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 |
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| 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.
