Tata Safari: The Comeback Story of an Indian Icon

Tata Motors was not only evoking nostalgia when it revived the Safari nameplate in 2021: it was rewriting what the SUV stood for. The original Safari was a traditional body-on-frame SUV, while the new Tata Safari 2021 was refreshed completely with a monocoque-based setup. It took the strengths of the original, such as space, presence, and long-haul comfort and re-engineered them for a generation that values refinement as much as toughness.

It was not just an emotional comeback but a strategic rebuild. A more grown-up, rugged SUV which had shed the bulk of its old-school image for precision engineering and a sophisticated interior. The Safari did not just return: it became the flagship that Tata had always intended it to be. Read ahead, as we are unravelling the comeback story of the Safari. 

A Legacy Rebuilt on Modern Foundations

The Safari Dicor and Storme were trusted classics, but the Safari new model 2021 arrived as a completely different beast. Built on Tata’s OMEGARC platform, which is derived from Land Rover’s D8 architecture, it traded the ladder chassis for a monocoque setup. This move instantly gave it better handling, a smoother ride over rough surfaces, and far more stability and comfort during long highway drives.

Here are the Safari new model 2021 dimensions: 

• Length: 4,661 mm
   
• Width: 1,894 mm
   
• Height: 1,786 mm
   
• Wheelbase: 2,741 mm
   

• Ground Clearance: 205 mm

   

This made the new Safari one of the roomiest 7-seaters of its kind, yet surprisingly composed around corners. Its wider track provided it with the planted attitude that owners of the old Safari adored, but with the stability that only a global platform could bring.

Performance and Powertrains

The new Tata Safari 2021 under the hood carries the 2.0-litre Kryotec diesel that produces 168 bhp of power and 350 Nm of torque. It comes with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed Hyundai-supplied automatic that provides a balance between power and comfort in everyday driving and on highway cruising.

While petrol enthusiasts were waiting, Tata doubled down its efforts to refine diesel, and it paid off. The mid-range surge, particularly on open roads, became its calling card. The differences in tuning of the drive modes of the SUV, which are Eco, City and Sport, genuinely change how the SUV behaves.

Fuel efficiency hovers between 12–14 km/l in real-world conditions, which is impressive considering the size and weight of the vehicle and slightly better than the older Safaris.

Design and Cabin Experience

Tata’s design team nailed the visual revival. The Tata Safari new model 2021 still had that trademark upright posture and muscular shoulders, but had smoothed the edges for a more sophisticated look. The stepped roof, chrome humanity line and split headlamp design made it unmistakably premium.

Inside, it’s a completely different story from the utilitarian Safaris of old. The white-and-black cabin with the layered dashboard, panoramic sunroof, and expansive seating feels more in line with international SUVs. Top trims added an 8.8-inch touchscreen, connected car technology, Xenon HID projector lamps, and six airbags, which make it a legitimate family flagship.

Tata Safari 2021 Price in India and Market Position

At the time of its debut, the Tata Safari 2021 price in India was set at ₹14.69 lakh (ex-showroom) for the base XE trim. That was a good fit between the MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar, two of its competitors with whom it still fights for market share.

For many buyers, that pricing brought serious value: a Land Rover-based platform, high-end interiors, and actual 7-seat utility all with a Safari badge.

The 2023 Tata Safari: A Smarter, Sharper Evolution

The formula was refined again by Tata two years later with the 2023 Tata Safari facelift. The update was a complete exterior and interior overhaul. It got a more aggressive front end, a full-width LED DRL bar, a new grille, alloy redesign, and connected LED taillights. It also got a 10.25-inch infotainment system, a fully digital driver display, powered seats with memory, and ventilated front and rear seats, all of which made it even more premium inside.

The biggest upgrade, however, was ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which included lane departure warning, forward collision alert and autonomous emergency braking. That in itself took the Safari to a place where only much more expensive SUVs belonged.

Why the 2021 Safari Still Makes Sense as a Used Buy in 2025

What makes the Safari stand apart is that it delivers something many others cannot, which is emotional attachment with modern capability. The platform is polished, the features are up to date, and the safety ratings are amazing, but the experience still feels raw and honest.

Both 2021 and 2023 facelift models feel substantial, planted and secure, with differences mostly being on technological upgrades. The diesel engine remains a workhorse with long-term reliability and the fact that Tata has enhanced its after-sales network means that ownership is now easier than ever. For anyone eyeing a used Tata Safari, 2021 models offer the best value for money and CARS24 makes the buying process a lot easier. 

Essential Checks Before Buying a Second Hand Tata Safari

The Safari is built tough, but a few quick checks can help you find a clean one. Here’s what to look for before you buy.

1. Suspension & Ride Feel

Early 2021 units may develop light thuds from worn bushes or struts. A short drive over uneven roads will reveal if anything needs replacement.

2. Infotainment & Electronics

Ensure the infotainment and sound system runs the latest update, as older software can cause slow menus or connection drops, both easily fixed at a Tata service centre.

3. Tyres & Alignment

Uneven wear or cracks on the inner edges usually point to skipped alignment. Factor in around ₹60,000 if a full replacement of tyres is due.

4. Transmission Health

Manuals with heavy clutch play or automatics with delayed shifts may need fluid changes. It is not serious, but worth checking before negotiation.

5. Service Record

Ask for the complete service log through Tata’s digital database. A consistent interval history usually means the SUV’s been well kept.

Get a certified used car inspection for added peace of mind and make sure that service records are complete and you will have an SUV that will serve you for years to come. 

Summary

The Tata Safari has completed its transformation from a rough adventure car to a sophisticated, global-spec family SUV. The Tata Safari 2021 was the first step to the comeback, and the 2023 Tata Safari solidified its position with design, technology, and features that compete with the global names.

All in all, it is a comeback done right: keeping the spirit intact but reinventing what an Indian SUV can be. And for anyone exploring the pre-owned space, a second hand Tata Safari that has been taken care of delivers the best of comfort, heritage, and highway assurance that you can buy today.