Tata Safari specifications

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While your preference is for a diesel car, we suggest you consider the Skoda Kodiaq, which is a petrol-only model. Its 2-litre turbo-petrol engine is strong and punchy, and the SUV's good high-speed stability makes it a great road trip car. The third row is tight on space, but this shouldn't be a deal breaker given your occasional use of the last row. With the last row down, the Kodiaq offers loads of room for luggage. The Kodiaq is also well kitted out, and you'll like the sound quality from the Canton sound system. Do note, fuel economy isn't great in town, but the Kodiaq returns reasonable numbers on highway drives. If a diesel is a must, the new MG Majestor is an option for you. It's a size or two larger than your Tata Safari and scores big for road presence. The large size also means the Majestor is big on space. Performance is good, and there are also loads of features packed in. The only question mark for now is the price, but we expect it to be within your budget.

Skoda Kodiaq

MG Majestor

Tata Safari

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The Tata Safari is the model that fulfils most of your requirements. We say 'most' because fuel economy is a question mark for the moment, as we have not tested the Safari Hyperion petrol outside of the media drive. The Safari is a big SUV, and its weight could theoretically impact real-world fuel economy. If you need better efficiency, the Safari diesel is an option for you. The Tata Safari price starts at Rs 13.40 lakh and goes up to Rs 26.76 lakh (ex-showroom). Also note, Tata Safari Hyperion Accomplished Ultra prices range between Rs 27 lakh and 28.7 lakh, making the model slightly outside your Rs 25 lakh budget. You could consider the Accomplished X trim that fits within your budget. Key differences to the Accomplished Ultra are the X's smaller rims (18-inch vs 19-inch) and a smaller touchscreen (12.3-inch vs 14.5-inch).

Tata Safari

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With your kind of usage around 40,000km a year, mostly on highways, the Tata Safari diesel would be the better option for you overall.The main reason is that the Safari is simply the stronger highway car, which is where you’ll be spending most of your time. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine produces more torque than the one in the Hyundai Alcazar, and that extra pulling power really helps during highway driving. Especially when overtaking or cruising with a full load of passengers and luggage. The Safari also has a more substantial feel and tends to feel more planted and stable at higher speeds, which is something you will appreciate on long highway runs. Safety is another area where the Safari has an edge.The Alcazar’s advantage lies in efficiency and ease of use. It is slightly more fuel-efficient and feels lighter and easier to drive in city conditions. Maintenance on Hyundai models is also generally predictable, and service networks are very strong. However, given that your driving is predominantly highway-based, these benefits may not be as significant for your usage pattern.In terms of running costs, both being diesel means fuel costs will remain relatively manageable, even with such high annual mileage. The Alcazar will likely return slightly better fuel efficiency, but the difference isn’t dramatic enough to outweigh the Safari’s advantages in performance, stability and overall highway ability.

Tata Safari

Hyundai Alcazar

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Your use is mostly long highway runs with the third row folded for your Labrador, plus a clear need for space in all three rows, parking aids and a 360 camera, and you don’t want it to feel weak when fully loaded. In that situation, the Toyota Innova Hycross 2.0 petrol automatic (non-hybrid) 8-seater is the one from your list that fits best overall. Its third row is the roomiest here, and when you fold it, you get a long, flat floor that is easy for a big dog and luggage. The CVT automatic, makes city work easy, but on the highway it has to work a bit hard to build up speed. Keep speeds steady, and you should see double-digit fuel efficiency on the highway, which matches your requirement.A couple of watch‑outs. The non‑hybrid Hycross does not get a factory 360 camera, and front sensors are limited to higher trims, so you may need a dealer‑fit 360 setup to meet that must‑have. Also, performance with a full load is just about adequate but not as strong as big‑turbo rivals if you push hard.If you must have a factory 360 camera, from your list, the Kia Clavis in a higher trim with the 1.5 turbo DCT gives you that and has a usable third row. Although your concern on DCT in heavy traffic is fair. Given your light city use, that risk is low. If you’re open to diesel, the Safari diesel AT also ticks power, highway comfort and 360 camera, but its third row is not as roomy as the Hycross. Overall, for your highway‑led use and dog‑friendly space, the Hycross non‑hybrid lines up best if you’re okay with adding a 360-camera via the dealer.

Toyota Innova HyCross

Tata Safari

Kia Carens Clavis

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The Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel suits your usage perfectly. With high monthly running and mostly highway driving, you need a car that is stable, comfortable and effortless to drive, and the 7XO delivers on all three. It has a strong engine, a comfortable ride and feels planted at highway speeds. Driver seat comfort is also very good, which matters given how much you drive. The third row is not the most spacious or practical, but for occasional short trips, it works well and meets your requirements.If you specifically want a 7-seater with a better third row, then the Tata Safari is worth considering. It offers a more comfortable and spacious rear section. However, on most other aspects, the XUV 7XO remains the better overall product.On the question of choosing a 5-seater instead, it is strongly recommended to go for a 7-seater. It is not safe to carry more than five people in a 5-seater, even occasionally, and a proper 7-seater gives you that flexibility without compromise.Now, coming to the sunroof, since it is a key requirement for your children. Both the XUV 7XO and the Safari offer a panoramic sunroof, and it genuinely enhances the cabin experience. That said, it is important to treat it as a feature to enhance ambience, not as something to be used while standing or sticking out. It may seem fun, but even at low speeds, it can be unsafe in case of sudden braking or an impact.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari