The Safari comes with two engine options, and both generate the same peak power figure, meaning that buyers aren't trading performance for their preferred fuel type.

The 1.5-litre Hyperion Turbo petrol engine produces 168 hp at 5,000 rpm and 280 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,500 rpm. Alternatively, the 2.0-litre Kryotec turbocharged diesel matches the 168 hp output but delivers a superior 350 Nm of torque at 1,750–2,500 rpm. Both engines are paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

In addition, equipped with an Electronically Controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT) for better responsiveness, the diesel remains the ideal choice for highway cruising and heavy loads. 

Completing the driving package are three drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) alongside Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet), not available on a few entry level varinats, but are on above variants.

According to ARAI-certified figures, the Safari’s mileage varies by powertrain and gearbox, ranging from 14.1 kmpl to 16.8 kmpl. The diesel manual is the most efficient, while automatic variants trade some efficiency for added convenience.

Inside the cabin, the Safari features a Harman-sourced infotainment system, with top-spec variants utilizing a 36.9 cm Samsung Neo QLED display. Depending on the specific trim, lower variants are equipped with either a 31.24 cm or 26.03 cm touchscreen interface. This is a digital setup that integrates Dolby Atmos technology and routes audio through a 10-speaker JBL system, which includes a central speaker and a subwoofer.

Seating configurations incorporate ventilated seats for the front row, as well as the second row exclusively in the 6-seater models. The second-row seats are designed with a 60:40 split-fold and reclining functionality, while passengers in the third row are supplied with dedicated AC vents. Environmental control is managed by a dual-zone fully automatic climate system working in tandem with a built-in cabin air purifier.

The broader equipment list includes a panoramic sunroof, multicoloured ambient lighting, and a wireless device charger accompanied by a 65W USB Type-C port.

For cargo management, the vehicle offers a standard boot capacity of 420 litres when the third row is folded down. This storage area expands to a maximum volume of 1,550 litres when both the second and third rows are folded flat.

The Safari's exterior is wide at 1,922 mm and tall at 1,795 mm, and fills the road with a commanding stance reminiscent of other SUVs with highest ground clearance. This is particularly defined by its front view, which is anchored by a parametric grille with a central Tata badge, flanked by bi-LED projector headlamps with LED DRLs and a centre position lamp, while a sequential turn indicator animation and a Welcome/Goodbye lamp sequence add a premium touch that buyers in this segment appreciate.

On the sides, the iconic roof rails and the Safari door mascot are signature identifiers, while the R19 dual-tone spider alloy wheels on top variants are a segment-first design detail.

The rear is defined by a full-width LED DRL strip connecting the tail lamps, a design cue that's now become increasingly common in premium SUVs, but the Safari carries it cleanly.

To round things off, higher variants add a gesture-controlled powered tailgate, while a shark fin antenna and optional #DARK and Stealth styling packages round out the exterior choices for buyers who want a more distinct look.

The Safari boasts high safety in its segment, with a 5-star rating from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, applicable to diesel and petrol variants alike, placing it among the safest cars tested under Bharat NCAP.

As part of its standard safety suite, it includes 6 airbags (driver, co-driver, side, curtain, and driver knee), all-disc brakes, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), rollover mitigation, and 3-point seatbelts with reminders for all rows.

Building on this, higher variants add advanced ESP (17 functions), Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold, ISOFIX child seat anchors, 360-degree camera, front/rear parking sensors, and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

And at the top end, it features ADAS Level 2+ with up to 22 advanced functionalities, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (for vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists), Lane Keep Assist/Centering, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Warning, and more, similar to what’s explained in detail in this guide to how ADAS works in modern cars.

The Safari's closest rivals in the Indian market are the Kia Carens and the Mahindra XUV700.

Against the Kia Carens, the Safari’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel produces about 168 hp and 350Nm, compared to the former's 113 hp and 250Nm from its diesel engine. The Safari also offers significantly more boot space, about 447 litres versus the Carens’ 216 litres with all three rows in use.

The XUV700 is arguably its most direct fight as it matches the Safari on ADAS capability, offers a more powerful diesel in higher trims, and comes in slightly more accessible pricing.

Additionally, the Safari holds an advantage in safety, with 5-star ratings from both Global NCAP and Bharat NCAP, placing it ahead of many rivals.