Tata Safari Review
Tata Safari
A premium, feature-rich three-row flagship SUV from Tata Motors, built for comfort, road presence, and family utility.
How This Score Is Calculated
- Sources analysed: 52 reviews
- Formula: Weighted sentiment analysis of 52 independent editorial assessments.
- Final score: 8.2/10 (clamped, rounded to 1 decimal)
- Most reviewed featureRide Quality (44/52)
- Most praisedRoad Presence & Design
- Most criticisedThird-Row Access & Boot Space
- Reviewer consensus levelHigh
- Value for moneyGood Value (7.5/10)
The Tata Safari is widely regarded as a standout flagship SUV that excels in offering a premium, spacious, and safe cabin for families. Reviewers consistently praise its imposing road presence, refined diesel powertrain, and excellent highway ride quality. However, the vehicle faces criticism for its cramped third-row access, limited boot space when all seats are in use, and persistent minor ergonomic and software glitches.
🔧 Key Specifications
- Engine: 2.0L Kryotec Diesel / 1.5L Hyperion Turbo-Petrol
- Power/Torque: 170PS / 350Nm (Diesel); 170PS / 280Nm (Petrol)
- Transmission: 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic
- Display: Up to 14.5-inch Neo QLED Touchscreen
- Safety: 5-star Global NCAP, Level 2+ ADAS, 6 Airbags
- Audio: JBL 10-speaker system
- Drive Type: FWD (No AWD/4x4 available)
- Dimensions: 3-row seating (6/7 seater configurations)
💲 Price Range
₹12.89 Lakh – ₹27.25 Lakh (Ex-showroom)
📊 What Reviewers Say — Feature by Feature
👍 Key Strengths
- Outstanding highway ride comfort
- Commanding, muscular road presence
- Spacious and premium interior
- Refined diesel and petrol engines
- Top-tier safety ratings and ADAS
👎 Key Weaknesses
- Difficult third-row ingress and egress
- Minimal boot space with all seats up
- No AWD or 4x4 option
- Occasional software and infotainment glitches
- Ergonomic quirks in control placement
💰 Value for Money Analysis
Reviewers consider the Safari a strong value-oriented flagship. While the price range is broad, the base models offer high feature density compared to competitors, though higher variants are seen as premium investments.
⚡ Where Reviewers Disagreed
- Long-term Reliability: Some long-term owners report zero issues over 40,000km, while others raise concerns about service reliability and intermittent electronic niggles.
🎯 Who This Product Is For
🛠️ Best Use Cases
- Highway Cruising: Exceptional stability and ride quality make it a premier mile-muncher.
- Urban Family Transport: The combination of high seating and premium features makes it comfortable for daily chores.
🔀 Alternatives Mentioned by Reviewers
- Mahindra XUV700: The primary competitor; often compared for its advanced tech and powerful performance. Choose this for better engine punch and AWD options.
- Toyota Innova Hycross: Recommended for those prioritizing stress-free reliability and superior third-row space over SUV aesthetics.
- MG Hector Plus: A strong alternative for those prioritizing feature lists and value, though it lacks the Safari's road presence.
- Hyundai Alcazar: Often cited as a more compact, urban-friendly alternative for families.
🛒 Buyer's Guide
✅ Buy This If…
- You prioritize road presence and safety.
- You do 80% of your driving on highways.
- You want a premium, feature-loaded cabin.
❌ Skip This If…
- You need a dedicated off-road vehicle.
- You frequently use the third row for adults.
- You demand perfect software/infotainment stability.
📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time
- Engine Refinement — The transition from early diesel-only models to the new Hyperion petrol engine has significantly improved cabin noise levels and refinement.
The Tata Safari remains a powerhouse in the Indian SUV market, combining a commanding road presence with a sophisticated, feature-rich interior. While it lacks the off-road hardware of its ancestors and struggles with third-row packaging, it succeeds as a premium family cruiser. For those who value safety, ride comfort, and style above all else, the Safari is a top-tier choice. If you need AWD or better third-row utility, consider the Mahindra XUV700 or Toyota Innova Hycross respectively.
Reviewer Perspectives & Source Breakdown
2023 Tata Safari Facelift SUV in CarToqs first drive review [Video] - c...
The 2023 Tata Safari facelift is a highly futuristic and feature-rich SUV that offers a premium cabin experience and improved steering. Despite some carry-over suspension quirks and gloss finish concerns, it remains a compelling choice for families seeking comfort and tech.
Pros
- Futuristic and bold design aesthetic
- Extensive feature list including ventilated rear seats
- Premium cabin ambience with high-quality tech
- Light and nimble electric power steering
- Strong engine performance for highway driving
Cons
- Glossy exterior parts may lose shine over time
- Noticeable body roll during sharp turns
- Paddle shifters are not very quick to respond
- Bouncy ride quality is still present
The New Tata Safari: Car Review - autopunditz.com...
Price: Starting below 15 lakhs INR
The Tata Safari is a feature-packed, three-row SUV that successfully carries the legendary nameplate forward with its imposing design, spacious interior, and strong performance. While it lacks a 4x4 option and petrol engine, it remains a compelling, value-oriented choice in its segment.
Pros
- Butch and commanding SUV aesthetic
- Loaded with premium features
- Powerful 170 PS engine
- Excellent ride quality and handling
- High safety standards
Cons
- Extremely limited boot space of 73 liters
- Difficult third-row ingress and egress
- Concerns regarding long-term Tata service reliability
- No petrol engine option available
- Heavy steering and lacks 4x4 capability
Tata Safari facelift price, specs, features, video review - Introduction...
Price: ₹13.29 - ₹26.39 Lakh
The Tata Safari facelift features a refreshed design, enhanced features, and significant mechanical updates. It positions itself as a more upmarket flagship SUV.
Pros
- New refreshed exterior design
- Increased feature and equipment list
- Important mechanical improvements
Cons
2023 Tata Safari Facelift Review: Spacious, Safe & Stylish For Modern Fa...
Price: ₹15.50 lakh to ₹27.25 lakh
The 2023 Tata Safari facelift is a premium, safe, and feature-rich SUV that excels in comfort and road presence. Despite missing petrol and AWD options, its strong diesel performance and practical cabin make it a compelling choice for Indian families.
Pros
- Spacious and comfortable cabin for 6–7 passengers
- Strong road presence and stylish design
- 5-star Global NCAP safety rating
- Smooth diesel engine with reliable performance
- Loaded with features in higher variants
Cons
- No AWD or 4x4 option
- Third row is tight for tall adults
Tata Safari 2021 Review | 2021 Safari Review | - Times of India - timeso...
Price: Rs 14.50 lakh to 21.50 lakh
The 2021 Tata Safari is a feature-packed, comfortable three-row SUV that serves as an extension of the Harrier. While it lacks the 4x4 ruggedness of its iconic predecessor, it stands as a capable modern urban family vehicle.
Pros
- Plush and comfortable ride quality
- Spacious third row for adults
- Excellent braking performance with disc brakes
- Feature-rich cabin with modern conveniences
- Versatile and robust OMEGE-ARC platform
Cons
- Intrusive body roll around corners
- Heavy steering wheel
- Thick A-pillar reduces overall visibility
- Difficult access to the third row
- Lacks the 4x4 capability of the original Safari
Plus One — Tata Safari Review - Motoring World - motoringworld.in...
Price: Approx Rs 1 lakh above Harrier
The new Tata Safari is a spacious and comfortable three-row SUV perfect for family road trips. While it lacks all-wheel drive, it remains a formidable and practical option in its segment.
Pros
- Comfortable seating in all three rows
- Excellent suspension absorbs road imperfections
- Smooth and torquey diesel engine
- Spacious cabin with good visibility
Cons
- Minimal luggage space with all seats occupied
- Steering lacks sufficient weight at higher speeds
- No all-wheel drive option available
2023 Tata Safari Review: Is This Tata's Best Flagship Yet? - ackodrive.c...
The 2023 Tata Safari is a significantly improved flagship SUV that offers a premium experience and strong performance. It is a highly compelling choice for buyers unless they specifically require alternatives like the Skoda Kodiaq or VW Tiguan.
Pros
- Striking new exterior design language
- Sophisticated and modern interior layout
- Smoother transmission with shift-by-wire technology
- Extensive list of safety and ADAS features
Cons
- Diesel engine lacks refinement compared to rivals
- Suspension struggles with small road imperfections
- No petrol engine option available
- Control placement requires learning curve
2023 Tata Safari review - a new chapter in Tata's SUV evolution - Overdr...
The Citroen C3 offers a customizable, budget-friendly entry into the hatchback segment with a focus on distinct design and comfort.
Pros
- Distinctive and modern exterior styling
- High level of customization options
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Lacks some premium features
- Limited interior cabin refinement
2021 Tata Safari Review - 12 Pros & 12 Cons | Team-BHP - team-bhp.com...
The 2021 Tata Safari is a spacious, iconic SUV with strong road presence and solid build quality, though it suffers from some reliability concerns and mechanical niggles. It serves as a practical family vehicle with a refined diesel engine, despite lacking a petrol option or AWD.
Pros
- Stunning looks and strong road presence
- Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats
- Extra 3rd row adds practicality and utility
- Fantastic 9-speaker audio system
- Punchy 168 BHP 2.0L diesel engine
- Smooth and competent 6-speed automatic transmission
- Top-notch safety kit including 6 airbags
- Terrain response system for rough roads
Cons
- Heavy steering cumbersome at low speeds
- 3rd row access difficult in captain seat variant
- Negligible boot space with all seats up
- Concerns over long-term reliability and niggles
- Frequent service intervals of 7,500 km
- Engine gets loud above 3,500 rpm
- No petrol engine option available
- No AWD option for enthusiasts
- Tata after-sales service quality remains a gamble
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