Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass diesel-AT performance comparison

Both Harrier and Compass are powered by the same engine, but which is quicker to 100kph?

Published On Mar 21, 2025 08:00:00 AM

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The Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass are two SUVs that have the same heart – both are powered by an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine. However, both SUVs use different gearboxes and are of different sizes as well. So, does that have an effect on their performance? In this comparison, we find out which of these two SUVs is quicker in the dash up to 100kph.

We have considered the diesel-AT powertrain, and both SUVs are in front-wheel drive configuration; the Compass additionally also gets an all-wheel drive layout.

Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass spec comparison

Harrier vs Compass specs
	Harrier	Compass
Engine	2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel	2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel
Power	170hp at 3,750rpm	170hp at 3,750rpm
Torque	350Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm	350Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm
Gearbox	6-speed AT	9-speed AT
L x W x H (mm)	4605 x 1922 x 1718	4405 x 1818 x 1640
Weight	1,823kg	1,656kg
Power to weight (hp per tonne)	93.25	102.65
Power to torque (Nm per tonne)	191.99	211.35

Same engine but different gearboxes

The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine produces an identical 170hp at 3,750rpm and 350Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm on both the SUVs. However, while the Harrier uses a 6-speed torque converter automatic, the Compass gets a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. The Harrier is larger than the Compass in every metric, and heavier as well, so on paper, the Compass is at a clear advantage.

Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass 0-100kph acceleration times

Harrier vs Compass 0-100kph acceleration
Speed	Harrier	Compass
20kph	1.33 sec	1.30 sec
40kph	2.94 sec	2.79 sec
60kph	5.16 sec	4.93 sec
80kph	8.30 sec	7.82 sec
100kph	12.60 sec	11.79 sec

Compass consistently builds its lead over the Harrier

As you can see in the table above, the Compass is quicker off the line, and it consistently maintains the lead over the Harrier, widening the gap by the time both SUVs have reached 100kph. This is despite the lazy character of the Compass’ 9-speed transmission as opposed to the 6-speed unit on the Harrier that has better spaced gearing and feels more responsive. The gap in performance – 0.81 seconds at 100kph – can be attributed to the Harrier’s larger size and weight.

Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass 40-100kph roll-on acceleration

Harrier vs Compass roll-on acceleration
Speed	Harrier	Compass
20-80kph (3th gear)	7.20 sec	6.48 sec
40-100kph (5th gear)	9.52 sec	8.82 sec

Jeep quicker in roll-on acceleration as well

Even in terms of roll-on acceleration, the Tata isn’t as impressive as the Jeep. Our tests showed that the Compass is 0.72 seconds quicker in the 20-80kph acceleration in third gear, while the gap narrows slightly to 0.70 seconds in the 40-100kph acceleration in fifth gear.

Autocar India’s testing standards

Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.

Tata Harrier vs Jeep Compass price

Compass is way more expensive

Prices for the Harrier diesel-AT range between Rs 19.35 lakh and Rs 26.25 lakh, while prices for the Compass diesel-AT 4x2 range between Rs 26.83 lakh and Rs 30.33 lakh, ex-showroom. Essentially, the Compass price starts where the Harrier’s end, but for the premium, you get a quicker and more fun-to-drive SUV.

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