2023 Harrier v/s Safari facelift: Which SUV sibling to buy?

It will go on plenty of road trips, replacing our old Hyundai Verna Fluidic.

BHPian deepjaju recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

A family 5-seater SUV for random road trips (not far away) and occasional city driving. This will be our biggest car in terms of size and money. So want that factor of luxury and style.

Already have 3 cars among a family of 5 (3 adults + 2 kids) This will replace the oldest of the lot (Verna Fluidic) which we currently own.

For either of the cars, we will be going for the Top model fully loaded version.

Both cars have the same engine, gearbox, creature comforts, features etc. So the dilemma is between Harrier & Safari 7 seater.

We like the Harrier for its proper SUV look but I don't like the black and dark interior. The boring interior theme is the major deal breaker for me. I wish Safari accomplished style interiors were optional, let at least the older model brown seats would have been nicer. For perspective, already have 2 cars with black interiors.

We like the interior look of the Safari a lot, even though the seats are White. The dual-colour steering wheel and boss mode are a nice touch. Their wife says it looks bigger even though on paper the length is hardly 6 cm. The boot is comparatively less than Harrier. Road trips with 7 seater will not make sense as there will be no storage in the boot with the seats up and no roof carrier can be attached due to the sunroof. So during trips, it will be used as a 5 seater with boot space.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

IMHO, the Safari is worth the premium. Not only does it offer more, but the Safari also looks better & has a more iconic nameplate. Lastly, even if you use that 3rd row of seats just 10 times a year (say, big group going to movies or a road trip), you'll pat yourself on the back for the wise decision.

Voted for the Safari.

Here's what BHPian Agarwal_Aayush had to say on the matter:

I would suggest going with Safari since you like its interiors more and your better half also prefers the latter.

Also, you can always lower the seats and create more luggage space in a safari but would not be able to accommodate more people in a harrier.

PS: Why not get both cars to your home and if they allow do a luggage test on both cars, that way it can help you to make your choice clear.

Here's what BHPian pmbabu had to say on the matter:

The price difference is not too high, you get the occasional flexibility of 5+2 seats, and the car looks more mature, in my opinion.

So, Safari it is!

PS: Strange though, I preferred dark interiors (of the dark edition) as the white interior is too white on Safari.

Here's what BHPian 46TheDoctor had to say on the matter:

I like the looks of the Harrier better but I will still prefer the Safari for the following reasons:

1. The Accomplished variant has beautiful white interiors, but the Harrier top variant doesn't feel as good inside.
2. Safari can be used as a six-seater (one more than Harrier) on long drives with one of the last row seats folded to create additional luggage space.
3. The price difference isn't much for the value addition that Safari brings to the table.

BHPian deepjaju provided an update, based on the response:

Thank you all for the quick response.

I went through everyone's response and even the poll suggests Safari for the win. After careful consideration have just completed the booking of the Safari Accomplished + Stardust Ash Color.

I am promised the car will be available by the end of this month. 2024 manufactured is also promised.

The sales guy is saying he will check for 2023 models and try for any discounts if possible.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.