After debuting with the Sierra, Tata’s 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine has also made its way to the bigger Safari with a slight bump in power and torque. Tata has also revealed most of the specifications of the SUV, except for its prices. So, how does the new petrol-powered Safari compare against its rivals, such as the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector and Mahindra XUV700, all of which also come with a petrol powertrain? Let us find out.
Do note that the Mahindra XUV700 is due for an update soon, and will be called the XUV 7XO when the facelifted model launches on January 5, 2026.
Tata Safari petrol vs rivals: Dimensions
The Safari is the widest and tallest 3-row SUV in its segment
At 4,668mm, the Tata Safari’s length is shorter than the Hector and the XUV700 by 31mm and 27mm, respectively, while being longer than the Alcazar by 108mm. It is the widest and tallest offering in the segment, but has the shortest wheelbase in this comparison. However, there isn’t a stark difference in wheelbase among all SUVs.
The Safari petrol also offers up to 19-inch wheels, the biggest in this segment. All its rivals have up to 18-inch wheels.
Tata Safari petrol vs rivals: Specs and gearbox options
Except for the outgoing XUV700, all other cars get a 1.5-litre engine
With a 2.0-litre unit, the Mahindra XUV700 gets the biggest petrol engine in this comparison, compared to the 1.5-litre engine of the other three SUVs. Hence, the Mahindra offering also offers a lot more power and torque than the rivalling cars. If we compare the 1.5-litre engine cars, the Safari produces 10hp more than the Alcazar and 27hp more than the Hector. A similar difference is visible in the torque outputs of the SUVs, as the Sierra churning out 27Nm and 30Nm more than its Hyundai and MG rivals.
These 3-row SUVs feature both manual and automatic transmission options, with all units sending power to the front wheels. While every car in this comparison offers a similar 6-speed manual transmission, the automatic options are different.
Tata Safari petrol vs rivals: Prices
Safari’s turbo-petrol prices will be revealed in the first week of January 2026
Tata will be revealing the prices of the petrol-powered Safari in the first week of January 2026. Comparing prices of its rivals, the Mahindra XUV700 offers the most affordable base variant, while the MG offering is the most expensive option in this regard. However, the Hector’s top-end trim is the most affordable option, followed by the Alcazar and the XUV700. Notably, with the facelift, prices of the Mahindra offering are also expected to increase by a slight margin.
All prices are ex-showroom, India
