2021 Tata Safari: Which variant to buy?

The Tata Safari launched back in February 2021, with introductory prices starting at Rs 14.69 lakh. Tata offers its flagship SUV with a sole diesel engine, two gearbox options and seven trims, which means there are a total of 11 variants to choose from. Read on to know which one of these 11 is right for you.

• Tata Safari priced between Rs 14.69-21.45 lakh
• Automatic option is expensive but adds convenience
• Opt for the Safari XT for a budget manual gearbox car
• Safari XMA is the choice for the budget conscious automatic buyer
• Buy the Safari XZ/XZA variant if price is no object

2021 Tata Safari: Automatic or manual version

The Safari shares its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with the Tata Harrier. In both SUVs, this unit, dubbed Kryotec 170, makes 170hp and 350Nm of peak torque, and comes with manual and automatic gearbox options.

The 6-speed manual gearbox works well with the 2.0-litre diesel engine - the clutch is relatively light and the gates are well-defined, though it isn’t among the slickest of shifters. The Hyundai-sourced 6-speed torque convertor automatic transmission also gels well with the engine and does add a much-needed dose of convenience in urban environs. However, it is priced at a not insignificant Rs 1.25 lakh premium. 

2021 Tata Safari XE: Well-kitted for an entry-level variant

With kit such as dual front airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), hill-hold assist, traction control, rollover mitigation, corner stability control, ABS with EBD, front and rear disc brakes and rear parking sensors, the base XE variant (Rs 14.69 lakh) doesn’t skimp in the safety department.

In terms of convenience features and creature comforts, the Safari XE does get essentials like projector headlamps, 16-inch steel wheels with covers, daytime running lights, roof rails that can carry up to 75kg, remote central locking, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering, power windows, air conditioning with second and third row vents, 12V power outlets in the second and third row, reclining second row seat backrest, 50:50 split-folding third row and a boss mode that allows the co-driver’s seat to be adjusted from the rear seats.

However, the entry-level trim is only available with the manual gearbox.

2021 Tata Safari XM: Gets an auto option

The next trim in line, the Safari XM (Rs 16.00 lakh) is also available in automatic form (XMA: Rs 17.25 lakh) and adds features like a display for the rear parking sensors, follow me home headlights, fog lamps, a rear wiper, a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a six-speaker audio system, steering mounted controls, driver’s seat height adjust, electric adjust for the wing mirrors and drive modes for the engine – Eco, City and Sport.

The additional features do come at a significant Rs 1.31 lakh premium over the XE. However, the XM/XMA does get you more than necessary safety kit and a decent amount of convenience features too. If you’d prefer an automatic Safari on a budget, the XMA makes for a sensible choice.

2021 Tata Safari XT: Premium features make an appearance

Although you pay a hefty Rs 1.45 lakh premium for the Safari XT (Rs 17.45 lakh) over the XM, you do get additional safety kit and more than a few premium features. Auto headlamps and wipers, a tyre pressure monitor and a rear-view camera are on offer with this trim, along with 18-inch alloy wheels and LED DRLs enhancing its exterior. Features such as auto climate control, an eight-speaker sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, Tata’s iRA in-car connectivity suite (a 1-year subscription is free), power folding wing mirrors, keyless entry and go, cruise control, a rear centre armrest and ambient lighting are also available on the Safari XT.

As the Safari XT is only available in manual form, it is the best option for those who don’t mind shifting gears themselves and are on a budget.

2021 Tata Safari XT+: A panoramic sunroof is all you get

The Safari XT+ (Rs 18.25 lakh) just adds a panoramic sunroof to the XT’s list of equipment for an extra Rs 80,000. While the massive sunroof does uplift the cabin and give it a sense of airiness, it may not be for those who are more budget conscious.

2021 Tata Safari XZ: Most value for money variant

Like the XM trim, the XZ is also available with the automatic transmission option in the XZA. The Safari XZ (Rs 19.15 lakh) and XZA (Rs 20.40 lakh), add side and curtain airbags, hill-descent control, an electronic parking brake, an auto dimming rear view mirror, ISOFIX child seat anchors, 18-inch machined alloys, fog lamps with a cornering function, xenon HID projector headlamps, Oyster White leatherette upholstery, an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a nine-speaker JBL audio system, a 7.0-inch part-digital instrument cluster and Terrain Response Modes – Normal, Rough and Wet. 

With this much equipment added, the Rs 90,000 premium over the XT+ is more than justified. However, the XZ and XZA variants do not get the panoramic sunroof.

2021 Tata Safari XZ+: Expensive for what it is

The fully-loaded Safari XZ+ (Rs 19.99 lakh) and XZA+ (Rs 21.25 lakh) add a sunroof to the XZ’s package. They also come with the option of getting six seats instead of seven - the second-row bench is replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs. These updates come for about Rs 85,000 more than the XZ.

2021 Tata Safari XZ+ Adventure: More popular than the XZ+

Despite the Rs 20,000 extra buyers pay for the Safari Adventure Persona (Rs 20.20-21.45 lakh), it is in higher demand than the XZ+. That’s mostly down to the cosmetic changes on the inside - the Adventure Persona gets beige-on-black interior trim with brown leatherette seat upholstery instead of the Oyster White one. The former is seen as easier to keep clean. The Adventure edition also gets an exclusive blue colour called Tropical Mist, along with blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and bits on the grille. Opt for the Adventure over the XZ+ if price is not a limitation.

Also see:

2021 Tata Safari review, test drive

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