Autocar India
3h

Am looking for a 7-seater SUV EV and am awaiting the Tata Safari EV launch. How will having the battery pack under affect seating comfort? Also, is the 3rd row usable or will it be suitable for short people and short trips? Will the AWD version be suitable for off-roading?

Verified
11m

The Tata Safari EV certainly looks promising if you're after a 7-seat electric SUV, but some questions can only be answered once we get behind the wheel. Based on what we know so far, there are a few reasonable expectations. As with most modern EVs, the battery pack is mounted under the floor. Manufacturers usually compensate by raising the seating position slightly, so outright comfort shouldn't be compromised significantly. That said, there can be some impact on under-thigh support and seating posture, particularly in the third row, depending on how successfully Tata has packaged the battery.

As for the third row, don't expect miracles. Like most three-row SUVs in this size class, it is likely to be best suited to children, teenagers or shorter adults on longer journeys. Average-sized adults should be fine for shorter trips, but if you regularly carry seven adults, the third row is unlikely to be as accommodating as the one in the Kia Clavis EV

The AWD version should offer noticeably better traction on loose surfaces, gravel, mud and rough trails than the standard model. However, it is important to remember that the Safari EV is still a monocoque family SUV, not a dedicated off-roader. It should be capable of handling mild to moderate off-road conditions and adventure touring, but serious off-roading won't be its primary brief.

Tata Safari EV

Tata Safari EV

Was this helpful? Ask a follow-up

More questions on similar cars

Popular discussions right now

3d

I am planning to purchase a new automatic car for my daughter. She recently obtained her driving license and is currently driving an automatic Tata Nano. Now that she is comfortable and confident with it, I am considering upgrading her to a larger vehicle. I am evaluating options such as the Kylaq and the Kia Sonet. However, my wife is insisting on an electric car. I am a bit sceptical about EVs, as they are not yet fully proven to be trouble‑free, and her weekly commute is around 150 km. I am also waiting for the launch of the updated Brezza, and my preference is for a torque‑converter automatic rather than a DCT. I would appreciate your opinion on electric cars, the Kia Sonet diesel, the Brezza, and which one I should go for. This car will be mostly used for city drives since I have an Ertiga manual for long trips.

Verified
2d

Of your shortlisted cars, go for the Skoda Kylaq automatic. For mostly city use and just 150km a week, its punchy turbo petrol engine with a smooth torque converter is a great mix of fun and ease of use. Its light yet sharp steering, upright seating and compact size feel like a natural step up from a Nano, and the interior feels fresh and upmarket too.The Kia Sonet diesel automatic is quick and efficient, but a diesel engine is overkill for your daughter's limited usage. Not only is it pound-for-pound more expensive than an equivalent petrol to buy, but it also requires extra care, such as regenerating the DPF (diesel particulate filter) every so often via a high-speed run, as well as top-ups of the ad-blue tank. The Brezza is a good option thanks to its simple, naturally aspirated engine, which should deliver better fuel economy than the Kylaq. But in its current form, it's just a bit uninteresting and unenthusiastic an offering, and it's best to wait for the facelift, which is right around the corner, before making that decision.For 150 km a week, an electric car is actually ideal if you have a private parking spot with a 15A socket or a home charger. The powertrains these days are much smoother, batteries carry long warranties, and city running is silent and cheap. Upfront cost, charging access and resale value are the only real hurdles, so if you are interested, a compact EV like the Tata Punch EV is a great option.

VehicleSkoda Kylaq
VehicleKia Sonet
VehicleMaruti Suzuki Brezza
VehicleTata Punch EV

Posted on: 18 Jun 2026