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Tata Safari Review

Written on .

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.

📈 Sentiment Trends Over Time

  • 📈 improving Engine Refinement — The transition from early diesel-only models to the new Hyperion petrol engine has significantly improved cabin noise levels and refinement.
🏆 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.