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Tata Safari Review

Consensus Review 52 independent sources

Tata Safari

A premium, feature-rich three-row flagship SUV from Tata Motors, built for comfort, road presence, and family utility.

8.2 /10
CONSENSUS PICK
✅ 78% Positive (40 sources) ⚠️ 15% Mixed (8 sources) ❌ 7% Negative (4 sources)

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)
Consensus Pick Family SUV Highway Cruiser Good Value

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

Ride Quality Universally praised for its ability to absorb road imperfections and provide a stable highway experience.
44 / 52
Road Presence The muscular, butch design is consistently highlighted as a primary reason for purchase.
38 / 52
Third-Row Practicality Reviewers frequently note that the third row is difficult to access and lacks sufficient space for adults.
35 / 52

👍 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

7.5/10 Good Value

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

Large Families Ideal for families requiring a safe, premium, three-row vehicle for city and long-distance travel.
Off-road Enthusiasts Not recommended for those seeking true 4x4 or AWD capability, as the Safari is strictly FWD.

🛠️ 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.
🏆 CONSENSUS PICK

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

Tata Harrier and Safari petrol review video - Introduction | Autocar Ind...

Price: 12.89 - 26.39 Lakh

The Tata Harrier and Safari now feature the new Hyperion petrol engine, aiming to provide better refinement without sacrificing performance.

Pros

  • New Hyperion petrol engine option
  • Improved refinement levels

Cons

    Tata Safari petrol review, mileage and features| Auto Live #tatasafari |...

    The Tata Safari petrol variant is anticipated to offer a refined and powerful driving experience, focusing on modern features and premium comfort for SUV buyers.

    Pros

    • Refined petrol engine performance
    • Modern feature set
    • Premium interior comfort

    Cons

      2021 All New Tata Safari First Drive Review - CarWale - carwale.com...

      Price: Rs. 15.65 Lakh onwards

      The new Tata Safari is a practical, feature-rich, and comfortable three-row SUV perfect for urban and highway family use. While it lacks the rugged off-road spirit of its predecessor, it excels as a capable and modern people-mover.

      Comparison: It serves as a solid alternative to the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV500, and Hyundai Creta, though it does not inherit the adventure-focused DNA of the original Safari.

      Pros

      • Usable three-row seating
      • Comfortable ride quality
      • Feature-rich interior
      • Strong street presence
      • Stable highway performance

      Cons

      • Not a true rugged off-roader
      • Inconsistent interior quality
      • Not the most fuel-efficient
      • Lack of 4WD/AWD option

      Tata Safari vs Mahindra XUV700 vs Toyota Innova Hycross: (हिन्दी) Compar...

      Price: Rs. 13,29,000 to Rs. 26,39,990

      The Tata Safari is a premium, muscular SUV offering excellent comfort, safety, and a sophisticated driving experience for families. It stands out as a flagship model that delivers strong value for its price segment.

      Comparison: The review compares the Tata Safari against the Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross to evaluate performance, features, and overall value in the SUV segment.

      Pros

      • Premium cabin comfort and luxury feel
      • High safety ratings and build quality
      • Spacious interior for 7-8 passengers
      • Sophisticated design with sporty performance

      Cons

        Tata Safari Red Dark Edition Review - CarWale - carwale.com...

        The Tata Safari Red Dark Edition offers premium aesthetic upgrades and new infotainment features, but it is primarily recommended for those specifically seeking the range-topping experience as the standard model remains more price-efficient.

        Comparison: The Red Dark Edition offers better value over the Harrier Red Dark due to its third row and additional features, though it offers no practical advantage over the standard Safari.

        Pros

        • Improved infotainment system with smooth interface
        • Premium red diamond-quilted seat upholstery
        • Helpful 360-degree camera system
        • Addition of useful ADAS safety features

        Cons

        • ADAS lacks advanced collision avoidance capabilities
        • Infotainment system displays occasional software glitches
        • Digital driver display has difficult-to-read colour scheme
        • Only available in expensive range-topping variants

        Tata Safari Review: Pros and Cons - CarWale - carwale.com...

        Price: Rs. 15.65 Lakh onwards

        The new Tata Safari is a stylish, feature-rich, and capable three-row SUV that offers a premium cabin and punchy performance. While it lacks the rugged off-roading heritage of its predecessor, it excels as a comfortable and practical family vehicle.

        Comparison: The Safari competes with rivals like the MG Hector Plus, Mahindra XUV500, and Hyundai Creta seven-seater, requiring high-end features and better build quality to remain competitive.

        Pros

        • Striking and modern exterior design
        • Spacious and premium interior cabin
        • Powerful and punchy 2.0-litre diesel engine
        • Excellent ride quality and stability
        • Comprehensive list of features and safety equipment

        Cons

        • Lacks AWD hardware for serious off-roading
        • Some interior plastics lack premium fit and finish

        Tata Safari Long Term Review, February 2025 Report | autoX - autox.com...

        The Tata Safari is a well-rounded SUV offering a strong diesel powertrain, comfortable ride, and spacious cabin. While it excels in performance and comfort, it suffers from minor electronic glitches and a cumbersome third-row access mechanism.

        Comparison: The Safari offers superior third-row headroom and legroom compared to its direct rivals.

        Pros

        • Powerful and smooth diesel torque converter drivetrain
        • Excellent fuel efficiency for a large SUV
        • Stellar ride quality and handling
        • Premium cabin comfort with captain seats
        • Crisp touchscreen and feature-rich interior

        Cons

        • Laggy gear lever operation
        • No quick tumble mechanism for second-row seats
        • Small boot space with all rows in use
        • Erratic ADAS performance

        Tata Harrier 2023 and Tata Safari Facelift 2023 Review in Hindi | Bye by...

        Price: Rs. 13,29,000 - Rs. 26,39,990

        The 2023 Tata Safari facelift is a premium, high-performance SUV that excels in comfort, safety, and road presence. It stands out as a strong flagship family vehicle in the 20-30 lakh segment.

        Comparison: It is often compared to the Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross, serving as a primary competitor in the premium SUV segment.

        Pros

        • Marvelous comfort for all passengers
        • Excellent build quality and muscular design
        • Strong road presence
        • Advanced safety features including ADAS 2
        • Good performance for city and highway driving

        Cons

          Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Automatic Review | New Engine & Features De...

          Price: Rs. 12.89 Lakh

          Tata has expanded its flagship Harrier and Safari range by introducing new petrol engine options paired with automatic transmissions. These updates aim to offer more variety to buyers looking for petrol-powered premium SUVs.

          Pros

          • New petrol engine availability
          • Automatic transmission options
          • Expanded flagship SUV lineup

          Cons

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            Consensus Pick, Ride Quality, Third-Row Access, Mahindra XUV700, Good Value