Engine choice on the Tata Safari for 2026 narrows to two: a 1.5-litre Turbo-GDI petrol and a 1956cc diesel, the latter making 170hp at 3,750rpm and 350Nm from its turbocharged four-cylinder, common-rail setup, and seating layout turns out to matter just as much as the engine under the bonnet. Both units pair with a 6-speed manual, while the diesel alone adds a 6-speed torque-converter automatic with paddle shifters and a sport mode for sharper, more involved shifts.

In terms of size, the Safari measures 4,668mm long, 1,922mm wide and 1,795mm tall, built on a 2,741mm wheelbase, with a 50-litre fuel tank and 420 litres of boot space. Cabin layout genuinely splits the range: a 6-seat captain's chair configuration is reserved for select higher trims, while the more practical 7-seat setup is available from the base model right up to the top variant, making this a real point of difference rather than a cosmetic one.

Safety equipment runs to up to 7 airbags (6 fitted as standard), a 360-degree parking camera, electronic stability control, all-round disc brakes with ABS, Level 2 ADAS, an electronic parking brake with autohold, front and rear parking sensors and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages, all backed by a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating. Anyone cross-shopping three-row SUVs should check how much of this safety and camera suite comes standard lower down the range before assuming rivals match it trim for trim.

Nayeem Ahmed baksh•18 Sept 2026

5/5

The best SUV is Tata Safari with its specs and price tag.

Hitesh Mali•15 Sept 2026

5/5

I drive the Tata Safari diesel model; it is fantastic and fun to drive. This is one of the best SUVs in India. I like its road presence and the handling is best and smooth.

Suraj N•15 Sept 2026

5/5

I purchased this car in 2025. It's very good, fit and finish is decent, and I love the steering feedback. The transmission is the best, but the third-row space is just decent and boot space is poor.

Sandeep Kumar•15 Sept 2026

5/5

The Tata Safari is one of the most impressive SUVs in its segment, blending power, comfort, and style. Its bold road presence and premium design stand out, while the spacious interiors make every journey relaxing.

virendra singh tanwar•15 Sept 2026

1/5

Its center row AC is not effective at all. According to dealers, nothing can be done as Tata hasn't fitted any blower for the center row. It's a waste of money.

Viraj Rajput•15 Sept 2026

5/5

I recently checked out the Tata Safari Pure X Dark Edition. It feels like a proper SUV with a bold design. The powerful 2.0-litre diesel engine is great for highway drives, and ride comfort is solid.

Vikas Nishad•15 Sept 2026

5/5

The Tata Safari Dark Edition (7-seater) is stylish and powerful, combining premium looks with practicality. The all-black theme gives it a commanding road presence, and the interiors feel sporty and premium.

Mayur R•14 Sept 2026

5/5

I bought my car 6 months ago, drove nearly 7k kilometers, and have zero regrets. Tata Safari is a brilliant choice with all the features you want, top-notch performance, and very good road presence. Super comfy for long drives.

Neeraj Singh•14 Sept 2026

5/5

You can hate it or love it, but you can't ignore it. Massive road presence and unmatched performance. Drove more than 15k in 9 months with multiple long drives. Superb mileage on long drives, never less than 15, even at 130-140. Fully satisfied with my decision.

Sandeep•13 Sept 2026

5/5

I think to buy the Tata Safari. All features are available in this SUV and value for the money. It's stylish and good looking, comfortable for long drives, and the safety features are also good. Compared to other SUVs, I think Tata Safari is better.

Tata Safari Expert Reviews

Autocar score

We like

Petrol is smooth with effortless performance
Good ride quality and highway manners
Feature packed

We don't like

Ergonomic quirks persist
Gruff diesel engine

View Tata Safari Expert Reviews

Tata Safari Images

Full Cabin View (Top Angle) Image - 10029

Digital Instrument Cluster Image - 10352

Digital Instrument Cluster Image - 10280

Usb Compatibility Connectivity Image - 10088

Full Cabin View (Top Angle) Image - 10240

Leather Wrapped Gear Knob Shift Selector Image - 31349

Usb Compatibility Connectivity Image - 10103

Rear Passenger Adjustable Seats Image - 31357

Color Black Cosmic Gold (Dual Tone) Image - 20468

Full Cabin View (Top Angle) Image - 10676

Full Cabin View (Top Angle) Image - 10666

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Questions you may find useful

•16h

I currently own a 2016 Hyundai i20 Elite Sportz and am planning to upgrade to an SUV, but I am a bit confused. My budget is Rs. 20 lakh. I am looking for a reliable engine, low maintenance costs, and decent mileage. Since my family consists of six members, I am particularly interested in a 7-seater. Would the Tata Safari be a good option, or should I consider other alternatives?

•9h

With a family of six and a Rs 20 lakh budget, the Carens Clavis is worth considering before the Safari. It offers genuinely usable space across all three rows, a comfortable ride and a proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. For a buyer prioritising reliability, low maintenance and reasonable running costs, it is a more natural fit.The Safari is the more SUV-like choice, with a spacious cabin, good ride comfort and strong highway manners. Although the Safari itself has not been tested, the Harrier uses the same 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and returned just 6.17kpl in the city and 12.49kpl on the highway in our testing. The Safari is heavier, so expectations of fuel economy should be realistic. The diesel is more efficient than the petrol, but it is not particularly frugal either, especially in city use.The Clavis therefore makes more sense if mileage and running costs are important. The Safari becomes more attractive if you specifically want the larger SUV experience, higher seating position and stronger highway character.

Kia Carens Clavis

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari

•2d

Three months into my Safari diesel. Highway comfort's been the standout so far, still getting used to the size in city parking though.

•3w

I currently own a September 2019 Kia Seltos HTX IVT (petrol), which has covered around 73,000 km without any issues, despite a major accident at 17,000 km. I am now thinking of buying a new car. My first preference is the Tata Safari petrol. However, after seeing the recent results and user reviews of the Tata Harrier EV, I am in a dilemma about whether I should buy the Harrier EV or the Safari petrol, or wait for the Safari EV.

•3w

Recommendation: Tata Safari petrol for now, rather than the Harrier EV. Since your 2019 Seltos has already done 73,000km without major mechanical issues, there is no urgent need to move to an EV simply because the Harrier EV is newer. The Safari petrol gives you the larger, more comfortable SUV you are looking for, along with a conventional powertrain that is easier to live with if you plan to keep the car for many years.The Harrier EV is the more attractive proposition if you have home charging and do substantial running, particularly in the city. It offers excellent performance, refinement, ride comfort and a premium cabin. However, it is still too early to call it the safer long-term ownership choice.

Tata Safari

Tata Harrier EV

•3w

I currently own a Hyundai Venue 1.2 petrol. I am considering for an upgrade and my requirements include a 7-seater petrol or diesel automatic SUV under 25 lakh (on-road) with 80:20 city to highway ratio with maximum 15,000 km annually. Can I consider electric as well. What would be your recommendation? I am considering XUV 7X0, Safari or the Alcazar but I'm open to other options as well. Thanks in advance.

•3w

Given your requirements, the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic would be our recommendation. With an 80:20 city-to-highway ratio and 15,000 km a year, diesel still makes sense because the XUV 7XO's diesel engine is refined, efficient and well suited to both city driving and long highway runs. The 7XO also offers a usable third row, strong performance and a well-equipped cabin, making it a proper upgrade from your Venue.The Tata Safari is a strong alternative if you prioritise ride comfort and a more spacious third row, but the XUV 7XO offers a better overall ownership experience and a more modern feature set. The Hyundai Alcazar petrol automatic is the more refined and easier-to-drive option in the city, but its third row is tighter and it does not feel like as big a step up from the Venue.On the electric front, the Mahindra XEV 9S is worth considering if you have home charging and predictable daily usage, but at Rs. 25 lakh on-road you are likely to be looking at the lower variants, and the XUV 7XO diesel still makes more sense given your usage pattern.Overall, the XUV 7XO diesel automatic strikes the best balance between space, performance, efficiency and long-term ownership.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Safari

Mahindra XEV 9S

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Venue

•4w

I’m looking for a car in the Rs 22-24 lakh budget. My daily usage is around 30km, with about 75 percent of the driving in the city. My priorities are safety, driving comfort, mileage and an automatic gearbox. I was initially looking for a 5-seater and liked the Harrier Petrol Automatic, but I am now also considering a 7-seater. Should I choose between the Harrier, Safari and XUV 7XO, and would petrol or diesel be more suitable for my usage? I’m also open to other suggestions that fit these requirements.

•4w

Go for the Mahindra XUV 7XO diesel automatic. With your 30km daily running and 75% city usage, diesel still makes sense because the 7XO’s diesel engine is efficient, refined and well suited to both city and highway driving. The XUV 7XO also offers a more modern cabin, better tech and a more premium feel than the Harrier and Safari. It is also a genuinely comfortable 7 seater with a usable third row, which gives you added flexibility. The Tata Harrier petrol automatic is a good car, but the petrol engine is not as efficient and the overall package feels a bit older compared to the 7XO. The Tata Safari is essentially a 7 seater version of the Harrier, so the same comments apply. The 7XO diesel automatic is the best fit for your priorities of safety, driving comfort, mileage and automatic transmission.

Mahindra XUV 7XO

Tata Harrier

Tata Safari