Tata Safari

The Tata Safari was launched last year and it came with a new design, new features, improved safety, but the same diesel powertrain. It is priced between Rs 15.50 lakh and Rs 27.25 lakh (ex-showroom), and competes with the MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar, and Mahindra XUV700. In this review, we dive into what all this SUV has to offer and is it good enough to become your family’s car.

• I like how the Safari looks modern and butch at the same time, and offers a good blend of premiumness and ruggedness.

• What catches most attention is the width-spanning LED DRL, which makes it easily recognisable.

• It also gets vertically placed LED headlamps and a connected LED tail lamp setup.

• Tata has done a nice job with its lighting elements as the LED DRLs and the tail lamps have a welcome and goodbye function, and the edges of these elements also act as sequential turn indicators.

• The side profile highlights the size of this SUV and you get a sense of ruggedness from its thick door cladding and 19-inch alloy wheels.

• Lower variants get 17-inch alloy wheels, mid-spec ones get 18-inch ones, and all variants get a 16-inch steel wheel as spare.

• At the back, the main highlight is the connected lighting setup, and you also get a massive bumper that shows its rugged side.

• The 2025 Safari is available in 5 shades. Supernova Copper, Stellar Frost, Stardust Ash, Galactic Sapphire, and Lunar Slate.

• If you want a black SUV, you can choose between Dark and Stealth editions, which come in Carbon Black, and Matte Stealth Black shades, respectively.

Design & Quality

• Just like the exterior, the cabin is also available in multiple colors, based on the variant you pick.

• The Dark and Stealth editions get an all-black cabin theme.

• Tata has opted for a minimalistic design, which uses horizontal elements to highlight the width of this cabin.

• The design looks modern and symmetrical, and shows a lot of thought has been put into it.

• However, the cabin quality could have been better, as there are panel gaps around the C-pillar, and the gear lever feels flimsy.

• Tata has also used a lot of gloss black inserts, which look nice but can easily get scratched.

• Rest of materials do have good quality, and for the most part the cabin fit and finish is impressive.

Driving Position

• 2025 Safari gets a 6-way powered driver seat along with both tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, which makes it easy to find your prefferd driving position.

• The driver seat also gets a memory function, which makes setting your ideal driving position even more convenient.

• Due to the height of the Safari, you get a commanding view of the road, and the visibility from the driver seat is also great.

Passenger Comfort

• In the 7-seater variants, you get a bench seat in the middle row which has enough space for three passengers.

• I’m 5’8”, and there was ample amount of headroom even with the panoramic sunroof, and the legroom, kneeroom, and underthigh support was more than enough for me.

• The middle passenger does sit slightly upright, which can be a little annoying during long journeys, but the passenger does remain comfortable.

• In the 6-seater variants, the second row gets captain seats, which offers similar space, and are better if you’re looking for a chauffeur-driven experience.

• Tata has also offered an electric boss mode function for the front passenger seat which the second row left side passenger can control for more space.

• The third row, however, is not so spacious and even average sized adults will feel cramped here.

• The Safari’s third row is suitable only for kids or for pets.

Storage Options

• You get 1-litre bottle holders in all four doors, two cupholders in the front, a cooled glovebox, and a cooled centre armrest storage.

• Second row passengers get seat back pockets, cupholders in the central armrest, and a tray behind the front armrest to keep their phone.

• Third row passengers in the Tata Safari get cupholders with some space on the side, and small storage compartments underneath them.

Features

• The feature set of the Safari is impressive as you get the most features for the price.

• It comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system which runs smoothly, is easy to understand and use, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

• However, this screen is prone to occasional lag and glitches, which a lot of people have faced.

• You also get a 10-speaker JBL sound system with an impressive audio quality and multiple preset equalizer settings.

• Next to the touchscreen is a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display which shows all drive information neatly, and can also be used to view maps while driving.

• If you live in an area which experiences a lot of heat in the summer, you’ll be glad that this car comes with not just ventilated front seats, but ventilated rear seats (6-seater variants) as well.

• Tata has also offered a 360-degree camera which has a clear feed, but it also lags from time to time.

• Other features include dual-zone climate control, cruise control, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, and ambient lighting.

• Just like its sibling Harrier, the Safari also has a 5-star crash test safety rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP.

• Standard safety features include 6 airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, all-wheel disc brakes, ISOFIX child seat anchors, rear parking sensors, and traction control.

• Higher variants get a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), a knee airbag, and Level 2 ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, high beam assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• With all three rows up, there is just enough space left to keep 2-3 small laptop bags.

• But if you tumble down the third row, you get space to keep an entire suitcase set, 2 small soft bags, and there will still be space left for smaller items like shopping bags.

• If you want even more space, or you’re carrying large items, you can fold both the third and second row (7-seater variants) and you’ll get a flat bed to store all your items.

The 2025 Tata Safari comes with a 2-litre diesel engine. You can choose between a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic transmission.

• Being a diesel unit, you will experience some clatter, and due to low refinement, there are noticeable vibrations in the footwell.

• When driving in the city, you get smooth acceleration, and you can easily drive in the 2nd or 3rd gear without needing to change gears frequently.

• There is more than enough power for quick overtakes and you can enjoy your drives in the city.

• On the highways, you get a similar drive experience and overtakes here as well are effortless.

• Getting to triple digits is quick and easy, as this engine packs enough power.

• Tata has offered wet and rough road modes, but you can easily drive on those surfaces without changing these modes.

• If you want your drive to be even more exciting, you can switch to sports mode, which gives you better throttle response.

• With the manual, you get a light clutch and gear throws are smooth as well.

• However, if you drive mostly in the city, we’d recommend the automatic for a more convenient drive.

• In the city, you can get a fuel efficiency of around 12-13 kmpl with the manual and around 11-12 kmpl with the automatic.

• The manual will return around 17 kmpl on the highway, while the automatic will give you 15-16 kmpl.

• If you cruise around at 80 or 90 kmph, the Tata Safari will give you an even better fuel efficiency.

• If you drive a Safari, you’ll get a comfortable ride quality in almost all cases.

• It can handle potholes and speedbreakers with ease and does not disturb the passengers with a lot of cabin movement.

• Only on rough and poorly built roads will you feel some jerks which can result in the passengers getting slightly uncomfortable.

• When driving on the highway, the Safari remains stable with very little side to side movement, and can easily handle undulations, flyover joints, and cracks.

• It even handles itself pretty well around corners with its responsive and heavy steering wheel, and remains planted.

• The 2025 Tata Safari gets four broad variants: Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished.

• All these get sub variants like “(O)”, “+”, and “+S” which get some additional features.

Smart

• Gets a good exterior design with all LED lighting elements, 17-inch alloy wheels, and roof rails.

• Standard safety kit includes 6 airbags, electronic stability program, rear parking sensors, all-wheel disc brakes, and ISOFIC child seat anchors.

• Comes with basic functional features like tilt and telescopic steering wheel, all powered windows, and automatic climate control.

Smart (O)

• Exterior gets more premium with connected LED DRLs and tail lamps.

• Cabin comes fitted with a central armrest and third row AC vents.

• Additional features include electrically adjustable ORVMs and electric boss mode.

• The only addition in the safety kit is a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Pure

• This variant brings an infotainment package that includes a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 6-speaker sound system.

• Other feature additions include a rear view camera, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, and steering mounted audio controls.

• The only exterior update is a shark fin antenna.

Pure (O)

• Gets similar upgrades as the ones Smart (O) offers over Smart.

• New features include a rear wiper washer and remote central locking.

Pure +

• Over Pure (O), this variant gets additional features like push button start/stop, cruise control, and paddle shifters. 

• The interior gets a height adjustable driver seat and leather wrap on the steering wheel.

Pure + S

• The only major addition in this variant is a voice assisted panoramic sunroof.

• Gets two additional features: auto headlamps and rain sensing wipers.

Pure + S #DARK

• This is the entry lever DARK edition variant.

• Gets an all-black exterior with 17-inch black alloys along with an all black interior theme.

Adventure

• Over Pure +, this variant gets 18-inch alloys and front LED fog lamps as part of exterior upgrades.

• The cabin becomes more premium with soft touch padding on the dashboard, ambient lighting, rear centre armrest with cupholders, and a rear window sunshade. 

• Feature additions include one touch up and down driver window and follow me home function for headlamps.

Adventure +

• This variant brings back the panoramic sunroof and rain sensing wipers, along with new features like a wireless phone charger and an air purifier.

• Safety kit gets an improvement with a 360-degree camera, electronic parking brake with auto hold, and front parking sensors.

Adventure + DARK

•  Gets an all-black exterior with 19-inch black alloys along with an all black interior theme.

Adventure + A

• Entry level variant for those who want ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems).

• Gets ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• No other feature additions.

Accomplished

• Over Adventure +, the Accomplished variant gets exterior upgrades like 19-inch diamond cut alloys, sequential turn indicators, welcome and goodbye function, and rear fog lamps.

• More premium cabin with leatherette seat upholstery and winged headrests for second row passengers.

• Feel good features like ventilated front seats, 6-way powered driver seat with memory function, 4-way powered front passenger seat, gesture controlled powered tailgate, and a 9-speaker JBL sound system get added.

• Safety kit gets improved in the form of a knee airbag, auto dimming IRVM, hill descent control, and rear fog lamps.

Accomplished #DARK

• Comes with an all-black exterior with 19-inch black alloys and an all black interior theme.

Accomplished +

• Over the Accomplished variant, this variant offers additional features like a 10-speaker JBL sound system, ventilated second row seats, and Alexa voice commands.

• This variant also brings back Level 2 ADAS features.

Accomplished + #DARK

• Gets all the features of Accomplished + in an all black avatar.

Accomplished + STEALTH

• Comes in a matte black exterior shade and gets an all-black cabin.

• Gets additional ADAS features, a sliding front armrest, and an Arcade app store for apps like Amazon Prime Video and Hotstar.

CarDekho Recommends

• Pick the one-above-base Pure trim if you want a well rounded SUV on a budget. It covers all the basics, gets good styling, and comes with a good infotainment package. You can stretch to the “+” or “+S” variants if you want additional features.

• Go for the Adventure trim if you want a more premium cabin experience along with a more good-looking design. This variant also offers ADAS functionality and gets some feel good features as well. Go for the Accomplished trim only if you want the most premium experience.

• Choose the DARK or STEALTH edition based on your liking.

The Tata Safari has a lot to offer. It looks good, feels premium, has a good safety net, and comes with arguably the best feature package in the segment. However, it still has scope for improvement.

While it does offer a good drive experience with a comfortable ride quality, it is not the best in space when it comes to being a 6- or 7-seater, and most importantly, the glitches in its infotainment package, and Tata’s poor aftersales service makes it a difficult car to recommend.

If Tata makes these improvements, the Safari has the potential to become the best in its segment, and will be a great addition to your garage.

Other Options To Consider

Mahindra XUV700

Reasons To Consider

• Better third row space

• Option of an AWD setup

• Option of a petrol engine

Reasons To Ignore

• High waiting period

MG Hector Plus

Reasons To Consider

• Better second and third row space

• Gets a petrol engine

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as feature rich

• Low fuel efficiency with petrol

Hyundai Alcazar

Reasons To Consider

• Better chauffer-driven experience
• Option of petrol engine

Reasons To Ignore

• Less third-row space