Out of the three options, the Tata Safari is the one to go for, for its excellent ride comfort, both on the highway and in urban conditions. It feels tough, and flattens bad roads very nicely. 

Moreover, it is more comfortable in all three rows than the Mahindra Scorpio N. Tata's 2.0-litre diesel engine is punchy, although the Mahindra car has an edge in terms of refinement.

The Force Gurkha is the most rugged of the three, and the most capable off-road. But since you want a car for on-road driving, it is also the least comfortable, feels utilitarian, its diesel engine lacks performance, and there is a lot more body roll than the other two cars.

The Tata Safari can be fully electrified, but Tata Motors had earlier put its launch plans on hold. 

However, following the launch of the Mahindra XEV 9S, Tata Motors has revived plans for the Safari EV to take on the XEV 9S to stop Mahindra from running away with the Rs 20 lakh three-row SUV space. The Safari EV is now likely to be launched by mid-2025.

Yes, the Tata Safari petrol is a good option to consider. The 170hp petrol engine is smooth and punchy, making it a lovely car to drive. 

However, if you have the budget to opt for the Skoda Kodiaq, then, quite frankly, the Safari petrol, other than a much more spacious third row, can’t match the Kodiaq, which is in a different class altogether. 

It is better engineered, has a quality feel and is superbly equipped. Also, for your driving, which is mainly on weekends and on highways, where there is less traffic, you can really enjoy the Kodiaq, which is a perfect car. The only compromise you will have to make is with the third row, which is best for kids.
 

The Mahindra XEV 9S is a large car, but its last row isn't comfortable for adults over long drives. Hence, if you need a comfortable seven-seater for long drives, consider the Turbo petrol versions of the Kia Carens Clavis and Tata Safari instead. 

There's also the Kia Carens Clavis EV in this range, which shares its battery+motor with the Creta Electric. However, on your 350km+ highway drives, you will have to stop and charge once, as its real-world highway range is about 345km as per our tests
 

The launch of the petrol versions of the Tata Harrier and Tata Safari will happen this December for sure. 

We will also be driving both Harrier and Safari this month, and our full review will be out on our website and YouTube channel towards the 3rd week of this month, so do look out for that.