The Tata Safari is one of India’s most loved three-row SUVs, known for its commanding road presence, strong build quality, and family-friendly practicality. For years, most buyers had to choose diesel variants if they wanted this iconic SUV. But now, Tata Motors has finally launched the Safari in petrol guise in January 2026, opening up a new chapter that attracts buyers who prefer petrol SUVs for smoother performance, lower running noise, and refined driving.
In this article, we’re covering everything you need to know about the Tata Safari petrol — from its engine and performance to variant lineup, features, safety, prices, comparisons, pros and cons, and tips for buyers. By the end, you’ll get a complete picture of what this new petrol Safari offers and whether it’s worth considering to purchase with my personal opinion.
1. Tata Safari Petrol — Official Launch & Market Context
Tata Motors has officially expanded the Safari SUV lineup with petrol engine options in January 2026, broadening its appeal beyond diesel enthusiasts. The petrol versions are designed to offer similar rugged capability and feature content as the diesel variants but with the perks of a petrol powertrain — generally smoother operation and lighter feel in city and highway driving.
This launch arrives at a time when many Indian SUV buyers are shifting towards petrol engines or hybrid alternatives for daily use, thanks to reduced noise, better refinement, and more consistent fuel prices compared to diesel. The Safari petrol also competes in a crowded segment where rivals like Mahindra XUV700, Hyundai Alcazar, and MG Hector Plus offer petrol options.
2. Engine & Performance — What Powers the Tata Safari Petrol Engine?
Under the bonnet of the 2026 Tata Safari petrol lies a 1.5-litre Hyperion Turbo GDi petrol engine. This is the same family of engine first seen in Tata’s Sierra and Harrier petrol models, but tuned specifically for the Safari’s size and character.
Performance Figures
- Engine Type: 1.5-litre Turbo GDi petrol
- Power: Around 170 PS
- Torque: Around 280 Nm
- Transmission Options:
- 6-speed Manual
- 6-speed Automatic (Torque Converter)
The petrol engine delivers strong mid-range performance, making overtaking easier on highways and giving confidence in city traffic. This powertrain is known for lighter NVH (Noise, Vibration & Harshness) levels compared to diesel, which many buyers prefer for everyday driving. You can also drive this car on off-roads getting best performance and mileage to your car.
3. Variant Lineup — What Are the Petrol Safari Options?
Tata Motors offers the Safari petrol in a comprehensive range of variants, each targeting different buyer needs from entry-level practicality to premium luxury. Below is a breakdown of the main petrol variants (ex-showroom prices):
| Variant | Ex-Showroom Price (Approx.) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Smart | ₹13.29 lakh | Base variant with essential features |
| Pure X | ₹16.50 lakh | Adds sunroof, alloy wheels |
| Adventure X+ | ₹17.75 lakh | Bigger screen, ventilated seats |
| Accomplished X | ₹20.85 lakh | ADAS Level 2, JBL audio |
| Accomplished X+ | ₹22.73 lakh | 14.5″ QLED display, 360° camera |
| Accomplished Ultra | ₹23.33 lakh | Flagship feature set |
| Red Dark | ₹25.19 lakh | Exclusive theme & premium look |
Note: Some trims like Accomplished X+ and Ultra also offer 6-seater layouts with captain’s chairs for a more premium feel.
4. Exterior & Styling — Looks That Impress
On the outside, the Safari petrol doesn’t differ significantly from its diesel sibling, maintaining the bold SUV stance, muscular shoulders, and commanding road presence that the model is known for.
Exterior Highlights
- Large grille and distinctive headlights
- 19-inch alloy wheels on higher trims
- Dual-tone finishes available on select variants
- Exclusive Red Dark edition with blacked-out theme in top trims
- Camera washers and stylish body accents in premium variants
These styling elements give the Safari petrol a premium and rugged look, appealing to buyers who want a strong SUV identity without it being too flashy.
Tata Safari also provides various colours to the buyers of their choice, from which you can choose.
5. Tata Safari Petrol Interior & Comfort — Spacious, Premium & Tech-Focused
Inside, the Safari petrol offers excellent room for passengers across all three rows. Tata has given special attention to comfort, seating quality, and modern tech — making it suitable for long family trips as well as daily city use.
Key Interior Features
- 14″ or 14.5″ touchscreen infotainment from Samsung
- Dolby Atmos-enabled 10-speaker JBL audio system
- Ventilated front seats (higher trims)
- Panoramic sunroof
- Voice-assisted dual-zone climate control
- Wireless phone charging, Type-C fast ports
- Memory ORVMs and dual-camera washers
- Alexa Home2Car & Car2Home connectivity
- Left Hand arm rest available to the driver for more comfort and long trip with low traffic.
The infotainment and comfort features rival many SUVs in this segment and give Safari petrol a premium feel inside the cabin. The combination of tech and comfort makes every journey — short or long — more enjoyable.
6. Safety & Driver-Assistance — Five-Star Protection
One of the biggest highlights of the Tata Safari petrol is its 5-star Bharat NCAP safety rating across all variants. This rating reflects excellent protection for both adults and children, which is a major selling point for family buyers.
Safety Features
- Up to 7 airbags
- Advanced Level-2 ADAS suite
- 360° camera (higher trims)
- ABS with EBD & ESC
- Hill assist & descent control
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Brake disc wipe, panic brake alert, after-impact braking
Even the base Smart variant inherits a solid safety setup, making Safari petrol a reassuring choice for families. The presence of Level-2 ADAS in mid and top trims also boosts confidence on highways, especially on long drives.
7. Performance & Driving Experience — How It Feels on the Road
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine gives the Safari a refined and punchy character, especially noticeable in city driving and moderate highway speeds. The instant torque from the turbo helps in quick overtakes and smoother acceleration compared to a naturally aspirated petrol engine.
- Manual gearbox gives good driver engagement
- Automatic torque converter adds convenience in bumper-to-bumper traffic
- Refined NVH levels make the cabin quieter than diesel variants
While diesel still holds a slight edge in low-end grunt and towing power, the petrol Safari is more responsive and easier to live with in daily use — a reason many families prefer petrol SUVs today.
My Experience:
A couple of years ago I have got a chance to sit in Safari which was diesel variant. When the driver was driving it was producing enough power hitting rpm shoot to deliver more power to overtake other car. Also when I sat in the car it was very comfortable to me having enough leg room. The car also have AC vents in for second row passengers maintaining a good temperature in a car as we wish. That day and experience was awesome to me with the car.
8. Tata Safari Petrol Variants Comparisons — Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right variant depends on your budget and priorities. Here’s a quick guide:
Best Budget Choice
- Smart — Great entry point with essential features and petrol refinement.
Balanced Choice for Features
- Pure X / Adventure X+ — Adds sunroof, ventilated seats, better infotainment.
Feature-Rich Picks
- Accomplished X / X+ — Best balance of tech, safety, comfort, and ADAS.
Premium Experience
- Accomplished Ultra / Red Dark — Top-tier comfort, displays, premium audio, exclusive theme.
This structure helps buyers decide based on feature value versus price.
9. Safari Petrol vs Rivals — How It Stacks Up
Compared to other SUVs in the segment, the Safari petrol stands out in a few key areas:
| Model | Base Price (ex-showroom) | Power (PS) |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Safari Petrol | ₹13.29 lakh | ~170 |
| Hyundai Alcazar Petrol | ~₹14.99 lakh | ~158 |
| Mahindra XUV700 Petrol | ~₹15.86 lakh | ~197 |
| MG Hector Plus Petrol | ~₹17.70 lakh | ~190 |
This table shows that Safari petrol has one of the most competitive base prices while offering family-friendly budget car.
10. Pros & Cons — Honest Overview
Pros
- Wider appeal with petrol option
- Smooth and refined petrol engine
- Premium features even in mid trims
- 5-star safety rating across variants
- Roomy three-row cabin for families
Cons
- Diesel still offers stronger torque for heavy-load users
- Automatic variants cost significantly more
- Some rivals still offer newer design elements
Understanding these helps buyers make a balanced decision based on usage and priorities.
11. Real World Feedback (Person to whom I met)
I have also met a Safari Petrol Car owner during the meet he said that the performance and torque of the car is best which produces a good power during overtake of other car. He also said that, the car is best for daily use in cities as well as on highway.
But giving a smile later onwards he said that he face a major issue of parking in cities where there is huge crowd, so he has to basically park his car at a long distance in the crowded areas and get his work done. Also parking your car at a parking station is very important because your car is very safe otherwise someone would hit your car and ran away. The car also has camera washer which is very great for driver to drive and park the car at crowded places.
Note: The pricing of car and its various variants which I have provided may differ from region to region due taxation. So visit your nearest dealership for pricing.
12. Conclusion — Is Tata Safari Petrol Price Worth It?
In summary, the 2026 Tata Safari petrol is an exciting addition to the Indian SUV market. It brings petrol refinement, competitive pricing, strong safety, and modern features to a beloved model that was previously diesel-only. Whether you’re a family looking for a reliable SUV, a city commuter who wants petrol ease, or a road tripper who values comfort and space, the Safari petrol offers a well-rounded package worth considering.
You can also watch the expert tech talks on the car review on Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What engine does the Safari petrol use?
It uses a 1.5-litre Hyperion Turbo GDi petrol engine with ~170 PS and 280 Nm torque.
Q2. What is the starting price of Safari petrol?
The entry-level Smart petrol starts at around ₹13.29 lakh (ex-showroom).
Q3. Does it get automatic transmission?
Yes — the Safari petrol is available with both 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic options.
Q4. Are all variants 5-star Bharat NCAP rated?
Yes — all petrol Safari variants carry a five-star Bharat NCAP safety rating.
Q5. Should I buy petrol or diesel Safari?
For smoother city driving and refinement, petrol is a good choice. For heavier torque, towing, and highway loading, diesel remains strong.
(Your personal preference & use case matter here.)