Tata Motors is very soon going to launch the Safari Facelift which will come with major changes, and so we thought why don’t we compare it against the Full-Size SUV, Toyota Fortuner to see if booking Safari Facelift is the right choice.
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Design
So, from the outside, the Safari Facelift has undergone big exterior changes such as the ront fascia as been changed completely with changes to the grille, bumpers, and headlamps. A full-width LED strip is above the grille that spans across the front body, an significant features of the Curvv concept. It has split LED Projector headlamps positioned vertically, ADAS Radar panel at the bottom grille and the camera at the top of the windscreen from the inside. Moving to the side, it has simple look with creasing, chrome on the window beltline, thin wheel arches and rides on the new 19-inch alloy wheels. Moving to the rear, changes extend to the bumpers, skid plate, and new Audi inspired LED taillights connected by an LED strip.
At the front of the Fortuner, there is the grille in three horizontal lines with chrome elements going at the side and covering the LED headlamps on both the sides, below is the bumper finished in faux silver skid plate both front and rear. Moving to the side, it has step-up side step to get into the car with chrome door handles, chrome line at the bottom of the window frames and alloy wheels of 18-inch. At the rear, it has sort-of wing like LED taillamps with chrome around the number plate and a roof spoiler with shark fin antenna on top.
Talking about the interiors, the Safari Facelift undergone some changes as well like the new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is sleek, thinner, and very responsive; new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that is configurable, and displays navigation maps while driving; in front of the cluster is the new four-spoke steering wheel with display at the center that illuminates the Tata logo, and ambient light across the dashboard, and around the voice-assisted panoramic sunroof. Below the AC vents, it features touch-sensitive panel to control the dual-zone climate control, and other things.
In front of it is the rotary dial for the drive and terrain modes, steptronic gear shifter, and electronic parking brake with auto hold function. It features an fixed armrest but the space inside is good enough to store two cans. On the leather seats, it features huge adjustable headrests to keep you comfy, and further enhances the luxury appeal. Both the seats are electrically adjustable, and comes with ventilated seats. Moving to the rear, the seats are split in 60:40 ratio if you opt for 7 seater, or if you go for 6 seater config, you get captain seats that comes with ventilated seats, and the SUV it’s equipped with 10 Speaker JBL sound system.
As for the Fortuner, it has a 8-inch infotainment system placed below the AC vents and the AC vents at the sides are positioned horizontally. It does not have the dual-tone dashboard theme option but it has leather seat upholstery. The Fortuner has a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with Analog instrument cluster and a TFT display between the Analog dials. It does not have a sunroof but has two charging ports at the front and rear. It has buttons for the ventilated seats and ahead of the gear lever is the wireless pad. The second row has captain seats and the rear seats is better for children or adults for short journeys, and lastly it has the 6-speaker standard sound system.
So, from the outside and the inside, Tata Safari Facelift just looks way too good, spacious, and luxurious, while the Fortuner interiors is good, but I might prefer the Safari for now.
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Dimensions
| Tata Safari Facelift | Toyota Fortuner | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4668 MM | 4795 MM |
| Width | 1922 MM | 1855 MM |
| Height | 1795 MM | 1835 MM |
| Wheelbase | 2741 MM | 2745 MM |
| Ground Clearance | 205 MM | 225 MM |
| Boot Space | 420 L (3rd Row Folded) | 296 L 716 L (3rd Row Folded) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
When it comes to Dimensions, the Safari Facelift measures 4668 MM in length, 1922 MM in width, and 1795 MM in height. The Toyota Fortuner on the other hand, measures 4795 MM in length which is 127 MM longer, 1855 MM in width that is narrower by 67 MM, and height of 1835 MM that is taller by 40 MM. The Safari Facelift features a wheelbase of 2741 MM, and ground clearance of 205 MM where as the Fortuner measures 2745 MM that is longer by just 4 MM, and ground clearance of 225 MM which is higher by 20 MM. The Safari Facelift is offered a 50 L fuel tank and 420 L Boot Space (3rd Row Folded), while the Fortuner features 80 L (bigger by 30 L), and Boot Space of 296 L and 716 L (3rd Row Folded) (Bigger by 296 L).
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Powertrains
| Turbo Diesel | Tata Safari Facelift | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0 L 4 Cylinder | 2.8 L 4 Cylinder |
| Displacement | 1956cc | 2755cc |
| Power | 167.67 BHP | 201.15 BHP |
| Torque | 350 NM | 420 NM / 500 NM |
| Transmission | 6 Speed MT / AT | 6 Speed IMT / AT |
| Fuel Efficiency | 16.30 KMPL – MT 14.50 KMPL – AT | 8 KMPL |
When it comes to Engine Options, both the SUVs are offered with Turbo Diesel powertrain. Let’s begin with the Tata Safari Facelift first. The Safari Facelift is powered by the 2.0 L 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel engine generating 167.67 BHP and 350 NM of torque, it’s mated to 6 Speed Manual Gearbox with 16.30 KMPL fuel economy, and 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox with 14.50 KMPL fuel economy. The Toyota Fortuner on the other hand is offered with the 2.8 L 4 Cylinder Turbo Diesel engine producing 201.15 BHP and 420 NM of torque for IMT variants, and 500 NM for Automatic variants. The engine is paired to 6 Speed IMT and 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox with 8 KMPL fuel efficiency.
| Petrol | Tata Safari Facelift | Toyota Fortuner |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | – | 2.7 L 4 Cylinder |
| Displacement | – | 2694cc |
| Power | – | 163.60 BHP |
| Torque | – | 245 NM |
| Transmission | – | 5 Speed MT, 6 Speed AT |
| Fuel Efficiency | – | 10 KMPL |
The Toyota Fortuner is also offered with a normal Petrol engine, something the Safari Facelift should’ve been offered. Nevertheless, the Fortuner comes with the 2.7 L 4 Cylinder Petrol engine generating 163.60 BHP and 245 NM of torque mated to 5 Speed Manual and 6 Speed Automatic Gearbox with 10 KMPL.
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Features
| Features | Tata Safari Facelift | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED | LED |
| Wheel size & Tyre | 18-inch, alloy wheels | 18-inch alloy wheels |
| Auto Power Window | Yes | Yes |
| Seat upholstery | Leather | Leather |
| AC | 2-zone | Auto |
| Rear AC vent | Yes | Yes |
| Instrument cluster | Digital | Analog |
| Infotainment System | 12.3-inch | 8-inch |
| Android Auto, Apple CarPlay | Wireless | Wired |
| Air Purifier | Yes | – |
| Ambient Lighting | Yes | – |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Sound System | 10-speaker JBL sound system | 6 Speaker Standard Sound System |
| Cooled Glovebox | Yes | – |
| Auto Dimming IRVM | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Yes | Yes |
| Height adjustable driver seat | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated Seats | First Row Second Row (Only for 6 Seater Variant) | First Row |
| Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold | Yes | – |
| Powered Tailgate | Yes | Yes |
| Powered Seats | 6-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat 4-way Power Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver Seat |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | – |
The Toyota Fortuner misses out on features such as Sunroof, Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold, Cooled Glovebox, 10-Speaker Sound System, Air Purifier, Ambient Lighting, Bigger Infotainment System, and Digital Instrument Cluster.
| Safety Features | Tata Safari Facelift | Mahindra XUV700 |
|---|---|---|
| Airbags | Seven Airbags | Seven airbags |
| Camera | 360 Surround View Camera | Reverse Parking Camera |
| Parking Sensors | Front and Rear | Rear |
| Rain-Sensing Wipers | Yes | – |
| TPMS | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Headlamps | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive | Yes |
| ADAS | Level 2 | – |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Assist | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Descent Control | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX | Yes | Yes |
| All 4 Disc Brakes | Yes | Yes |
The Toyota Fortuner misses out on ADAS, Rain-Sensing Wipers, 360 Surround View Camera, and Front Parking Sensors.
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Price and Warranty
| Model | Price (Ex-showroom) |
|---|---|
| Tata Safari Facelift | Expected Rs. 16.85 L |
| Toyota Fortuner | Rs. 32.74 – Rs. 50.74 L |
The Toyota Fortuner however starts at Rs. 32.59 lakh for the ‘4×2’ petrol variant and goes up to Rs. 50.34 lakh for the ‘GR S 4×4 AT’ Diesel variant. As for the Tata Safari Facelift, it’s expected to start at Rs. 16.85 Lakh.
As for the warranty, Tata offers 3 years/1,00,000 km warranty period for the Safari that can be extended up to 5 years/unlimited kms and the Fortuner has a warranty period of 3 years/1,00,000 km that can be extended up to 5 years/2,20,000 km.
Tata Safari Facelift vs Toyota Fortuner – Verdict
In the end, the decision to buy which SUV depends totally on you, however, if you ask us the upcoming Tata Safari Facelift looks very promising as it’s got a new makeover, new features, good engine and performance, spacious, and feels very luxurious. Although, the Fortuner is kinda high, and only offered in 7 Seater Config, you can still buy the Fortuner as it’s got tons of spaces and comfort for the passengers, except the dashboard design is outdated and needs to be updated, but the performance is way better than the Safari. So, if you ask us, we recommend to wait for the Tata Safari as it’s going to be worth buying, or you can buy the Toyota Fortuner, your call. Which SUV are you going to buy?
