Tata Safari

Big Boots to Fill

First launched in 1998, the Tata Safari moniker was one of the most legendary names in the Indian automobile market in the 2000s. The SUV — with its ladder frame construction and 4x4 drivetrain — had brilliant off-road capabilities, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. The new-age Safari, which was based on the Harrier, was not really the same kind of car. It was a front-wheel drive only 7-seater SUV, meant to handle more on-road duties and intercity tours; a proper rival for Mahindra’s XUV500. With the latest facelift, the Safari now has its eyes set on the Mahindra XUV700, which is so popular that waiting periods at one point were close to two years! It is obvious that the Safari won’t match the AWD XUV700’s off-road prowess with a FWD drivetrain. But can it dethrone the XUV700 to be the best mid-size 7-seater SUV in the market?

Tata Safari Pros and Cons 

Tata Safari Exterior Design 

The Safari has received a significant update with this facelift, however, it is an evolutionary update rather than the revolutionary update we saw on the Tata Nexon. Although the changes are restricted to the bumpers and lighting elements, the basic Safari silhouette remains unchanged and it does look futuristic. The grille and air-dam are now bigger, and both get metallic embellishments that are colour coordinated to the persona (variant) you choose. The split headlamp design remains, but the lighting elements are now considerably different than before. The LED DRLs are sharper, and they are now connected by a light bar that has sequential LED lights, which show welcome animations when unlocking. Headlights are now all-LED as well, and are housed in a much sleeker rectangular fog-lamp housing. The housing also has active aero elements to divert airflow to the front wheel wells, improving aerodynamic performance. Along the rear too, the major change is in the lights, with the Safari now getting a body-width long light bar at the back. The tail lights are also largely blacked out, and the rear bumper gets similar styling elements as the front.

Tata Safari Interiors 

The revamped Safari boasts enhanced interiors that feel premium. Each variant offers colour-coordinated themes tailored to the persona you pick, some featuring body-coloured panels and stitching for added flair. With plenty of options, finding an interior theme you like will be easy. The redesigned dashboard is sleek, with all elements aligned horizontally for a cohesive look. The newly introduced four-spoke steering wheel is both stylish and comfortable to grip, sporting a gloss black panel housing an illuminated logo akin to the Nexon. While the addition of piano black panels on the dashboard and centre console adds sophistication, they tend to attract fingerprints and are susceptible to scratches. The AC control unit, featuring a piano black finish and capacitive touch buttons, adds to the modern ambiance but may not be the most ergonomic while driving.

The overall fit and finish inside are significantly improved with the facelift. Although some hard plastics remain, they are largely concealed, with most touchpoints featuring premium soft-touch materials. Despite the luxurious appearance and feel, there are some ergonomic shortcomings. For instance, the wireless phone charger is tucked away and not easily accessible. The drive selector has a small display on it which shows which mode is selected along with an animation, but it sits behind the gear lever and isn’t as easily accessible as one would expect. The USB type C charging port supports up to 45 W fast charging and there’s a type-A port too, but accessing them again isn’t as easy. However, the cabin offers a top-tier, upscale experience. The inclusion of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and a 10-speaker JBL sound system further elevates the ambiance, reminiscent of a miniature Range Rover.

On the practicality front, the Safari excels. It offers numerous small pockets for storing loose items, large bottle holders in all doors, cup holders in the centre console and rear armrest, and a spacious glove compartment. The cooled storage under the front armrest adds convenience. Available in 6-seater and 7-seater configurations, each has its advantages. While the boot space has increased compared to the previous model, it remains limited with all seats up. However, folding down the rear row expands the storage significantly. Loading cargo is made easier with the electric tailgate featuring gesture control, allowing for hands-free operation.

Tata Safari Comfort 

Tata Motors is renowned for delivering a smooth, carpet-like ride quality, a trait evident in the pre-facelift Safari, which stood out among Tata's offerings. Despite the larger wheel sizes in the new Safari, typically expected to slightly compromise the ride, the ride quality remains consistent with its predecessor. While minor surface imperfections may be felt, the Safari excels in handling larger bumps, potholes, and rough roads. It maintains composure even at high speeds and handles highway stability admirably, aided by the new electric power steering that instils confidence across various road conditions.

Inside, the revamped Safari boasts improved seating. The generously sized and elevated front seats enhance the SUV's commanding driving position, ensuring comfort during extended journeys. These seats feature commendable bolstering and cushioning, with the added convenience of electric adjustment, including a memory function for the driver's seat. Ventilated front seats, once considered a luxury, now provide essential comfort. Similarly, the middle seats offer ample comfort and space, accommodating three passengers comfortably with generous legroom and knee room, particularly suitable for taller adults. Enhanced headrests, reminiscent of airline seats, ensure stability and comfort, especially for napping passengers. Middle-row passengers benefit from B-pillar air-con vents, though without individual controls. Notably, the Safari offers a 6-seater variant with captain seats in the middle row, equipped with seat ventilation, setting a new standard in rear-seat comfort. The third row, while less spacious and best suited for children or shorter adults, features its own air-con vents with blower controls.

Tata Safari Performance and handling

Thanks to the integration of level 2 ADAS, featuring lane keep assist and requiring an electronic steering system, Tata has replaced the previous hydraulic steering in the Safari. The former heavy steering at low speeds and light feel at higher speeds has been replaced with a vastly improved unit. This new system offers reduced effort for manoeuvres like u-turns, while instilling confidence with its taut feel during high-speed cruising, thus enhancing overall handling. While braking performance remains commendable, there's room for improvement in brake feel.

Under the hood, the new Safari retains the familiar 168 bhp 2-litre diesel engine sourced from Fiat, now upgraded to BS6.2 standards. Known for its robust mid-range power delivery and wide powerband, the engine offers ample power and torque. However, refinement is an area where it falls short, with noticeable engine noise even at low RPMs. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, although the manual's long clutch travel and peculiar bite point make the automatic a more appealing choice. Additionally, the Safari now offers three driving modes — Eco, City, and Sport — along with terrain modes — Normal, Wet, and Rough — which optimise the electronic stability control (ESC) to better adapt to varying road conditions.

Tata Safari Key specifications 

Tata Safari Safety Features

As of the time of writing this review, the Tata Safari, in conjunction with the Harrier, achieved the highest-ever score in Global NCAP history, securing a full 5-star rating for both adult and child protection. This achievement is a testament to Tata's commitment to prioritising safety, offering reassurance to customers in the event of unfortunate accidents. The outstanding score reflects not only a solid build but also an array of advanced features.

The latest addition to the lineup is level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which brings a comprehensive suite of features including blind spot warning, blind view monitor, cross traffic alert, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking system, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control (available only with automatic transmissions). Additionally, standard safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), traction control, three-point seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX child seat mounts, a tire pressure monitoring system, and more.

Higher-spec models further enhance safety with additions like hill descent control and a driver knee airbag, raising the total airbag count to seven.

Tata Safari Technology and Infotainment

The thoroughly updated Safari has oodles of tech on offer. Borrowing the same 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system found in the top variants of the Nexon EV, it significantly enhances the cabin experience. Features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard, while standout additions such as an excellent 360-degree camera, touchscreen controls for the onboard air purifier, and JBL's impressive 10-speaker sound system add to the allure.

Complementing the touchscreen is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Among its highlights is the ability to display Google Maps directly onto the cluster, aiding the driver's focus on the road ahead. Ambient lighting contributes to the ambiance, while voice commands in six languages, including control over the panoramic sunroof, enhance convenience and enjoyment while driving.

Is the Tata Safari for you?

While the compact SUV segment is flooded with options, the mid-size SUV segment is not as well populated in India, with 7-seater models on offer being even fewer. This segment is currently dominated by the Mahindra Scorpio-N and XUV700. While both are great offerings, the Tata Safari packs enough tech to take them on. The Safari excels in ride quality and features, and has stellar looks too, making it a great offering. However, where the Safari loses out to the Mahindra duo is off-road ability, since the Scorpio-N is available with a proper 4x4 system, and the XUV700 gets an AWD drivetrain option as well, albeit only with the top spec diesel. The engines on the Mahindras are smoother and more refined too, and they both offer petrol powertrains. For someone who isn’t planning on straying off-the road often, and someone who doesn’t mind a slightly gruff engine, the Safari is a great choice. But if you are after the kind of lifestyle that the original Safari once offered, you will have to look at its rivals instead.