Khyati Sharma 2026-09-29 
A city test drive can tell you whether a car is easy to drive, but a highway test drive reveals much more about an SUV. With the Tata Harrier, buyers should pay attention to high-speed stability, overtaking performance, braking, ride comfort, visibility, cabin noise and the way the automatic or manual gearbox behaves.
The Harrier is a five-seat SUV powered by a 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel engine producing 170 PS and 350 Nm. It is available with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission, depending on the variant.
So, instead of simply checking how the Harrier feels around a dealership, here is what you should assess during a proper highway test drive.
The first thing to observe is how confidently the Harrier maintains its line at highway speeds.
The Harrier measures 4,605 mm in length and 1,922 mm in width, with a 2,741 mm wheelbase. These dimensions give the SUV a substantial footprint.
During the test drive, notice:
Don't deliberately drive at unsafe speeds just to test stability. The objective is to understand the SUV's behaviour at legal and comfortable highway speeds.
A highway test drive is an opportunity to understand how the engine responds when you need additional acceleration.
The Harrier's 2.0-litre diesel produces 350 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, which is particularly relevant when accelerating from cruising speeds.
During a safe overtaking situation, assess:
Avoid judging the engine only by its maximum power figure. For highway driving, the way torque is delivered in the mid-range can be more relevant.
If you are considering the automatic Harrier, don't restrict the test drive to slow-moving traffic.
The Harrier uses a 6-speed automatic transmission on applicable variants.
Pay attention to how quickly the gearbox responds when:
A good test drive should include different traffic conditions so you can understand whether the transmission suits your driving style.
Braking performance is especially important on highways because vehicles generally travel at higher speeds and may need to slow down quickly.
The Harrier's braking configuration varies by variant. Tata's published specifications list front disc brakes across the range, while rear disc brakes are fitted from specified higher variants.
During your test drive, pay attention to:
Never perform emergency-braking tests on public roads unless the dealership provides a controlled area specifically for that purpose.
A highway isn't always perfectly smooth. Expansion joints, repaired sections, rough patches and uneven surfaces can reveal how well the suspension controls the vehicle.
The Harrier uses independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a semi-independent rear setup with coil springs.
During the drive, look for:
Try to drive over different surfaces rather than judging the suspension from a perfectly smooth road.
Highway comfort isn't just about suspension. Noise levels can make a major difference during long journeys.
With the Harrier's diesel engine, listen carefully to:
Have the audio system switched off for part of the test drive so you can properly assess the cabin environment.
A highway journey can last several hours, so the driver's seating position matters.
Spend enough time adjusting:
Then drive for at least enough time to determine whether your legs, back and shoulders remain comfortable.
A vehicle can feel comfortable during a five-minute dealership drive but feel very different after an extended journey.
The Harrier is a relatively large SUV, so visibility should be assessed carefully.
Check:
Try a few normal lane changes at safe speeds and see whether the mirrors give you enough information.
Higher Harrier variants offer advanced driver-assistance features. Tata's published material notes features including Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and lane-centering assistance on applicable versions.
If your chosen variant has these systems, ask the dealership to demonstrate them properly.
However, ADAS should be treated as a driver-assistance system rather than a substitute for attentive driving. Tata itself states that the driver remains responsible for safe and vigilant operation.
During the demonstration, understand:
Don't judge fuel economy from a short test drive.
Your actual consumption can vary depending on:
Instead of expecting the test-drive vehicle to deliver a particular figure, use the drive to understand how the engine and gearbox behave at your normal cruising speeds.
If the Harrier is being considered as a family SUV, take family members along for the test drive if the dealership permits it.
Ask rear passengers about:
The Harrier is a five-seater, and Tata's published specifications list 445 litres of boot space, increasing to 815 litres with the rear seats folded according to the cited brochure.
This also gives you an opportunity to check whether your family's luggage fits comfortably.
|
What to Check |
What to Observe |
|
High-speed stability |
Straight-line confidence and steering corrections |
|
Overtaking |
Mid-range response and acceleration |
|
Automatic gearbox |
Shift response and downshifts |
|
Brakes |
Pedal feel and stability |
|
Suspension |
Bumps, joints and undulations |
|
Steering |
Weight and response |
|
Cabin noise |
Engine, tyre and wind noise |
|
Driving position |
Seat and steering comfort |
|
Visibility |
Mirrors and blind spots |
|
ADAS |
Operation and warnings on equipped variants |
|
Rear-seat comfort |
Space and ride quality |
|
Boot |
Luggage capacity |
|
Fuel consumption |
Real-world usage rather than short-trip figures |
If you're undecided between the manual and automatic Harrier, ideally test both.
The manual version uses a 6-speed transmission, while the automatic version uses a 6-speed automatic on applicable variants.
For the manual, focus on:
For the automatic, focus on:
Don't rely entirely on your first impression. Immediately after the drive, write down a few observations.
Score it for yourself on:
This makes it easier to compare the Harrier with other SUVs without relying only on memory.
A proper highway test drive should go beyond checking whether the Tata Harrier feels powerful. The more useful assessment is how the SUV behaves as a complete package during cruising, overtaking, braking, lane changes and long-distance driving.
The Harrier's 170 PS/350 Nm diesel engine, 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, substantial dimensions and five-seat cabin provide the basic ingredients for highway use.
Before booking one, spend enough time assessing stability, braking, ride quality, gearbox response, cabin noise and passenger comfort. These are the areas that are difficult to judge properly from a short city test drive.
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