Wednesday | May 07 2025 | 08:01:03 PM
Tata Safari has been one of the most well-known models from the homegrown automaker since its inception in 1998. Back then, it was the go-to SUV for those who wanted something tough and adventurous. But like everything else, the Safari had to evolve. Over the last two decades, this three-row SUV has changed its design drastically to become more modern and appealing.
When Tata brought it back in 2021, it wasn’t just a comeback—it was a bold reintroduction aimed at a new, younger crowd. And it worked. People loved it. Then in 2023, the Safari got a facelift - a new design with sharper lines, a more confident stance, and just the right amount of flair.
Recently, I spent considerable time driving and testing the 2023 Tata Safari facelift on highways, city roads and everything in between, and here’s my take on what this SUV offers for both consumers and Tata Motors’ ambitions.
Design / Exterior
The 2023 Tata Safari has a powerful road presence. One of the first things you notice about the SUV is its updated front profile. It now features a full-width BI-LED DRL strip, a redesigned parametric grille, high bonnet, and vertically stacked LED headlamps that gives it a sharp, modern look.
The rear too has been refreshed with connected LED taillamps that light up with a cool welcome and goodbye animation every time you lock or unlock the car. Add to that the bold ‘SAFARI’ badging stretched across the tailgate and front doors, makes a strong statement. These subtle but important changes bring the Safari in line with Tata’s new design language, giving the SUV a more upmarket appearance.
But this isn't the old-school, ladder-frame Safari from the early 2000s. Instead, the 2023 facelift is built on Tata’s OMEGARC platform, derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture. Standing tall on 19-inch dual-tone spider alloy wheels (top variant) and backed by a 205mm ground clearance, the Safari is clearly built for Indian roads—whether that means dodging potholes or gliding over speed bumps.
Topping it off are details like gesture-controlled powered tailgate, signature roof rails, a shark-fin antenna, and four distinct personas to choose from - Smart, Pure, Adventure, and Accomplished - each catering to a different lifestyle.
Interior
Step inside the 2023 Tata Safari facelift, and it’s clear that comfort and space are the top priorities. The cabin feels airy and premium, especially in the higher variants. Tata has really cleaned up the layout - there’s a dual-tone dashboard with soft-touch materials, neat stitching, and an overall sense of luxury. The leather-wrapped, 4-spoke steering wheel (now with an illuminated Tata logo) adds a nice touch of flair and feels just right while maneuvering. One major mechanical update is the switch to electric power steering from the older hydraulic setup. It makes city driving and tight turns much easier.
Tata has also given the interior a serious tech upgrade. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive, crisp, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It’s paired with a 10-speaker JBL sound system that brings serious audio punch. The driver gets a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, borrowed from the Harrier but styled uniquely for the Safari. The interface is clean and fully customisable, giving you all the info you need at a glance.
What’s also impressive is how tech and convenience features are woven throughout the cabin. There’s a 360-degree camera that’s especially useful for a car of this size, wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and a massive panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light. The Safari even lets you control the rear AC vents through the touchscreen, a feature missing in the Harrier.
For the second row, you can choose between two seating layouts—either a 6-seater with plush captain seats or a 7-seater with a more traditional bench. The captain seats, especially in the top trims, now come with ventilation, a rare feature in this segment and a game-changer for passenger comfort on long drives. It almost feels like you’re travelling business class.
Creature comforts don’t stop there. You get an air purifier, rain-sensing wipers, rear window sunshades, ambient mood lighting, cooled storage under the front armrest, and powered front seats (6-way for the driver with memory and a welcome feature, and 4-way for the co-driver).
All in all, the new Safari’s cabin blends tech, comfort, and luxury in a way that feels both upmarket and user-friendly, making it as enjoyable to sit in as it is to drive.
Comfort and Space
One of the strongest suits of the Tata Safari is just how much space it offers across all three rows. Up front, you get a commanding view of the road with roomy seats and plenty of legroom. The second row is equally comfortable, whether you go for the bench seat or the more premium captain chairs in the 6-seater variant. Either way, adults will have no complaints about space or comfort on longer drives.
Now, the third row, the star of any three-row SUV, here it is best suited for kids or shorter passengers. It’s ideal for short trips, school runs, or the occasional extra guest. Tata has made it practical though, with dedicated AC vents, a handy space to tuck in phones or tablets, and both Type-A and Type-C charging ports, plus cup holders. It’s thoughtful touches like these that make a difference on longer journeys.
Dimension-wise, the Safari measures 4,668 mm long, 1,922 mm wide, and 1,795 mm tall, with a generous 2,741 mm wheelbase. That translates into a spacious cabin that feels open and accommodating in every row. And when it comes to boot space, the Safari doesn’t disappoint. With the third row folded down, you get 420 litres of luggage space—plenty for weekend getaways, airport runs, or a family road trip with all the bags in tow.
Features & Safety
Tata has loaded the Safari with features that back its premium badge—and safety sits right at the top of the list. You get 7 airbags, including a knee airbag, along with an emergency call function and TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) for added peace of mind. There’s also an electronic parking brake EPB with Auto Hold, Hill Hold Control, all-wheel disc brakes, and even a 3-point seatbelt reminder for all three rows. Parking is made easier with front and rear sensors, a rear-view camera, and an auto-dimming IRVM that cuts out glare during night drives.
On the tech side, Tata’s iRA connected car system adds a smart layer to the experience, offering voice commands and real-time updates. And when it comes to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the Safari is impressively equipped. Features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Forward and Rear Collision Alerts, and even Traffic Sign Recognition help take the stress out of long drives. There’s also High Beam Assist and a Door Open Alert to round things out.
Driving Performance
Under the hood, the Tata Safari packs a 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged diesel engine that delivers a solid 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. It’s a 1956cc inline 4-cylinder unit, and you can pair it with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox, depending on your preference.
We drove the automatic version during our test, and it handled city traffic with ease. The gear shifts were smooth, and the SUV felt surprisingly light on its feet despite its size. Out on the highway, it cruised comfortably, feeling planted and confident at higher speeds. The engine performance is strong, but cabin insulation could be better, especially at higher revs where diesel clatter becomes noticeable.
Tata’s done a great job tuning the suspension, it soaks up potholes and rough patches with ease, which makes it perfect for Indian roads. You also get paddle shifters for a sportier feel, along with an electronic gear shifter and three drive modes - Eco, City, and Sport - to suit different moods and situations.
While the lack of a petrol engine and all-wheel-drive option might disappoint some buyers, for most urban and highway use cases, the current setup is more than adequate.
Real-world mileage ranges from around 11 to 14 km/l, depending on your driving style and road conditions.
Price
As of now, the Tata Safari is priced between ₹15.50 lakh to ₹27.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Verdict
The Tata Safari is a strong package for Indian buyers who want a premium, comfortable, and safe SUV. It offers a spacious cabin, practical features, and impressive safety standards. The ride quality is smooth, and the diesel engine is reliable for both city and highway use. While it lacks a petrol engine and AWD option, the Safari makes up for it with its looks, features, and value. For business-savvy buyers and families looking for a strong, stylish SUV with an Indian badge, the 2023 Tata Safari facelift is definitely worth considering.
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