tata safari review team bhp

2023 Tata Safari Review: Is This Tata's Best Flagship Yet?

Tata Motors has gone all out to give the Safari SUV a jaw-dropping makeover. But, is that enough?

Tata Motors has pulled out all the stops to revamp its flagship SUV, the Tata Safari. Following the trend of refreshing other SUVs in their lineup, Tata has gone all out in giving the Safari a jaw-dropping makeover. And the result, is nothing short of awe-inspiring, leaving enthusiasts and onlookers alike smitten with its all-new look. But, is that enough? We find out.

Tata's endeavour to set the Safari apart from the Harrier is immediately noticeable in the 2023 model. They've retained the split headlamp design, but this time, it's positioned vertically and serves the dual purpose of sequential turn indicators. The Safari branding is a delightful touch. The full-length LED light bar, especially when illuminated at night, exudes an undeniable allure. The LED treatment of the DRLs has been refined, giving it a sleek and aggressive appearance.

Similar to the Harrier, the Safari introduces a fresh grille, which appears somewhat like a 3D print from a distance. However, what sets it apart are the exclusive golden inserts, a signature of the Cosmic Gold paint scheme. While the upper section of the vehicle's profile remains largely unchanged, the lower section bears substantial differences.

The Safari maintains its familiar profile, but the introduction of new 19-inch alloy wheels adds a touch of allure to its overall look. At the rear, the design is now more engaging with a broad light bar that seamlessly connects to the new taillamp setup. The welcome function is a thoughtful addition, enhancing the overall user experience.

Tech & Interior

The infusion of modernity doesn't stop at the exterior of the 2023 Tata Safari. The interior has undergone subtle yet notable enhancements while retaining the familiar dashboard layout. However, these updates introduce a touch of sophistication that elevates the overall experience. The curved layout of the dashboard, in particular, exudes a refined and elegant ambience that complements the overall theme.

Stepping inside, you'll notice that the new touchscreen has been borrowed from the Red Dark Edition of the Safari, accompanied by a few additional creature comforts. The climate control system now boasts a touch-based panel with a dual-zone setting, catering to the comfort of front passengers. Meanwhile, at the centre console, the introduction of a new gear shifter with shift-by-wire technology is a noteworthy improvement.

In addition, the rotary knob for selecting drive modes is also new, flanked by dedicated switches for Eco and Sport modes. It's worth noting that the placement of this control array might take a bit of getting used to.

Safety Features

In the realm of safety, the 2023 Tata Safari closely aligns with its Harrier counterpart. In tandem with the robust OMEGARC platform, Tata has fortified this SUV with an extensive array of safety features. These encompass six airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill hold control, traction control, rollover mitigation, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and 3-point seat belts equipped with reminders, all as standard offerings. The top-spec Safari gets 7 airbags.

Moreover, you'll find an impressive collection of 11 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functions, though this count reduces to 10 if you opt for the manual transmission. It's worth noting that these ADAS features are available from the Adventure A+ persona variant onwards.

As for the all-important safety ratings, that's a bit of a waiting game. We'll be among the first to inform you once the SUV undergoes testing, whether it's through the Global program or Bharat NCAP.

Engine & Transmission

Beneath the hood, the 2023 Tata Safari retains its trusty diesel engine, with no petrol option available as of yet. However, there's a significant enhancement in the form of a shift-by-wire system for the automatic variant, developed in-house by Tata, even though the gear shifter itself is sourced from Hyundai. The key question is, how does this affect the driving experience?

The introduction of shift-by-wire technology has made a palpable difference in driving the Safari. Shifts are now remarkably smoother and nearly seamless, effectively mitigating turbo lag. On the open highway, the gearbox exhibits a longer ratio before initiating a shift, optimizing torque utilization for swift overtaking. This power delivery is distributed evenly, enhancing the driving experience. In urban settings, the Safari performs admirably, thanks to its fluid gear shifts.

While the Safari's diesel engine gets the job done, it might feel somewhat less refined compared to the engines of its competitors, especially in terms of noise. Additionally, the suspension has room for improvement, as smaller road imperfections and potholes can be felt within the cabin. For those residing in areas with less-than-ideal road conditions, this might be a noticeable downside.

So, should you consider the new Tata Safari? To put it frankly, if you're not looking to invest in a larger SUV like the Hyundai Tucson, Volkswagen Tiguan, or Skoda Kodiaq, the answer is a resounding yes!

With its most recent update, Tata has taken a substantial leap forward, although you should be prepared for a higher price tag. Nonetheless, even with the premium pricing, it's likely that the competition will start to feel the pressure, particularly the Mahindra XUV700 , given its long waiting periods. The Hyundai Alcazar , on the other hand, appears to be lagging behind in terms of updates.

While the absence of a petrol option might affect the Safari's appeal to some, Tata has certainly entered the fray with a compelling offering. It's shaping up to be a worthy contender in the segment.

Photography By: Prashant Chaudhary

Car & Bike reviews

Switch IeV3, IeV4 Driven: Delivery Vehicles Go Electric

Satvik Khare Aug 22, 2024

RE Guerrilla 450 vs Triumph Speed 400 vs H-D X440: Comparo

Arun Mohan Nadar Aug 20, 2024

Mahindra Thar Roxx Review: Thar Like Or Car Like?

Satvik Khare Aug 17, 2024

Tata Curvv.ev Review: Ahead Of The Curve?

Ameya Naik Aug 13, 2024

Citroën Basalt Review: Is French Flair Enough?

Siddharth Vinayak Patankar Aug 9, 2024

All Car & Bike reviews

• Saved Articles

Copyright © HT Media Limited All rights reserved.

2023 Tata Safari facelift review: Family car with bachelor's spirit

• Decent styling updates on the outside
• Much more premium cabin than before
• No AWD or petrol engine option
• Tata Safari gets subtle but significant updates to its exterior styling while the cabin has been armed with newer features.

The Tata Safari is the flagship model for the Indian car maker that was first introduced in the country in 2021. At that time, the focus was as much on drawing inspiration from an iconic name as was on putting a brand-new model on a pedestal. This eventually resulted in the introduction of a three-row vehicle that promised SUV-like style but claimed MPV-like comfort. Fast forward just two years and the updated Tata Safari has a new wardrobe to show off in 2023.

Tata has been steadily increasing its focus on passenger vehicles that not just drive well and have top-notch safety credentials but look cutting-edge as well. Or at least extremely contemporary. Just look at the models like Altroz hatchback, the updated Nexon compact SUV and Nexon EV or even the latest Harrier SUV. Here are cars across different body types that showcase the current best that Tata Motors' designers have to offer. And it is a treat for sure. Towards this end, the new Tata Safari has been given a noticeable makeover as well even though it obviously retains its OG flavour.

Also check these Cars

And then there is the pivotal factor of in-car features - the more, the better, even if you end up not using a significant chunk of these in the long run. The Koreans started the trend and rivals like Tata Motors are only too keen to hit back. The Tata Safari, therefore, was always going to be pampered and peppered with features galore. So how do all of these factors come together to manifest in the flagship product from Tata Motors? Here is the first-drive review of the 2023 Tata Safari facelift:

Also watch: 2023 Tata Safari review: Family SUV with bachelor spirit?

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Exterior

The updated Safari looks a tad bit more sporty compared to the outgoing model, while still retaining its largely sophisticated exterior design language. The face, for instance, has been reworked and now sports a new grille, a reworked vertical housing for the fog lamps and headlights, and a stretched DRL bar that connects the sequential DRLs on either side. In a nutshell, the comprehensive updates of the front fascia have given the SUV a butch yet premium look, making it significantly distinctive from the previous model which it has replaced.

There is not much change in the side profile of the new Tata Safari SUV, apart from the reworked alloy design on the 19-inch wheels. The design is likely to evoke different reactions from different viewpoints instead of inviting unilateral awe. But what works really well is how Tata Motors' designers have managed to snub the use of chrome elements and still come up with a visually striking profile. Overall, the side profile of the SUV looks slightly curvy and pretty clean. The subtly flared wheel arches give the SUV a bold and muscular look, while the new design alloy wheels enhance the premium sporty feel.

There are no chrome elements on the rear of the Safari either, where a stretched LED bar connects the two tail lights and runs all across the length of the trunk door which, by the way, offers powered powered-open option. Besides that, the tailgate looks pretty sculpted thanks to the glossy black panel running through the centre of the trunk that also houses the sleek LED bar. The integrated roof spoiler and chunky black bumper with a thick metal skid plate are other design elements that come enhancing the SUV's bold visual appearance.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Interior

The new Tata Safari's cabin has become much more premium now and a slew of updates to the feature list as well as to the upholstery lend the vehicle a premium appeal that would have otherwise been restricted to models in segments above the one this car competes in. The top-end Accomplished variant - or persona, as Tata Motors refers to it, comes with a dual-tone colour scheme inside the cabin but the White theme on the seats would be quite hard to maintain in pristine condition.

The layered dashboard now gets an artificial wood panel which is a nice touch while the central section is dominated by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display unit that is intuitive, puts out clear feed from the 360-degree cameras and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The map feed can also be redirected to the all-digital driver display screen for better navigation which now sports customisable layouts.

The steering wheel has also been updated and is now a four-spoke set with mounted controls and has an illuminated Tata logo on it. This is certainly another nice touch from Tata Motors enhancing the premium quotient inside the cabin of the new Safari SUV. The updated steering wheel is quite easy to operate and control the advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) functionalities that this car offers, courtesy of the layout of the control buttons on the wheel. On that note, the new Tata Safari SUV offers 11 ADAS functions in a further bid to aid driving safety and convenience.

There are plenty of other convenience features that the new Safari packs as well, whether it is the dual-zone climate control function, air purification system, ventilated seats at the front and middle, voice-activated panoramic sunroof, Alexa to Home technology or remote access to the vehicle.

Space remains the same inside the cabin of the new Tata Safari, which means that the SUV continues to be a decently spacious vehicle for passengers in all three rows. Space in that third row, however, continues to come at the cost of a compromised boot storage space. But that's really expected, right?

Overall, the new Tata Safari SUV come as a very well-appointed vehicle with quite a lot of space for comfortable long trips but now, at least in the top-spec version, is significantly more premium than before.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Safety

Tata Motors has been taking the front row across different segments in the Indian passenger vehicle market over the last few years when it comes to making safe cars. While the modern Tata cars come with a wide range of safety features, they also come with robust build quality as well. The Tata Safari facelift too comes following the same strategy.

The Tata Safari comes well-equipped with a host of safety features designed to provide peace of mind to the occupants. Some of the advanced safety technologies available onboard the Tata Safari facelift include multiple airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, electronic parking brake with auto hold, rain-sensing wipers, rollover mitigation, hill hold control, 360-degree view HD camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, front collision prevention function, blind spot detection etc. Moreover, it also gets features like ABS with EBD, Isofix child seat anchors etc.

Here are some of the key safety features onboard the Tata Safari.

• Seven airbags with six as standard
• Electronic stability control as standard
• Three-point seatbelts in all rows
• Seatbelt reminder for all passengers
• Isofix tethers
• Seatbelts with retractor, pre-tensioner, load limiter and anchor pretensioner
• Reinforced cabin structure promising to provide symmetric crash performance and side pole impact

Update: Keeping the trend of introducing safe cars in India, Tata Motors has delivered again with the new Safari and Harrier, as both these two SUVs have achieved five-star Global NCAP safety ratings for adult and child occupant categories. Besides that, the Tata Safari and the Tata Harrier SUVs scored a five-star safety rating at the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP or BNCAP) as well. While announcing the test results Bharat NCAP authorities have announced that the Tata Safari and Tata Harrier have scored five-star ratings with top-notch adult and child safety ratings in frontal, side and pole side impact tests.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Performance

Here is where the updated Tata Safari SUV could have been improved so much more. But isn't. So much has already been mentioned - and experienced - about the 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor under the hood and the choice between an automatic gearbox and a six-speed manual stick. Yes, the turbocharged diesel motor could have been refined further. Yes, the grunt is still uncomfortably palpable when pushing the vehicle to its limits. But yes, the new Tata Safari - especially with the automatic transmission - is still quite a fun car to drive and has enough power to get a move on when required. The suspension continues to hold its own on rough roads and the steering still has a nice heft to aid matters.

But why this otherwise very capable model does not also come with a petrol engine under its hood is beyond the comprehension of many. Tata Motors is almost snubbing the petrol-buying audience in the country, a group that is steadily increasing. There is also no 4x4 option for the updated version of the SUV because the platform on which the new Tata Safari is based on does not allow for it. But here is also a miss, especially as this model does go up against authentic off-road options in the market as well.

2023 Tata Safari facelift: Verdict

The updated Tata Safari is a big step up in terms of its exterior design and cabin features and quality when compared to the previous model. Space has always been this car's strength but the additions to the feature list arm this SUV to the absolute teeth.

The diesel motor and the automatic transmission work extremely well in tandem but as mentioned previously, Tata Motors ought to strongly consider a petrol option for the model as well, especially considering the number of buyers favouring the petrol engines are increasing across India over the last few years

Similar Stories

Editor's pick.

Trending this Week

Latest Car & Bike News

Check Latest Offers

Please provide your details to get personalized offers, want to get the best price for your existing car.

Want to get the best insurance for your existing vehicle?

Please verify your mobile number.

Latest News

• Latest Reviews
• Car Reviews
• Bike Reviews
• Upcoming Cars
• Tata Safari: Which Variant Should You Buy

By car&bike Team

1 mins read

Published on July 10, 2021

Follow us on

• The Tata Safari is a three-row variant of the Tata Harrier
• It gets the same 2.0-litre diesel engine as the Harrier
• The XT trim of the 2021 Safari offers good value for money

The 2021 Tata Safari was launched February 2021 and the 7-seater SUV is based on the Harrier. In an age where many manufacturers tend to offer 12+variants for their cars, the Safari has just six trims on offer, which are - XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ and XZ+. The SUV can be bought as a six-seater or a seven-seater SUV and gets just the one 2.0-litre diesel engine, making 168 bhp at 3,750 rpm along with 350 Nm of peak torque coming in between 1,750 - 2,500 rpm. There is a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic gearbox options on offer. The XT variant does not get an automatic gearbox, not even as an option.

Also Read: Hyundai Alcazar: Which Variant To Buy

Also Read: Skoda Kushaq: Which Variant To Buy

(The top variants get 6 airbags, hill descent control, ISOFIX child seat mounts on the new Safari, which the XT variant misses out on)

(The Tata Safari will be offered in both six and seven seater configuration)

• What the XT variant misses out on is a bigger, 8.8-inch touchscreen, JBL speakers and JBL tuned acoustics, terrain response modes (Normal, Rough and Wet), cornering front fog lamps and a shark-fin antenna. In terms of safety, it misses out on four extra airbags, ISOFIX child seat mounts, hill descent control and electric parking brake with auto hold and an auto-dimming IRMV. Higher variants than XT also get premium white leather upholstery (which can be difficult to maintain in a country like India).
• For all these extra features you will have to shell out an extra amount of up to Rs. 4 lakh (that includes the top-spec trim with an automatic gearbox). But if you were to look at a variant which offers the best of both worlds at an attractive price, then the Tata Safari XT trim works well.

Related Articles

Research More on Tata Safari

Tata Safari

Starts at ₹ 16.19 - 27.34 Lakh

Popular Tata Models

Tata Safari User Reviews

Looking for Tata Safari? Here are the reviews and ratings by Safari owners from across the country.

137 Ratings

Select Your Variant

• All Versions
• Ratings 4.5

Accomplished Plus 6 STR Dark Edition AT

• Ratings 4.9

Adventure Plus

• Ratings 4.6

Adventure Plus Dark Edition

Accomplished Plus 6 STR Dark Edition

• Ratings 5.0

Accomplished Plus Dark Edition AT

• Ratings 4.8

Accomplished Plus 6 STR Dual Tone AT

Pure Plus S Dark Edition AT

Accomplished Dual Tone AT

Accomplished Plus Dark Edition

Adventure Plus AT

Accomplished Dark Edition

• Ratings 4.3

Adventure Plus A

Accomplished Dual Tone

Accomplished Plus Dual Tone

Pure Plus S

• Ratings 4.7

Accomplished Plus 6 STR Dual Tone

Adventure Plus Dark Edition AT

Accomplished Plus Dual Tone AT

Accomplished Dark Edition AT

Pure Plus AT

Pure Plus S Dark Edition

Pure Plus S AT

• Ratings 4.0

Categories  ( out of 5 )

• 4.9 Exterior
• 4.7 Comfort
• 4.6 Performance
• 4.4 Fuel Economy
• 4.6 Value for Money

All Tata Safari Reviews

Exterior/Styles

Comfort & Space

Performance (Engine/Gear/Overall)

Fuel Economy

Value for Money/Features

Reviews you may also consider

Take a closer look

Want to read the reviews for any other car?

• User Reviews

• Digital Showroom
• Accessories

Service Products

Book a service, service connect app, owner's manual, bluetooth™ compatibility, general tips, fuel saving tips, best value service, value added services, recall information, android auto user guide, information on warranty.

• Exchange Car
• Dealer Locator

News and Events

Drive NEW FOREVER. A whole new range of cars from Tata Motors.

Specifications

• Unfound Variant

Safari Brochure

Safari Adas Brochure

Safari #Dark Brochure

Collapse All

Find Dealership

Find a Tata Motors car dealerships nearest to you, using the dealer locator.

Schedule a Test Drive

We know you will love our cars, which is why you can book a test drive online at the nearest dealership.

Build Your Own

Configure your Safari as per your needs.

Use our compare tool to find the best model for you and your family.

Request a call back

Thanks for providing your details,

our team will be in touch as soon as possible.

Request a Test Drive

• Hot Threads
• Spare Parts
• Buy Accessories
• Classifieds