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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 Safari Review (first Drive): Driving Impressions, Specs, Features A...

The Tata Safari Petrol offers a compelling blend of power, style, and modern features, making it a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment. Despite its size, the refined turbo-petrol engine provides adequate performance and a comfortable, spacious cabin experience.

Pros

  • Strong low-end torque delivery
  • Feature-rich, comfortable cabin
  • Advanced Level 2 ADAS safety systems
  • Refined and smooth engine performance

Cons

  • Higher fuel consumption
  • Some ergonomic inconsistencies in cabin
  • Sport mode takes time to revert to Auto

From a Tata Safari to the Toyota Innova Hycross: My 1-week review | Team...

The Toyota Innova Hycross is a highly practical and comfortable choice, offering superior cabin space and a refined hybrid engine. While its infotainment and camera tech feel dated, it excels as a stress-free, reliable people mover.

Pros

  • Exceptional rear-seat comfort and space
  • Very quiet and vibration-free hybrid engine
  • Practical, no-nonsense feature set

Cons

  • Infotainment and UI feel outdated
  • Average 360-degree camera quality
  • Tyres lack high-speed highway confidence

2025 Tata Safari 1.5 TGDi Turbo-Petrol Review: Exterior and Interior | T...

The 2025 Tata Safari 1.5 TGDi Red Dark edition brings a sporty aesthetic with red interior and exterior accents, complemented by a high-quality 14.5-inch touchscreen and effective JBL audio. While the cabin is feature-rich, tall drivers may find front seating ergonomics restrictive.

Comparison: The monostable gear selector allows direct shifting between R and D without going through Neutral, providing better usability compared to Mahindra EVs.

Pros

  • High-quality 14.5-inch Neo QLED touchscreen
  • Excellent 10-speaker JBL audio system
  • Convenient Level 2+ ADAS features
  • Sporty aesthetic with red accent themes
  • Good quality camera feed on e-IRVM

Cons

  • Front seating space restricted for 6-footers
  • Gear selector feels plasticky and light
  • Third-row seatback angle is not adjustable
  • Memory seat adjustment process is unintuitive
  • Red interior theme lacks universal appeal

Tata Safari Hyperion 1.5 Turbo Petrol Review – Simple and Honest | Motor...

The Tata Safari Hyperion 1.5 Turbo Petrol is a refined, comfortable SUV perfect for city-centric buyers. It prioritizes smooth performance and premium features over high mileage or aggressive speed.

Comparison: It offers a more refined and relaxed driving experience compared to older, jerkier petrol SUVs, though it lacks the high mileage of diesel variants.

Pros

  • Refined and quiet 1.5L turbo petrol engine
  • Smooth and predictable automatic gearbox
  • Excellent ride comfort on bad roads
  • Premium cabin with modern tech and features
  • Bold and elegant exterior styling

Cons

  • Lower fuel efficiency compared to diesel
  • Steering not designed for hard cornering
  • Not intended for high-speed aggressive driving

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

The Tata Safari excels in seating comfort and fuel efficiency, making it a strong choice for large families. However, its practicality is hindered by limited boot space when all rows are occupied.

Pros

  • Excellent seating comfort in all rows
  • Impressive fuel efficiency for its size
  • Airy cabin with a large sunroof
  • Addictive diesel engine performance

Cons

  • Insufficient boot space with all seats occupied
  • ADAS features non-functional due to pending software

5 Positives & 2 Negatives of Tata Safari | Detailed Review! - CarWale - ...

Price: Rs. 13.29 Lakh

The Tata Safari is a burly SUV that has undergone a significant facelift, offering notable improvements in design and features. It remains a strong contender in the segment, though specific pros and cons depend on individual user experiences.

Comparison: The review examines whether the new model effectively reclaims its market position from the Mahindra XUV700.

Pros

  • Bold and updated exterior design
  • Feature-rich interior cabin

Cons

  • Not explicitly detailed in the text

Tata Harrier 2023, Tata Safari 2023 Facelift Detailed Review | ZigAnalys...

Price: Rs. 12,89,000 - Rs. 25,84,990

The Tata Harrier 2023 is a well-packaged, muscular SUV offering strong build quality, powerful performance, and a comfortable ride. It is highly regarded for its commanding road presence and feature-rich interior, though some users suggest improvements in after-sales service.

Comparison: The Harrier competes against alternatives like the Mahindra Scorpio N, Hyundai Creta, MG Hector, and Tata Safari, offering a distinct blend of Land Rover-derived platform stability and premium features.

Pros

  • Commanding road presence and muscular styling
  • High build quality and safety
  • Powerful 2.0-liter Kryotec engine
  • Comfortable driving experience

Cons

  • After-sales service needs improvement
  • Performance concerns in rural areas
  • High price gap between diesel and petrol variants

Tata Safari Review: 32 Lakh Kharchne Se Pehele Ye Dekh Lo! Video - 5659 ...

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

The Tata Safari is widely regarded as a premium, muscular, and comfortable SUV ideal for large families. While it offers impressive performance, safety, and road presence, some users feel it misses certain modern conveniences like an automatic phone charger.

Comparison: The Tata Safari is often compared to the Mahindra XUV700 and Toyota Innova Hycross, with many users prioritizing the Safari for its superior road presence and build quality.

Pros

  • Excellent comfort for passengers and driver
  • Strong road presence and muscular design
  • High safety ratings and features
  • Premium interior quality and cabin feel
  • Good performance for family adventures

Cons

  • Lacks automatic phone charger
  • Fuel efficiency could be better

Tata Harrier & Safari Petrol Review: Smooth, Powerful, & Fuel Efficient?...

The Tata Harrier and Safari petrol models offer a smooth driving experience with impressive power delivery and fuel efficiency. They stand out as refined options in their respective SUV segments.

Pros

  • Smooth engine performance
  • High power output
  • Good fuel efficiency

Cons

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