2026 Tata Safari Review: Real Mileage, 7-Seater Test & Should You Buy It?

Share Mileage Test Result

Welcome to our most detailed review of the year. In 2026, the SUV market in India has become very competitive. Everyone wants a car that looks big, feels luxury, and most importantly, gives good mileage. The **2026 Tata Safari** is the car everyone is talking about. But is it just a big car with a famous name, or is it actually the best 7-seater in India?

To give you the most honest answer, the VishTech Team took the new Safari on a 4-day road trip from Delhi to the mountains of Himachal. We carried a full load of 7 people and luggage. We tested the engine, the automatic gearbox, the new AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system, and the fuel efficiency in city traffic. This 2500-word review is the only thing you need to read before spending your hard-earned money.

1. Exterior Design: The Road Presence

In 2026, the Safari has received a major facelift. The front looks very futuristic with a connected LED light bar that runs across the bonnet. It performs a beautiful animation when you unlock the car. The grille now has body-colored inserts which make it look more premium than the older models.

The New 20-Inch Wheels

One of the biggest changes is the wheel size. The top-end variants now come with 20-inch alloy wheels. These wheels fill the arches perfectly and give the Safari a stance that can challenge the Toyota Fortuner. The ground clearance remains a solid 205mm, which is more than enough for Indian potholes and flooded roads.

2. Real Mileage: The "Kitna Deti Hai" Test

This is what every Indian buyer wants to know. Tata claims a high number, but we tested it in real-world conditions. We used the "Tank-to-Tank" method for 100% accuracy.

For a car that weighs nearly 2 tons and carries 7 people, these numbers are very respectable. If you drive with a light foot in "Eco Mode," you can easily get 18 kmpl on the highway.

3. The 7-Seater Test: Is the 3rd Row Usable?

Many SUVs claim to be 7-seaters, but the last row is usually only for kids. We put two adults (5'8" tall) in the 3rd row for a 2-hour journey.

The result? They were surprisingly comfortable! Tata has added a "Boss Mode" button that slides the middle-row seat forward, creating more legroom in the back. The 3rd row also gets its own AC vents with fan control, separate USB charging ports, and even cup holders. If you have a large family, the Safari is a much better choice than the Mahindra XUV700 in terms of last-row space.

4. Engine and Performance: The AWD Power

Under the hood, the 2026 Safari uses the updated 2.0L Kryotec Diesel engine producing 170 BHP and 350 Nm of torque. But the big news for 2026 is the Electronic AWD system.

How does it drive?

The engine is now much quieter than before. The 6-speed Torque Converter automatic gearbox is smooth and doesn't feel jerky in traffic. When we took the AWD version on a muddy track, the car automatically shifted power to the wheels with the most grip. It is not a hardcore off-roader like the Thar, but it can easily handle snow, mud, and sand during your vacations.

5. Luxury and Technology: A Step Ahead

Inside the cabin, you are greeted by a 14.1-inch HARMAN touchscreen. It is fast, clear, and supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The 10-speaker JBL sound system is the best in the segment—it feels like a concert hall inside the car.

• Ventilated Seats: Available in both 1st and 2nd row (Captain seats).
• Panoramic Sunroof: The largest in the class with "Voice Control."
• ADAS Level 2.5: Includes Adaptive Cruise, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keep Assist.

6. Tata Safari vs Toyota Fortuner

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Should You Buy It?

After driving the 2026 Tata Safari for over 1,200 km, my answer is simple: **Yes.**

If you are looking for a car that can carry your whole family in luxury, keep them safe with a 5-star rating, and give you decent mileage, the Safari is the best choice in India right now. You don't need to spend ₹50 Lakhs on a Fortuner when the Safari gives you more features and better comfort at nearly half the price.

VishTech Final Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐