Power Play: Tata Safari and XUV 700 Stack Up Against Each Other
The Battle of Indian SUV Giants
In the dynamic Indian automotive arena, where the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari continue to grab headlines, the competition motors far beyond mere sales charts. Rather, it takes place at an ideological, technological, and design conflict that is putting shape into the very formation of the Indian automotive industry.
Market Position and Heritage
Mahindra, one of India's leading automotive manufacturers, has expanded the XUV700 to meet the growing demand for vehicles that are powerful and loaded with features. This vehicle, with its modern design language and features, was able to capture a huge market share in a short period. On the other hand, the Tata Safari, with an illustrious lineage from the early 2000s, has gone through a series of metamorphoses, transforming into a very stylish and spacious SUV catering to both families and adventure enthusiasts.
Industry experts say that while daring looks and feature-packed offerings account for the XUV700's success, Safari stands strong on its interior space and comfortable ride.
"The XUV700 has redefined the SUV segment in India with its aggressive styling and cutting-edge technology," said one industry analyst.
The Importance of This Rivalry
In essence, the Mahindra XUV700-Tata Safari comparison becomes pertinent primarily because it reveals the preferences of Indian car buyers. While the XUV700 indulges in courting a youthful, vibrant appeal, the Safari stays true to its roots in comfort and convenience.
In this battle of supremacy, both manufacturers are encouraged to innovate and improve for the consumer's benefit.
- Market Competition: It then spurs innovation and creates better pricing mechanisms.
- Consumer Preference: Allows for more choices in design, features, and performance.
- Technological Advancement: Encourages the use of advanced technologies in the SUV segment.
Design and exterior comparison
The Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari are among the most sought-after SUVs in India, with stark contrasts in design languages, which makes the two fair competitors in the market. The appearance of a vehicle is undeniably a vital element of its appeal, making it a reflection of the design ethos and philosophy of its manufacturer.
Modern Design Language of the XUV700 The Mahindra XUV700 presents an ultramodern, aggressive design with sleek lines.
Distinctive Styling Features
- LED projectors with DRL
- Muscle-like bonnet with two peaks
- Door handles that are flush fitting
Tata Safari: an on-road presence
Tata Safari makes a bold statement on the roads with its commanding stance and modern interpretation of legacy styling, subtly blending tradition with a contemporary twist.
Heritage-inspired design cues
The bold grille, along with a distinctive LED taillamp, fills the Safari with character, setting it apart on the road.
Dimensions and Road Presence
When it comes to dimensions and cabin comforts, the XUV700 and the Safari stand at a crossroads of comparison…
Interior Space and Comfort
For many SUV enthusiasts, the interiors are where the real value is realized, and both the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari perform excellently in this regard. It is comfort and space that weigh very heavily in determining which vehicle else stands out.
Cabin Layout and Quality
The Mahindra XUV700 boasts a contemporary and sleek cabin design, with premium materials used throughout. The dashboard layout is intuitive, with a large touchscreen occupying the center console. In comparison, the Tata Safari follows an age-old interior design route.
Seating Comfort and Flexibility
Both kids in SUV-land offer generous legroom and headroom in the first two rows. The XUV700 has been considered, most of the time, to have very comfortable seats with adjustable bolsters and the most supportive cushion. The Safari on the other end is described as very comfortable, with an emphasis on the second row of seats that offer a lot of space for adults.
Third-Row Usability Comparison
XUV700: Due to limited legroom, the third row is favorable for children or smaller adults.
Safari: Sits slightly higher, which aids the visibility and would be best suited for highway cruising or urban domination.
Storage Solutions and Practicality
Both car models are riddled with storage spaces inside the cabin. The XUV700 has a very large boot space, perfect for long trips or family outings.
The other advantage of the Safari is its generous storage with cleverly designed storage compartments under the floor and in the doors.
When we compare interior space and comfort in the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari, there are individual strengths for both. The XUV700 is modernly styled and boasts a bigger boot. Whereas the Safari gives superior comfort in the second row and a wee bit more third-row legroom.
Technology and Infotainment Features
On the technology and infotainment front, both the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari meet the ever-changing demands of Indian consumers, yet at the same time set themselves apart with some special highlights:
The XUV, with its ADAS package and attractive split-screen setup, and the Safari, with its premium JBL sound system and ventilated front seats, almost make the journey worth it.
The modern SUV buyer isn't merely looking for a car to take them from point A to point B; they want connected driving with safety, entertainment, and convenience.
Tech Suite on XUV700
The Mahindra XUV700 comes equipped with the AdrenoX connected tech suite, with all the bells and whistles; this includes a large touchscreen infotainment, voice commands, and a bevy of driver assistance enhancement systems.
AdrenoX Connected Features
- Over-the-air software updates
- Remote vehicle diagnostics
- Personalized user experiences through user profiles
Safari's iRA Connected Car Technologies
The Tata Safari counters with iRA connected car technology that offers multiple features to augment the driving experience, including remote vehicle control, vehicle tracking, and a rich infotainment system.
iRA Platform Capabilities
- Horn and lights control
- Vehicle health alerts
- Navigation and traffic updates
Engine Performance and Specifications
The heart of any vehicle is the engine: this is a fitting expression for the Mahindra XUV700 and the Tata Safari, as both offer strong powertrain options. In this section, engine performance and specifications will be described for comparison between the two SUVs, including the powertrain options, transmission, and drive experience.
XUV700 Powertrain Options
The Mahindra XUV700 offers two quick engines: one is the refined mStallion petrol, and the other is a tough mHawk diesel.
mStallion Petrol and mHawk Diesel Performance
The 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol engine might be called responsive. It has a good burst of acceleration, speeding down congested urban roads or rushing down empty highways for long weekend trips. On the contrary, the 2.2L mHawk diesel engine is all about torque delivery and fuel mileage; hence, it suits heavy-duty work and long journeys better. The diesel engine is especially appreciated for its torque-rich character, a character that makes it happy to be edged around town or stretched on the long highway cruises.
- mStallion Petrol: 200 PS @ 5000 rpm, 380 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm
- mHawk Diesel (185 PS): 185 PS @ 3500 rpm, 420 Nm @ 1600-3000 rpm
Safari Engine Capabilities
The Tata Safari is powered by a Kryotec 2.0 L diesel engine, which puts out 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque in the standard form, while several variants sport a slightly different tuning.
Kryotec Diesel Performance
The Kryotec diesel engine is renowned for its smooth performance and fair fuel economy. It does not put up a fight in terms of outright power compared to the XUV700's diesel, but it really offers a delightfully smooth ride, especially in stop-and-go city traffic.
Kryotec Diesel: 170 PS @ 3750 rpm, 350 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm
Transmission and Driveability
Both SUVs offer a choice of manual and automatic transmissions to offer the driver their preference.
Manual vs Automatic Experience
The 6-speed manual in both enables a fairly sporty drive, having well-spaced ratios to suit optimum performance. The 6-speed auto in the XUV700 and the 6-speed torque converter automatic in the Safari carry out smooth shifts, which really adds to driveability when in heavy traffic.
Both the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari offer compelling engine performance and specs. The XUV700 edges ahead with its more powerful options, whereas the Safari goes for refined diesel performance.
Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari: Ride Quality and Handling
When it comes to the overall driving feel and ride dynamics, the XUV700 and Safari seem to cater to different tastes in driving style. Both SUVs have made a name for themselves off the beaten track, making it all the more necessary that we compare them from a prospective buyer's point of view.
Suspension Setup and Ride Comfort
The Mahindra XUV700 has a well-tuned suspension that allows for supreme comfort even over rough roads. The independent front suspension and torsion beam at the back work together to absorb the bumps of the road, facilitating a smooth ride for the occupants. On the other hand, the Tata Safari uses a semi-independent front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, which somehow gives a comfortable ride but with a slightly different feel to it.
Highway Stability and Off-road Capability
The Safari benefits from a somewhat stiffer suspension that assures you while traveling over undulating surfaces and potholes, whereas the XUV is laid back in its handling due to the monocoque chassis setup that essentially imparts a car-like feel to it. The Safari is slightly behind in this regard, but it goes ahead in giving the feeling of cruising in luxury. Off the tarmac, both SUVs are capable, with the four-wheel-drive system of the XUV700 having a bigger say in handling challenging terrains.
Response and Feedback from the Steering Committee
The power-assisted steering setup of the XUV700 makes it easy to negotiate corners with precision, providing a lot of feedback, which makes driving the car on twisty roads very enjoyable. The steering in the Safari, though not as precise, still manages to provide a degree of sure-footedness to the drive, especially useful in city traffic.
Urban Driving Comparison
Both SUVs are composed while sitting in traffic, but at freeway speeds, on twisty roads, it is the steering feedback of the XUV700 that makes it seem a little bit more connected. The XUV700 boasts a tighter turning radius, giving it a bit of an edge when pulling off in narrow city lanes; meanwhile, the Safari's elevated driving position gives a clearer view.
Safety Features and Ratings
Both the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari have impressive safety credentials, thus making them strong contenders in the SUV market.
XUV700's Safety Package
These safety credentials are further enhanced by amenities that include driver drowsiness detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist, and are positioned as segment-leading active safety features.
There is a breakdown of the ADAS features
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning and correction
- Autonomous emergency braking
Safari's Safety Credentials
The Tata Safari boasts an equally solid array of safety features, including dual airbags, ABS with EBD, and corner stability control.
NCAP Ratings and Crash Test Performance
Both vehicles have been subjected to rigorous crash tests, with the XUV700 earning a 5-star Global NCAP rating and the Safari having also fared well in safety tests.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance Costs
Fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are two important considerations for prospective buyers comparing the Mahindra XUV700 vs. the Tata Safari. These engineering choices (and feature inclusions) translate into a maintenance schedule, fuel cost, and eventual resale value, all of which become factors in the ownership experience over time.
Real World Mileage Comparison
The XUV700 offers about 14-16 km/l under real-world driving conditions in diesel, while the Tata Safari manages about 13-15 km/l on similar grounds. These figures can vary based on driving style, road conditions, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Servicing Intervals and Costs
Both SUVs have different service interval schedules. The Mahindra XUV700 requires servicing every 15,000 km or one year, whereas the Tata Safari requires servicing every 12,000 km or one year, whichever is earlier. The servicing costs for the XUV700 are slightly higher for the first three services at about ₹15,000 due to advanced technology, compared to about ₹12,000 for the Safari for the same period.
Long-Term Ownership Expenses
Over 5 years, expenses on fuel, service repairs, and insurance are pretty close for the two services; however, since the XUV700 has the edge in modern features and fuel efficiency, it is slightly more cost-effective over the 5 years.
Parts Availability and Price Points
Both vehicles ensure very good networking with service centers across India, promising that spare parts are easily available. But the pricing for parts of the Mahindra XUV700 is relatively higher because of its advanced technology and contemporary design. For instance, common parts of brake pads and filters are fairly priced, but major parts for the engine and transmission cost more.
Price Comparison and Value Proposition
Price comparison and value offer become essential when a buyer looks into the pros and cons of the Mahindra XUV700 and the Tata Safari. The price difference between the two SUVs can be highly related to the buyer's decision-making process.
Variant-wise Price Analysis
Both the Mahindra XUV700 and the Tata Safari come with different trim variants and price tags under each variant. In detailed consideration, the XUV700 gets going with a price tag of ₹14 lakh for the MX trim, while the Safari starts with an initial asking price of ₹15 lakh for the XE trim. The upper variants, like the XUV700 AX7 Luxury and Safari XZ+, are priced at ₹20 lakh and ₹21 lakh, respectively.
- Mahindra XUV700 Price Range: ₹14 lakh - ₹20 lakh
- Tata Safari Price Range: ₹15 lakh - ₹21 lakh.
Feature-To-Price Ratio
Speaking about the feature-to-price ratio, the Mahindra XUV700 has better features like a bigger touchscreen, ADAS, and a supra-premium interior. The Tata Safari has roomier interiors, comfortable seating arrangements, and a powerful engine.
Key Feature Comparison:
- XUV700: ADAS, 10.25-inch touchscreen
- Safari: Spacious interior, Comfort seating
A Final Word: Which One Should You Pick Up?
The comparison of the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari made it evident that both SUVs had good and bad sides attached to them. The XUV700, on the other hand, stands out in the matter of design language, ultra-modern tech suite, and riding comfort.
Whereas the Safari competes with power and presence, with roomy interiors and top-grade safety features. Your priorities will be the deciding factor here; if you are on the high-tech bandwagon and would like to have an interior packed with features, the XUV700 should be the car for you.