple passengers, Safari petrol is the obvious choice.

If your driving is largely urban, you want the latest tech, and you don’t need massive size, XUV 7XO petrol could be the smartest and most cost-effective option. motormitra.in

Rather than replacing each other, these SUVs are redefining petrol choices across different buyer needs. times.motormitra.in

Official Source Links

• Tata Motors – Official Website
  https://www.tatamotors.com
• Mahindra Auto – Official Website
  https://auto.mahindra.com

For more such updates and latest news on cars and bikes stay connected to motormitra.in
Thank you ..