The mid-sized Tata Safari SUV is officially back in a new avatar. Unlike the previous generation's body-on-frame chassis, the new Safari is based on Tata's latest OMEGA ARC platform, which is a unibody/monocoque construction. It is essentially a 6/7-seater version of the Harrier SUV that positioned it against the Mahindra XUV500 and MG Hector Plus. While we have already compared it with the MG SUV, in this story we will find how does it fare against the Mahindra XUV500.
2021 Tata Safari Vs Mahindra XUV500: Dimensions
Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV500 | |
Length | 4661mm | 4585mm |
Width | 1894mm (without mirrors) | 1890mm |
Height | 1786mm | 1785mm |
Wheelbase | 2741mm | 2700mm |
| Seating Configurations | 6 & 7-seater | 7-seater |
Boot Space |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50L | 70L |
| Wheel Size |
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| Spare Wheel Size | 235/70 R16 Steel | 235/65 R17 Steel |
| Kerb Weight | 1825kg | 1785kg |
- Compared to Mahindra XUV500, the new Safari is slightly longer, wider, and taller. However, its boot is not as spacious as XUV500.
- The XUV500 is lighter than the Safari and has upsized wheels in the lower-spec variants. Its fuel tank capacity is also better than the new Safari.
- The Safari is also available in a 6-seater layout, offering two captain seats in the middle row for added comfort.
2021 Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus: Engine Specifications
| Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV500 | |
Engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel | 2.2-litre diesel with micro-hybrid tech |
Max Power | 170PS | 155PS |
Peak Torque | 350Nm | 360Nm |
Transmission | 6-speed manual/torque convertor automatic | 6-speed manual/torque convertor automatic |
| Drivetrain | front-wheel-drive (FWD) | front-wheel-drive (FWD) |
Claimed Fuel Efficiency | TBU | 15.1 kmpl |
- While the new Safari is more powerful than the XUV500, it generates 10Nm less torque.
- Both SUV can be had with either a manual or an automatic transmission.
- As of now, both these SUVs are available with front-wheel-drivetrain. Tata could offer the all-wheel-drivetrain with the new Safari in the future, depending on the customer's demand. On the other hand, Mahindra had discontinued the AWD variants of the XUV500 during the BS6 transition. However, the next-generation XUV500 is likely to regain the AWD trims.
New Tata Safari Vs Mahindra XUV500: Features Comparison
Though both SUVs are well equipped, here we have compared the key features of their top-spec variants: –
1. Exterior
| Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV500 | |
| Headlamp | Xenon HID Projector Headlamps | Halogen Projector headlamps |
| DRLs | LED | LED |
| Tail lamps | LED | Bulb type |
| Front Fog Lamps | LED | Halogen |
| Cornering Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Indicator Type | Dual Function LED DRLs with Turn Indicators | Conventional |
| Front Grille | Chrome finished | Chrome finished |
| Skid Plates | ✓ | ✓ |
| Antenna | Shark Fin Antenna | Glass Embedded |
| Alloy Wheels | 18-inch Diamond Cut | 17-inch Diamond Cut |
2. Interior, Comfort & Convenience
| Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV500 | |
| Touchscreen infotainment system | 8.8-inch (floating) | 7-inch (dashboard integrated) |
| Connected car technology | i-RA (Intelligent Real-Time Assist) connected car technology | connected apps only (like gaana, cricket live, zomato, BookMyShow, etc.) |
| Remote control with Live tracking, geo-fencing | ✓ | ✗ |
| Over-the-air support (OTA) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Voice Command With English, Hindi & Hinglish Support | ✓ | English Only |
| Android Auto & Apple Carplay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sound system | JBL Speakers (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters & Subwoofer) with Amplifier | Arkamys sound system |
| Instrument Cluster Type | Semi-digital with 7" Colour TFT Display | Twin Pod Instrument Cluster With Integrated MID |
| Steering Mounted Audio Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic climate control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear AC vents | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power adjustable driver seat | with Lumbar Support (6 Way) | with Lumbar Support (6 Way) |
| Power adjustable front passenger seat | ✗ | ✗ |
| Front seat ventilation | ✗ | ✗ |
| Powered tailgate | ✗ | ✗ |
| Wireless charging | ✗ | ✗ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rain sensing wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming IRVM | ✓ | ✗ |
| Heated ORVM | ✗ | ✗ |
| Ambient Lighting | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sunroof | ✓ (dual pane) | ✓ |
| Drive modes | Eco, City & Sport | ✗ |
| Terrain modes | Normal, Rough & Wet | ✗ |
| Micro-Hybrid Technology | ✗ | ✓ |
| Brake Energy Regeneration | ✗ | ✓ |
3. Safety
| Tata Safari | MG Hector Plus | |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| ABS with EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| ESC | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill assist control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill descent control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tyre pressure monitoring system | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking sensors | Rear | Rear |
| Rear Parking Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| 360-degree camera | ✗ | ✗ |
| All disc brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold | ✓ | ✗ |
| ISOFIX | ✓ | ✗ |
Both SUVs get almost all the essential features. However, the all-new Safari is slightly better packed with HID LED headlamps, connected car tech, remote control, and Hinglish voice commands. It also gets multiple driving modes and traction-control-based off-roading modes.
Also Read: New Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus Vs Mahindra XUV500 – Price Comparison
Tata Safari Vs Mahindra XUV500: Price Range
| Tata Safari | Mahindra XUV500 | |
| Price range (ex-showroom) | Rs 14.69 lakh – Rs 21.45 lakh (introductory) | Rs 13.83 – 19.56 lakh |
In the mid-sized SUV segment, the all-new Tata Safari is the most expensive offering. Interestingly, these are just launching prices and will be increased in the near future.