Tata Safari 2021 vs Rivals: Specifications Compared

The Tata Safari is officially back! While its traditional rival used to be the Mahindra Scorpio, the new model, underpinned by a monocoque platform, changes that. It is now a premium 6 and a 7-seater SUV that locks horns with the MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV500, two popular family SUVs in the Indian market. Can the Safari be the numero uno in this on-paper comparison? Let’s find out. 

Dimensions

While the Safari is the wider and taller SUV in this test, it’s not as long as the MG Hector Plus. Even the Safari’s wheelbase is shorter than that of the Hector Plus by a whisker. The XUV500, on the other hand, is a tad smaller than the Safari and Hector. But these minute differences shouldn’t be any problem. 

Features

Common features in these SUVs include a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a sunroof, climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, a multi-info display, powered driver’s seat, and ambient lighting. 

• The Safari and Hector Plus feature connected car tech with Hinglish voice commands. 

• Drive modes and traction-control based off-road modes are exclusive to the Safari. 

• The MG Hector Plus comes with two important features that its rivals miss out on -- a powered tailgate and ventilated seats. 

• For the audiophile in you, the Safari and Hector Plus also come with a JBL and Infinity sound system respectively. The XUV500 doesn’t get any branded sound system.

Safety Features

All the three SUVs’ top-spec models come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, parking sensors, a parking camera, electronic stability control, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. It must be mentioned that the Hector Plus also gets a 360-degree camera and front parking sensors to make life easier while parking. 

Engines

The Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus utilise an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine that develops 170PS of power and 350Nm of torque. While it’s 15PS more powerful than the XUV500, both models churn out 10Nm less when compared to the Mahindra SUV. 

A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and only the Safari and XUV500 come with an additional automatic transmission. 

Rivals

The Safari does have a lot riding on its shoulders, but the final verdict would be out when the prices are revealed in mid-February. If priced right, the Safari does have a lot of potential to draw customers to the showrooms.