The Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass may share the same powerhouse—a 2.0-litre diesel engine sourced from FCA—but their performance tells a different story. With distinct gearboxes and contrasting dimensions, does size and transmission impact their speed? We put them to the test to see which SUV is the quicker sprinter.
Powertrain and Specifications
Both SUVs are equipped with a 170hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, generating 350Nm of torque. However, while the Harrier employs a 6-speed torque converter automatic, the Compass features a more sophisticated 9-speed torque converter automatic.
Here’s how they compare on paper:
| Specification | Tata Harrier | Jeep Compass |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel | 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Power | 170hp @ 3,750rpm | 170hp @ 3,750rpm |
| Torque | 350Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm | 350Nm @ 1,750-2,500rpm |
| Gearbox | 6-speed AT | 9-speed AT |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4605 x 1922 x 1718mm | 4405 x 1818 x 1640mm |
| Weight | 1,823kg | 1,656kg |
| Power-to-weight Ratio | 93.25 hp/tonne | 102.65 hp/tonne |
| Torque-to-weight Ratio | 191.99 Nm/tonne | 211.35 Nm/tonne |
While both SUVs produce identical power and torque, the Compass enjoys a clear advantage due to its lighter weight and higher power-to-weight ratio.
Acceleration: 0-100kph Sprint
A straight-line speed test reveals the Jeep Compass is the quicker SUV, consistently pulling ahead of the Harrier at every speed checkpoint.
| Speed | Harrier | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20kph | 1.33 sec | 1.30 sec |
| 0-40kph | 2.94 sec | 2.79 sec |
| 0-60kph | 5.16 sec | 4.93 sec |
| 0-80kph | 8.30 sec | 7.82 sec |
| 0-100kph | 12.60 sec | 11.79 sec |
Despite the Harrier’s 6-speed AT feeling more responsive than the Compass’ 9-speed AT, the latter’s lower weight helps it maintain an edge throughout the acceleration run. By the time they hit 100kph, the Compass is 0.81 seconds ahead.
Rolling Acceleration: 20-80kph and 40-100kph
When it comes to real-world overtaking scenarios, the Compass once again proves to be the quicker SUV.
| Roll-on Acceleration | Harrier | Compass |
|---|---|---|
| 20-80kph (3rd gear) | 7.20 sec | 6.48 sec |
| 40-100kph (5th gear) | 9.52 sec | 8.82 sec |
Here too, the Compass outpaces the Harrier, albeit with a slightly narrower margin compared to the 0-100kph sprint.
Pricing and Value
While the Jeep Compass delivers better performance, it comes at a premium.
| Model | Price Range (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Tata Harrier Diesel-AT | ₹19.35 lakh – ₹26.25 lakh |
| Jeep Compass Diesel-AT (4×2) | ₹26.83 lakh – ₹30.33 lakh |
The base price of the Compass nearly matches the top-end Harrier, making it a significantly costlier option. However, for the extra money, you get a lighter, faster, and more engaging SUV to drive.
Verdict
If outright performance and agility are your priorities, the Jeep Compass is the clear winner. However, if you seek a larger, more spacious SUV with a well-tuned transmission at a more accessible price point, the Tata Harrier makes a strong case for itself.
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