2021 Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Spec Comparison

Latest Update: – Tata Motors has launched the 7-seater Safari SUV in the Indian market with prices ranging between Rs 14.69 lakh and Rs 21.45 lakh (introductory ex-showroom, Delhi). Click here to read the full news. 

The 2021 Tata Safari has finally been unveiled, and as expected it will be available with both 6- and 7-seater configurations, which directly positioned it against the MG Hector Plus SUV. There are still some weeks left for the Safari’s launch, but it's specifications and features details have been revealed by the Indian marker. So, let’s compare these two mid-sized three-row SUVs to find out which one is better: –

2021 Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Dimensions & Seating Capacity

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Length	4661mm	4720mm
Width	1894mm (without mirrors)	1835mm
Height	1786mm	1760mm
Wheelbase	2741mm	2750mm
Seating Configurations	6 & 7-seater	6 & 7-seater
Boot Space (when 3rd row folded)	447L	530L
Fuel Tank Capacity	50L	60L
Wheel Size	Lower variants: – 235/70 R16 Steel Higher variants: – 235/60 R18 Alloys	Lower variants: – 215/60 R17 Steel Higher variants: – 235/55 R18 Alloys
Spare Wheel Size	235/70 R16 Steel	215/60 R17 Steel
Kerb Weight	1825kg	–

 

• The MG Hector Plus is approximately 60mm longer than the Safari, however, the difference between wheelbase is only 9mm, which is quite negligible.
• New Safari is around 60mm wider, which will contribute to better shoulder space.
• In terms of boot space and fuel tank capacity, the Hector Plus has the upper hand.
• Both SUVs offer 18-inch alloy wheels with their higher-spec trims.

2021 Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Engine Specifications

As of now, Tata has offered the Safari with a diesel engine only and thus we will not be analyzing the petrol engine of the Hector Plus for this comparison.

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Displacement	2.0-litre turbocharged diesel	2.0-litre turbocharged diesel
Max Power	170PS	170PS
Peak Torque	350Nm	350Nm
Transmission	6-speed MT / 6-speed AT	6-speed MT
Drivetrain	front-wheel-drive	front-wheel-drive
Claimed Fuel Efficiency	TBU	17.41kmpl

• It is important to note that both these SUVs draw their power from the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine, which generates identical output for both vehicles. However, if you want the diesel model with two-pedal convenience, the Tata Safari is the only option here.

New Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Features

Though both SUVs are well equipped, here we have compared the key features of their top-spec variants: – 

1. Exterior

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Headlamp	Xenon HID Projector Headlamps	LED
LED DRLs	LED	LED
Tail lamps	LED	LED
Front Fog Lamps	LED with Cornering Function	LED with Cornering Function
Rear Fog Lamps	–	LED
Turn Indicator Type	Dual Function LED DRLs with Turn Indicators	Floating Type
Front Grille	Chrome finished	Chrome finished
Skid Plates	✓	✓
Antenna	Shark Fin Antenna	Shark Fin Antenna
Alloy Wheels	R18 DUAL TONE ALLOYS	R18 DUAL TONE ALLOYS

 

2. Interior, Comfort & Convenience

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Touchscreen infotainment system	8.8-inch (horizontally placed)	10.25-inch (vertical)
Connected car technology	✓	✓
Remote control with Live tracking, geo-fencing	✓	✓
Over-the-air support (OTA)	✓	✓
Voice Command With English, Hindi & Hinglish Support	✓	✓
Android Auto & Apple Carplay	✓	✓
Sound system	9 JBL Speakers (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters & Subwoofer) with Amplifier	9 INFINITY Speakers (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters & Subwoofer) with Amplifier
Instrument Cluster Type	Semi-digital with 7" Colour TFT Display	Semi-digital with 7" Colour TFT Display
Steering Mounted Audio Controls	✓	✓
Automatic climate control	✓	✓
Rear AC vents	✓	✓
Power adjustable driver seat	with Lumbar Support (6 Way)	✓ (6 Way)
Power adjustable front passenger seat	✗	✓ (4 Way)
Front seat ventilation	✗	✓
Powered tailgate	✗	✓
Wireless charging	✗	✓
Auto Headlamps	✓	✓
Rain sensing wipers	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming IRVM with Follow Me Home function	✓	✓
Heated ORVM	✗	✓
Ambient Lighting	✓	✓
Panoramic Sunroof	✓	✓
Drive modes	Eco, City & Sport	–
Terrain modes	Normal, Rough & Wet	–

3. Safety

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Airbags	6	6
ABS with EBD	✓	✓
Brake assist	✗	✓
ESC	✓	✓
Traction control	✓	✓
Hill assist control	✓	✓
Hill descent control	✓	✓
Tyre pressure monitoring system	✓	✓
Parking sensors	Rear	Front + Rear
360-degree camera	✗ (rear camera only)	✓
All disc brakes	✓	✓
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold	✓	✓
ISOFIX	✓	✓

 

• There is no doubt that the MG Hector Plus is better occupied than the Safari SUV as it misses out on various comfort & convenience features such as a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated ORVMs, wireless charger, powered tailgate, etc. However, the absence of these features won't affect your comfort experience much.

New Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Price

	Tata Safari	MG Hector Plus
Price range (ex-showroom)	Rs 15-21.5 lakh (expected)	Rs 13.34 – 19.12 lakh

 

Prices of the 2021 Tata Safari are yet to be announced. We believe it could demand a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the 5-seater Harrier, which is currently priced between Rs 13.84 and 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). While the unofficial bookings have already commenced at selected dealerships for a token amount of Rs 51,000, the official booking will start from 4th February.