I want to buy a 7-seater car, Alcazar or Safari. Which will be better? Also, when is the Safari petrol expected to launch?

Autocar India

•21w

If most of your driving is in town and the third row will only be used occasionally, the Hyundai Alcazar is a better fit. The 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine isn’t very punchy, but the Alcazar’s light controls and compact dimensions make it friendlier to drive on congested roads. It also comes absolutely loaded with features and offers a 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol option.

However, if you do frequent road trips with your family or spend a lot of time on highways, the Tata Safari is the better choice. The Safari has a far more usable third row, and the 170hp, 2.0-litre diesel engine can comfortably haul six or seven passengers. It also feels tougher overall.

As for the Safari petrol, that option will take some time. Tata plans to debut its new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine in the Sierra SUV first, which will later be introduced in other Tata models, including the Safari and Harrier.

Explore cars mentioned

Hyundai

Alcazar

from ₹16.83 Lakh

Tata

Harrier

from ₹14.98 Lakh

Tata

Safari

from ₹15.44 Lakh

Tata

Sierra

from ₹13.37 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Sylvester Mathew

•1d

I have been driving a 2012 Ford EcoSport diesel with a manual transmission, and I am quite impressed with its performance. Since the fitness certificate (FC) renewal is due soon, I am planning to upgrade. I am specifically looking for a diesel manual SUV and have shortlisted the Tata Sierra and Tata Harrier. However, I am inclined towards the Harrier mainly for two reasons: Build quality The Fiat-sourced diesel engine That said, the Sierra appeals to me because of its design and features. I am comfortable with the Pure+ variant, but I am not convinced that a sunroof should be mandatory on higher variants. Could you please suggest which of these two would be the better option? Also, if there are any other alternatives, please let me know. My main priorities are build quality and ride comfort.

Autocar India

•2h

Given what you're looking for in your SUV, the Tata Sierra makes more sense than the Harrier for you. It will feel like a considerable upgrade from your Ford EcoSport Diesel MT, most notably in size and features. And yes, as you mentioned, its standout design is really one of its biggest selling points. The Harrier has a much stronger engine, though build quality isn't too far off, but the premium Tata Motors is asking over the Sierra, spec for spec, doesn't feel worth it when the latter is such a good package. The sunroof, unfortunately, has become an inescapable feature in modern cars, especially in these segments, and it's something that you'll just have to accept and not use if you want the rest of the features as well. Tata is known to update its models regularly and add new trim levels, and maybe it will introduce more variants that have the rest of the features minus the sunroof. All things considered, the Sierra represents far better value than the Harrier.

Tata Sierra

Tata Harrier

Tarangkumar Patel

•3d

Hi, I currently own a Honda Amaze diesel 2014 model. Now, after using it for so long, I want to upgrade to a 7-seater. I shortlisted the Hyundai Alcazar and Kia Carens Clavis and have done test drives for both vehicles. My daily usage in the city is 25 km, and I occasionally do long family trips. Now I am super confused between both cars, as one has premiumness and the other has space. Please suggest the best vehicle for me. Is the turbo petrol good? Now I am super confused.

Autocar India

•2d

Both cars are quite closely matched on premium feel, though one aesthetic seems to have worked better for you than the other. It's more a contest of road presence versus space, as the tall, SUV body style of the Hyundai Alcazar makes a strong impression on the road. It is boxy and upright and has the edge on ground clearance, as well as larger wheels.The price you pay is in the third row, where the Kia Carens Clavis' practical MPV shape liberates more space, and there's better ease of access too. Both cars have the same powertrain options, except that the Carens Clavis offers an additional engine option - the 1.5 naturally aspirated petrol. It also gets an iMT automated manual gearbox with the Turbo Petrol engine instead of a conventional manual, which the Alcazar gets.Yes, the Turbo Petrol is a good option, as given your relatively low usage, a diesel doesn't feel necessary. The 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo feels strong enough to haul 7 people and is quite enjoyable to drive too.As for which of the two you wish to buy, if you simply must have an SUV for its visual appeal and ground clearance, that is the only reason to choose the Alcazar. If that is not a bother, then the lighter, more spacious, more practical Kia Carens Clavis is the one we recommend.

Kia Carens Clavis

Hyundai Alcazar

Sandesh

•2d

Hi team, I want to buy a 7-seater car. Need advice between Toyota HyCross GX (O), Tata Safari or Mahindra 7XO.

Autocar India

•1d

You should go for the Toyota Innova HyCross GX (O) if you want a true 7-seater with the roomiest third row of seats. The HyCross's 2,850 mm wheelbase and flat floor make the third row friendlier for adults than the Tata Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO. Furthermore, it's backed up by Toyota’s proven reliability and hassle-free ownership in India.However, you will have to compromise when it comes to the powertrain. The Hycross' 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine isn't as punchy as the Tata Safari and XUV 7XO's turbocharged units, and real-world mileage is quite poor, as we managed 6.9kpl in the city and 12.4kpl on the highway. The Toyota also doesn't get a diesel engine option like the other two.If you prioritise performance and high-end features, either the Safari or the Mahindra XUV 7XO makes more sense. As for pricing, the Innova HyCross GX (O) is priced between Rs 20.43 lakh and Rs 20.56 lakh (ex-showroom).

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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