The Tata Safari, a flagship offering from Tata Motors, has long been a symbol of rugged elegance and robust performance in the Indian automotive market. Launched initially in 1998, the Safari has evolved significantly over the years, with its latest iteration introduced in 2021 and further refined with a facelift in 2023. Built on the OMEGARC platform, derived from Land Rover’s legendary D8 architecture, this mid-size SUV blends modern design, advanced technology, and a strong safety pedigree, making it a compelling choice for families and adventure enthusiasts alike. With its imposing road presence, spacious interiors, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating, the Tata Safari stands tall in a competitive segment that includes heavyweights like the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, and Hyundai Alcazar. Available in both 6- and 7-seater configurations, the Safari caters to diverse needs, offering a mix of luxury, practicality, and performance. This detailed overview dives into its technical specifications, variants, pricing in metro cities, and an in-depth analysis of what makes the Safari a standout SUV, alongside a comparison with its closest rivals.
Technical Specifications
The Tata Safari is powered by a single yet potent diesel engine, paired with both manual and automatic transmission options. Below is a comprehensive table of its technical specifications, compiled from trusted sources like CarDekho, ZigWheels, and CarWale, ensuring accuracy as of March 23, 2025.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 2.0L Kryotec Turbocharged Diesel |
| Displacement | 1956 cc |
| Max Power | 167.62 bhp @ 3750 rpm |
| Max Torque | 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm |
| No. of Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic (Torque Converter) |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 16.3 kmpl (Manual) / 14.5 kmpl (Automatic) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 Liters |
| Emission Norm Compliance | BS6 Phase 2 |
| Suspension (Front) | Independent, Lower Wishbone, McPherson Strut with Coil Spring & Anti-Roll Bar |
| Suspension (Rear) | Semi-Independent Twist Blade with Panhard Rod and Coil Spring |
| Brakes (Front & Rear) | Disc Brakes (All-Wheel Disc) |
| Tyre Size | 235/65 R17 (Base), 235/60 R18 (Mid), 245/55 R19 (Top) |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch (Base), 18-inch (Mid), 19-inch (Top) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 4668 mm x 1922 mm x 1795 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2741 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm (Unladen) |
| Boot Space | 420 Liters (with third row folded) |
| Seating Capacity | 6 or 7 (Variant-dependent) |
The Safari’s Kryotec diesel engine delivers a balance of power and efficiency, suitable for both urban commutes and highway cruising. Its FWD layout, while lacking the AWD option some competitors offer, ensures a smooth and manageable drive. The suspension setup provides a comfortable ride, adept at soaking up minor road imperfections, though it may transmit some jolts over larger potholes at higher speeds.
Variants
The Tata Safari is offered in a wide range of variants to cater to different customer preferences, from budget-conscious buyers to those seeking a fully-loaded experience. Below is a table listing the key variants available as of March 2025, sourced from Tata Motors’ official site, CarDekho, and CarWale.
| Variant | Transmission | Seating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | Manual | 7 | LED DRLs, 17-inch Alloys, 6 Airbags, Hill Hold Control |
| Smart (O) | Manual | 7 | Adds Cruise Control, Rear Parking Camera |
| Pure | Manual | 7 | 10.25-inch Touchscreen, Keyless Entry, Rear AC Vents |
| Pure (O) | Manual | 7 | Adds Reverse Parking Camera, Auto Climate Control |
| Pure Plus | Manual/Auto | 7 | Push-Button Start, 17-inch Alloys, Connected Car Tech |
| Pure Plus S | Manual/Auto | 7 | Panoramic Sunroof, Auto Headlamps, Rain-Sensing Wipers |
| Adventure | Manual | 7 | 18-inch Alloys, Terrain Response Modes, Dual-Tone Interiors |
| Adventure Plus | Manual/Auto | 7 | 12.3-inch Touchscreen, Wireless Charger, 360-Degree Camera |
| Adventure Plus A | Manual/Auto | 7 | Adds ADAS (Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control) |
| Accomplished | Manual/Auto | 7 | Ventilated Front Seats, 10-Speaker JBL Audio, Gesture-Controlled Tailgate |
| Accomplished Plus | Manual/Auto | 6/7 | Ventilated Rear Seats, Dual-Zone Climate Control, 19-inch Alloys |
| Dark Edition | Manual/Auto | 6/7 | Black Exterior/Interior Theme, Available in Higher Variants |
| Stealth Edition | Auto | 6 | Matte Black Finish, Limited Production (Top-spec Accomplished Plus Base) |
The lineup spans from the base Smart variant, offering essential features and safety, to the top-tier Accomplished Plus and special editions like Dark and Stealth, which add premium aesthetics and advanced tech like ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems). The flexibility of manual and automatic options across most trims ensures broader appeal.
Price in Metro Cities
Pricing for the Tata Safari varies across metro cities due to differences in taxes, insurance, and RTO charges. Below is a table of ex-showroom and approximate on-road prices (as of March 2025) for select variants in key cities, sourced from CarWale, CarDekho, and ZigWheels, with Tata Motors’ price hikes factored in (up to ₹36,000 reported in 2025).
| City | Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (₹ Lakh) | On-Road Price (₹ Lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Smart | 15.50 | 18.40 |
| Accomplished Plus AT (6S) | 27.25 | 32.50 | |
| Mumbai | Smart | 15.50 | 18.80 |
| Accomplished Plus AT (6S) | 27.25 | 33.00 | |
| Bangalore | Smart | 15.50 | 19.20 |
| Accomplished Plus AT (6S) | 27.25 | 33.80 | |
| Chennai | Smart | 15.50 | 19.00 |
| Accomplished Plus AT (6S) | 27.25 | 33.50 | |
| Kolkata | Smart | 15.50 | 18.60 |
| Accomplished Plus AT (6S) | 27.25 | 32.80 |
The on-road prices include RTO, insurance, and other charges, making the top-end variants approach ₹33-34 lakh in cities like Bangalore and Mumbai. These figures are indicative and may vary slightly based on dealership offers and additional accessories.
About the Tata Safari
Design and Exterior
The Tata Safari’s exterior design exudes a commanding presence, thanks to its bold front grille, sleek LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lights), and a muscular stance. The facelifted 2023 model introduced sharper lines and a more contemporary look, with the signature Tata logo illuminated on the steering wheel and a connected LED taillamp strip enhancing its night-time appeal. Variants like the Dark Edition and Stealth Edition elevate its aesthetics with an all-black theme and matte finishes, appealing to buyers seeking a distinctive style. Measuring 4668 mm in length and 1922 mm in width, the Safari is sizable yet manageable, with a ground clearance of 205 mm providing decent capability for light off-road excursions. However, its design hasn’t seen radical changes in recent years, which some buyers might find less fresh compared to newer entrants like the Mahindra XUV700.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the Tata Safari, and you’re greeted by a premium cabin that rivals many in its segment. The dual-tone interior in Oyster White and Titan Brown (or black in Dark Editions) feels plush, with leatherette upholstery adding a touch of luxury. The dashboard houses a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system in higher variants, paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, offering crisp visuals and modern connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Comfort features abound, including ventilated seats (front and second row in top trims), a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. The third row, while foldable, offers acceptable comfort for adults on short trips, though prolonged journeys might feel cramped due to limited legroom. Boot space stands at 420 liters with the third row folded, expandable further when not in use, making it practical for family outings or luggage-heavy trips.
The Safari’s cabin insulation is commendable, keeping road and wind noise at bay, though some engine vibrations can be felt in the footwell, particularly in city traffic. The light-colored interior materials, while elegant, are prone to staining, a concern in India’s dusty conditions. Touch-based controls for AC and other functions add a futuristic vibe, but the lack of haptic feedback on the touchscreen can be a minor annoyance while driving.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine delivers 167.62 bhp and 350 Nm of torque, providing ample grunt for a vehicle of this size. The 6-speed manual gearbox offers decent engagement, though its long throws and heavy clutch might tire drivers in stop-and-go traffic. The 6-speed automatic, with its smooth e-shifter, is the preferred choice for most, offering seamless gear changes and quick responses, ideal for both city and highway driving. Three drive modes—Eco, City, and Sport—allow customization of performance, with Sport mode sharpening throttle response for spirited drives.
The Safari’s ride quality is a strong suit, with its suspension adept at absorbing small bumps and undulations. However, at higher speeds over rough patches, some body movement is noticeable, suggesting a slightly softer tuning compared to rivals like the XUV700. Steering feels light in urban settings but firms up on highways, though it’s heavier at low speeds, requiring effort for tight maneuvers. Overtaking is effortless, thanks to the torque kicking in from 1000 rpm, and the SUV maintains stability at triple-digit speeds. While it lacks an AWD option, terrain response modes (Rough Road and Wet) tweak stability settings for better traction, though serious off-roading isn’t its forte.
Safety and Technology
Safety is a cornerstone of the Tata Safari’s appeal, earning it a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. It comes equipped with up to 7 airbags (including a driver knee airbag), ABS with EBD, ESP, hill-hold control, and all-wheel disc brakes as standard across variants. Higher trims add ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and autonomous emergency braking, enhancing its safety quotient. A 360-degree camera, blind-spot detection, and rear-cross traffic alert further aid in tricky situations, though some users note that ADAS functionality could use refinement in Indian traffic conditions.
On the tech front, the Safari shines with a 10-speaker JBL audio system (including a subwoofer), wireless charging, a 45W Type-C fast charger, and an air purifier. The connected car tech offers remote diagnostics and navigation, keeping it in line with modern expectations. However, occasional infotainment lag has been reported, a minor blemish in an otherwise feature-rich package.
Practicality and Ownership
The Safari’s 50-liter fuel tank and ARAI-claimed mileage of 16.3 kmpl (manual) and 14.5 kmpl (automatic) make it reasonably efficient for its size, though real-world figures often hover around 12-14 kmpl in mixed conditions. Its 420-liter boot space (third row folded) is adequate for weekend getaways, and the gesture-controlled powered tailgate in top variants adds convenience. Maintenance costs are moderate, though Tata’s after-sales service has received mixed reviews, with some owners citing delays or inconsistent quality—areas where competitors like Mahindra and Hyundai often edge ahead.
Close Competitors
The Tata Safari operates in a fiercely competitive segment, facing off against SUVs like the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra Scorpio N. Here’s how it stacks up:
Mahindra XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 is the Safari’s closest rival, offering petrol and diesel options, including a potent 2.0L turbo-petrol (197 bhp) and a 2.2L diesel (182 bhp). Priced from ₹13.99 lakh to ₹26.99 lakh (ex-showroom), it undercuts the Safari slightly while offering AWD in higher trims—a feature the Safari lacks. The XUV700 matches the Safari’s 5-star GNCAP rating and adds a larger panoramic sunroof and a more responsive infotainment system. However, its third-row space is tighter, and interior quality feels marginally less premium than the Safari’s top variants.
MG Hector Plus
The MG Hector Plus, priced between ₹17.50 lakh and ₹24.99 lakh (ex-showroom), brings a petrol-hybrid and diesel lineup, with a spacious cabin and a massive 14-inch touchscreen. Its design is bold, and features like ventilated seats and ADAS are comparable to the Safari. However, it lags in safety (no GNCAP rating yet) and driving dynamics, feeling less engaging than the Safari on highways. The Hector Plus appeals to tech-savvy buyers but falls short in build quality and ride refinement.
Hyundai Alcazar
The Hyundai Alcazar (₹14.99 lakh to ₹21.50 lakh ex-showroom) offers petrol and diesel engines with a smoother automatic transmission and a premium cabin. It’s more compact than the Safari, with better third-row comfort but less boot space (180 liters vs. 420 liters). Safety features are robust, though it lacks ADAS, and its ride quality is softer, prioritizing comfort over handling. The Alcazar targets urban buyers but can’t match the Safari’s road presence or feature depth in higher trims.
Mahindra Scorpio N
The Mahindra Scorpio N (₹13.62 lakh to ₹24.54 lakh ex-showroom) is a rugged alternative with petrol and diesel options, plus a 4WD drivetrain. Its ladder-frame construction offers superior off-road capability, but the cabin feels less plush than the Safari’s monocoque setup. Safety is top-notch (5-star GNCAP), but it lacks ADAS and advanced tech like ventilated rear seats. The Scorpio N is a value-for-money pick for off-road enthusiasts, while the Safari leans toward luxury and on-road comfort.
Final Thoughts!
The Tata Safari is a well-rounded SUV that excels in safety, features, and road presence, making it a strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment. Its Kryotec diesel engine delivers reliable performance, while the plethora of variants—from the affordable Smart to the luxurious Accomplished Plus—caters to a wide audience. Priced competitively in metro cities, it offers a premium experience, though the lack of AWD and occasional service niggles are drawbacks. Against rivals like the XUV700, Hector Plus, Alcazar, and Scorpio N, the Safari holds its own with a blend of style, space, and advanced safety, appealing to families and those seeking a commanding yet comfortable ride. For buyers prioritizing a monocoque SUV with modern tech and a 5-star safety badge, the Tata Safari remains a compelling choice in 2025.
