Autocar India
PS

Prateek Saini

8w

I have already booked Safari Adventure X Plus Petrol Automatic but confused on it considering TATA glitches etc. My main reason is to for it is being a car which has safety for family and small engine to give decent mileage in city. But People generally suggest to go for XUV 700 keeping mileage aside or go for Invicto or Kia Carens for mileage but finding Invicto at higher budget making breakeven in more than 80000 KM and Kia Carens really low on safety. Pls suggest.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
7w

Before you go ahead with the purchase, please keep in mind that the Tata Safari is a heavy vehicle and in its petrol-automatic guise, expecting double digit city fuel efficiency will be a bit ambitious. Yes, on the open roads, at constant speeds and light throttle inputs, the turbo-petrol could deliver good fuel efficiency, but in bumper-to-bumper traffic and stop-go conditions, fuel efficiency will be low. As a family car though, the Safari is a good option, on account of its spacious cabin, and impressive ride comfort. Tata's service experience can be a hit or a miss, and it isn't the best in terms of reliability either, occasionally throwing up a glitch or two. The Mahindra XUV 7XO is slightly better in that regard, however space isn't as good as in the Tata, especially in the third row. Also, the XUV's 2.0-litre turbo-petrol-automatic will fare worse (if not equally) as far as efficiency goes.

Hence, if you want a fuel-efficient family car, the Maruti Invicto or the Toyota Innova Hycross hybrid are the ones to get. Of course, these are very expensive, and as you've rightly pointed out, unless your usage is very high, it will take a long time to benefit from its lower running costs after breaking even. But as far as reliability, peace of mind and a trouble-free ownership experience goes the Maruti and Toyota are still the ones to beat.

Tata Safari Front Right Three Quarter

Tata Safari

SA

Sambit

6w

We bought 7XO Ax7t AT . City fuel efficiency is 7 to 7.5 kmpl . For highway 13 kmpl with 4 person + AC @90 kmph

RA

Rajesh

7w

Sir i am confused between creta diesel and scorpio n please suggest me i have 2000 km monthly drive on highway and city mix 50-50

HT

HT

7w

As an owner, I can tell that you that tata safari Diesel is an amazing car and it's suspension setup is otherworldly. Nothing comes close, no DaVinci or Galelio gimmick. Petrol is also a good option if you like the comfort of highway and the feeling that you are driving a gentleman's SUV n not some goonish rubbish on the road.

SI

SID

7w

I have been driving a tata harrier for 3 years now. The engine has been worked on twice already. Also the car has a lot of rusting issues which is not covered under warranty. Also own a punch ev. 1 year old. Rusting is visible in certain areas. Tata service centre is a pain to deal with. A car needs to be reliable or have an amazing after sales support. Unfortunately tata doesn't do both. Wouldn't recommend tata.

AT

Atharv

7w

It has been 3 years with my Safari now, faced 2 glitches in the first month itself but a restart fixed them....since then no issue, it's running great. The car is Phenomenal on highways and the confidence you get is just insane on that D8 platform.

SI

SID

7w

Own a harrier for 3 years now. The engine has been worked on twice already. And a lot of rusting which is not covered under warranty. Also own a punch ev. Same rusting issues. Tata service centres are a pain to deal with. Wouldn't recommend tata to anyone

RI

Rishi

7w

I am driving safari diesel. For a year now and in my experience I can tell one thing that tata is making safer cars but as far as reliability is concerned.. You cannot trust TATA. I purchased the car in June 2025 and now front windshield washer fluid motor is not working. 360 camera is not working. Also after installing back bumper my car was not starting. All system crashed. Service centres are worst. No one takes responsibility. Tomorrow I am going to send the car for repair for 3rd time in 9 months. And I have driven the car only 10000 kms. So I just want to tell you.. That think twice before your purchase. Because these problem really matter when you are on a road trip with your family.

VR

Vikram Rathore

7w

I am driving TATA Safari Dark AMT Diesel, Safety & Space r amazing & no comparison with XUV, Carens ! Yes Experience at Service Centre is not great but that at max twice a year & u can consider those 2 days as bad days & move on ! Ride Quality & Comfort bcz of D8 platform is very nice ! I have done 35K in 3 years & have no complains till date

SP

Satya Prakash Ojha

7w

I am driving this fuel guzzler for 15 days now. To me in city it give around 9-11kmpl but you need to be driving light peddled. My earlier automatic i10 gave 14-16 and manual swift 2018 gives 17kmpl. Given that Safari's weight and tubro engine coupled wil auto gear box. Will not give anything more than 12 in city. Highways rides have been breezy and churned out 17-18 kmpl

More questions on similar cars

AM

AMAR

5d

I live in Andhra Pradesh, and most of my driving is on quarry roads and double-lane roads. I drive nearly 5,000 km per month. Please suggest a 7-seater SUV, MPV, or EV with captain seats within a budget of ₹30-40 lakh.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
22h

Your usage and requirements point to a tough yet comfortable diesel SUV with lots of space. In that use, the Tata Safari 6-seat diesel automatic Accomplished X+ fits you best. It rides comfortably on broken surfaces, feels steady at highway speeds, and the captain seats in the middle row are wide and easy to get in and out of, which matters when you are in the car for hours every day. They're also widely adjustable and even ventilated, which is a bonus. The diesel with an automatic gearbox means less effort in slow stretches and relaxed cruising between towns, and diesel makes sense for your monthly distance.Know the trade-offs. With all three rows up, boot space is tight, so plan for a roof carrier if you carry a lot of luggage, and Tata's aftersales and service network isn't quite as good as some other brands. If you are fine with a manual, the Toyota Innova Crysta 7-seat diesel remains a great long-term workhorse and is very reliable too. However, it's not as comfortable or well equipped as the Tata Safari.As for EVs, your two options are the Vinfast VF MP7 and the BYD eMax7. However, due to their long wheelbases, slightly lower ground clearances and underbody battery packs, we'd recommend sticking to an ICE MPV for your usage on rough roads and quarries. Additionally, their dealership and after-sales networks are still limited compared to Tata and Toyota.

VehicleTata Safari
VehicleToyota Innova Crysta
VehicleVinfast VF MPV 7
VehicleBYD eMax 7
HU

Humcha

3d

It’s time to replace my beloved Tata Hexa XTA 2017 model. It is a car I truly loved, but since it is BS4, I am now forced to replace it. Which cars should I consider as replacements? I plan to buy in December 2026. Please suggest the exact variants and provide a detailed comparison of specifications. My budget is ₹15–25 lakh. Diesel is not a must, but I do prefer good torque. A 5-seater is more than enough. My usage is mostly (80%) highway driving. I am almost 55 years old and plan to keep the car for at least the next five years. I prefer an automatic transmission, but I am aware that not all automatics are the same. Safety is another key consideration.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

After almost a decade with your Hexa, a good idea is to replace it with a tough and powerful diesel SUV, and we'd recommend the Tata Harrier Adventure X Diesel AT. It gives you the relaxed, solid, long‑distance feel that you liked in your Hexa, but in a newer and easier‑to‑drive package.It works for you because the diesel has strong pull at low and mid speeds, so overtakes on two‑lane roads need less effort. The 6-speed automatic is the torque-converter type that uses a fluid coupling, which is known for smoothness and long life, and it does not get hot and fussy in traffic. Safety is strong too, with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating and must‑have features like 6 airbags and stability control. Ride comfort is good, and though not quite as tough-feeling as your ladder-frame Hexa, this Tata car feels softer and more comfortable overall.If you want the option of a third row of seats, there's also the Tata Safari at a slightly higher price point, which has all the same strengths of the Harrier. There's also the XUV 7XO, which is a better all-rounder and more fun to drive, but it doesn't feel quite as solid and commanding from behind the wheel as the Harrier or Safari.

VehicleTata Harrier
VehicleTata Safari
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
HM

Huzaifa mulla

4d

Hi Team Autocar, currently I am driving a Volkswagen Vento diesel 2014 model and have driven 2.2 lakh km. I am now planning to buy a 7-seater because we are a family of six (3 adults and 3 children, all under 8 years). My driving is 50% city and 50% highway, as I live in a rural area. I am considering the XUV 7XO diesel automatic AX7L. Please let me know if I should go for it or consider any other big-size, proper SUV. My budget is ₹30 lakh but I can stretch it slightly beyond this if needed.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

With a family of six, a 50:50 mix of city and highway use, and some rural roads in the mix, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic is a good choice. It rides well on rough roads, has good cabin space, and fits your budget well.The diesel has strong pull at low speeds, so it moves easily with a full load and makes safe passes on two-lane highways. The layout works for your family since the second row is roomy, and the third row is fine for your young kids.There are trade-offs as well. With all three rows up, the boot is small, so you will need to plan luggage. The third row is also more cramped than the Tata Safari, which is worth considering if you plan to seat adults there.If you regularly deal with very rough rural roads, then the ladder-frame Scorpio N is an alternative, but you will be compromising on-road dynamics, interior space, and features. Overall, for your use, the Mahindra car is a great choice.

VehicleTata Safari
VehicleMahindra XUV 7XO
VehicleMahindra Scorpio N

Popular discussions right now

MA

Mahesh

1w

Could you please help me choose the most suitable car within a ₹14 lakh on-road budget? I am currently confused between the Skoda Kushaq facelift, Tata Nexon Creative Plus, and Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5, considering my usage of around 1,000 km per month and the need for a safe, comfortable, and reliable family car for use with two young children?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
6d

With around 1,000 km a month, two young kids and a cap of ₹14 lakh on-road, the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX5 is the one that fits your brief best. It rides comfortably over broken city roads and speed breakers, and the rear seat is more than spacious enough for your kids. Safety is a strong point too, with a solid feel, good driver aids for this price, and mounts to fix child seats in the back. It also fits your budget in a well-equipped trim, so you are not forced into a bare-bones version. A trade-off to note: The boot is not the biggest in this price range, so if you often carry a full-size stroller plus luggage, do a quick fit check. If you prefer a more contemporary looking cabin, the Tata Nexon Creative Plus is your alternative from your list. It offers a slightly roomier boot and a very nice interior, and is easy to drive in the city, but the petrol engine feels a bit less smooth at low speeds and Tata service quality can vary by city. The Skoda Kushaq facelift would be a good pick, but only if you can stretch your budget, as within ₹14 lakh you’ll only get the base manual model, and Skoda’s service reach is smaller. Overall, for your family use and budget, the XUV 3XO AX5 lines up best.

VehicleMahindra XUV 3XO
VehicleTata Nexon
VehicleSkoda Kushaq
VN

Vedant Nawange

4d

Hi, I am confused between buying the Kia Seltos diesel, which I love for its interior and power and which gives around 15 km/l mileage, and the Toyota Hyryder, which involves a slight design compromise but offers 22+ km/l mileage. My daily running is around 70 km, including both city traffic and highway cruising. Also, please share if there is even the slightest possibility of a Kia Seltos hybrid coming next year, as I would be happy to wait.

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

With a 70 km daily mix of traffic and highway use, we would lean towards the Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder strong-hybrid. Your usage is high, and the hybrid will use far less fuel in city traffic while staying calm and smooth. It pulls away on electric power at low speeds, so stop-go driving feels quiet and easy.You like the Seltos for its cabin and stronger shove, and that is fair. The Seltos diesel feels stronger when you press the throttle for quick passes, and its cabin does look and feel richer. If most of your 70 km is open highway and you really value that strong pull and the Kia car interior, the Seltos diesel automatic is still a solid pick.On a Kia Seltos hybrid: Kia does intend to introduce a hybrid, but timing is not yet decided as they are trying to localise components. We estimate it could arrive in 2027, but that could change. For your mix of city and highway, the Hyryder strong-hybrid lines up best with what you need right now.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleToyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

Posted on: 7 Mar 2026