Tata Safari Petrol vs Rivals: Specs, Dimensions and Powertrains Compared

Tata Motors has finally expanded the Safari line-up with a petrol engine option. After making its debut in the Sierra, the new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine has now been introduced in Tata’s flagship three-row SUV, offering slightly higher outputs than in its earlier application. While official prices are still under wraps, Tata has revealed most technical specifications, making it possible to stack the Safari petrol against key rivals.

In the three-row SUV space, the Hyundai Alcazar, MG Hector Plus and Mahindra XUV700 are the Safari petrol’s primary competitors. All three offer petrol powertrains, albeit with different engine sizes and gearbox options. Here’s how the new Tata Safari petrol compares.

Note: The Mahindra XUV700 facelift, expected to be launched on January 5, 2026, will be renamed XUV 7XO.

Tata Safari Petrol vs Rivals: Dimensions Compared

Safari is the widest and tallest SUV in this segment

At 4,668mm, the Tata Safari petrol is noticeably longer than the Alcazar by 108mm, but marginally shorter than both the Hector Plus and XUV700. Where the Safari clearly stands out is in its width and height, making it the most imposing SUV in this comparison.

Although it has the shortest wheelbase on paper, the difference between all four SUVs is minimal and unlikely to translate into a major real-world space disadvantage. Another highlight for the Safari is its 19-inch alloy wheels, the largest offered in this segment, whereas rivals max out at 18 inches.

Tata Safari Petrol vs Rivals: Engine and Gearbox Options

XUV700 offers the largest engine; Safari leads among 1.5-litre rivals

The Mahindra XUV700 sits in a different league mechanically, thanks to its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, which produces significantly more power and torque than its rivals. It remains the most performance-focused petrol SUV in this segment.

Among the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol SUVs, however, the Tata Safari takes the lead. It delivers 10hp more than the Alcazar and 27hp more than the Hector Plus, while also producing the highest torque in this group. This should translate into stronger mid-range performance, especially when fully loaded.

All four SUVs are front-wheel drive and offer both manual and automatic transmissions, though automatic gearbox types vary—from torque converters and DCTs to a CVT in the Hector Plus.

Tata Safari Petrol vs Rivals: Price Comparison

Safari petrol prices expected in early January 2026

Tata Motors will announce Safari petrol prices in the first week of January 2026. Among current rivals, the XUV700 has the lowest entry price, while the Hector Plus commands the highest starting cost. Interestingly, the Hector Plus also undercuts rivals at the top end, making it the most affordable fully loaded petrol option.

With the upcoming facelift, the Mahindra XUV700 (soon to be XUV 7XO) is expected to see a modest price hike, which could alter the value equation slightly.

Tata Safari Petrol vs Rivals: Key Takeaways

• Biggest road presence: Safari is the widest and tallest SUV here

• Best 1.5-litre performance: Safari leads Alcazar and Hector Plus on power and torque

• Performance king: XUV700’s 2.0-litre petrol remains unmatched

• Largest wheels: Safari is the only SUV to offer 19-inch alloys

• Pricing wildcard: Safari petrol pricing will be crucial to its success

Once prices are revealed, the Tata Safari petrol could emerge as a strong alternative for buyers who want diesel-like punch with petrol refinement in a full-size, three-row SUV.

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