Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus – Features, Specifications, Engines And Prices Comparison!

Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus is the comparison we’ve all been waiting for. Finally, Tata Motors launched the Safari and we have an exciting comparison on our hands between two of the direct rivals in the 7-seat mid-size SUV segment. Both these products come with all sorts of practicality and flexibilities in terms of engine-gearbox combinations and seating arrangements along with a long list of features. There is an option of choosing between 6 or 7-seat configurations and between manual and automatic transmissions. Let us take a look in detail at the exact points of difference and similarities between the two SUVs.

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Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus – Exterior and Dimensions Comparison

The Safari is the longer version of the Harrier which is already one of the better-looking SUVs around. The front end resembles the Harrier with the LED DRLs on the bonnet, Xenon HID Projector headlamp unit on the bonnet and the chrome tri-arrow marking on the front grille. The side lets you know the length and the typical silhouette of the Safari with the stepped-up rear roof and roof rails. The large 18-inch machined alloys make the SUV look bold and muscular. The rear looks sporty with LED tail lamps connected by a blacked-out glass housing. Overall, the flagship offering from Tata Motors does look premium enough from the outside.

The outside of the MG Hector Plus is also inspired by the Hector which means that there are LED Haedalmpas with LED DRLs, LED fog lamps, bold chrome touched front grille, gunmetal front skid plates, the headlamp unit placed at the lower end of the bumper and the DRLs on the top of the bonnet, 18-inch dual-tone alloys, floating-effect turn indicators, sleek rear LED tail lamps with chrome bar connecting the rear tail lamps. Overall, the design language is very modern and is a head-turner.

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While the MG Hector Plus is the longer of the two by quite some margin, the Tata Safari is the wider and taller of the two which means additional comfort for the second and third-row passengers in terms of seating more people abreast and with the headroom. This can be seen even from the outside, where Safari has been given a stepped-up roof to provide extra headroom for the third row.

Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus – Interior and Features Comparison

The list of safety and convenience features on both these products is extensive, so let’s go through it in detail. When you enter inside the new Safari, you are greeted with the Oyster White colour scheme with Ashwood insert on the dashboard with a soft touch and anti-reflective surface The Safari is filled with features to the brim including a large Panoramic Sunroof with anti-pinch function, Reclining Second Row Seats, Ambient Mood Lighting, Automatic Temperature Control, Cooled Storage Box, 6-way Powered Driver Seat with adjustable lumbar support. On the tech front, there is an 8-inch Floating Island Touch Screen Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 9-speaker JBL audio system, Instrument Cluster with 7-inch Coloured TFT Display, Voice Recognition and Bluetooth connectivity. Then there is the connected car tech from Tata Motors called the iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) with functions like Geo and time-fencing, Valet Mode, Live Tracking, Intrusion Alert, Live Vehicle Diagnostics, Drive Pattern Analysis, Remote Commands, Over-the-air updates and much more.

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The interior includes a new dual-tone theme, which MG likes to call Champagne and Black theme. The upright 10.2-inch Digital Infotainment System now comes with even more connected features than before. MG hare taking the internet-connected game to a new level. The Voice Commands now take Hindi words as input as well, increasing the convenience quotient of the car. The new additions also include Ventilated Front Seats and Wireless Charging for your Smartphone. The large panoramic sunroof continues to make the cabin look roomier. The flat surface bottom makes the rear seat comfort stand out. Both these SUVs get 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC and ISOFIX child-seat mounts, Hill-Start Assist and many more safety features.

Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus – Engine and Price Comparison

The Safari comes with a sole 2.0-litre Kryotec Diesel engine making 170PS and 350Nm mated to either a 6-speed manual or an automatic gearbox option. On the other hand, the Hector Plus offers a 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. Both these engines make 143PS and 250Nm and can be mated to either a manual or a DCT automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine makes 170hp and 350Nm and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission option only. If you are looking for a petrol option, then there is only one choice, but if you want a diesel automatic, then you can opt for the only option available in that configuration.

Also read: Tata Safari Manual Transmission vs Automatic Transmission!

The Hector Plus 7-seater comes in 4 trims starting from Style which costs Rs 13.44 lakh. Then comes Super variants costing Rs 14.94 lakh. These variants are offered in petrol-only option. With the diesel engine, the Style variant costs Rs 14.76 lakh, the Super variant costs Rs 15,86 lakh, the Smart variant costs Rs 17.64 lakh and this new Select variant costs Rs 18.46 lakh, ex-showroom. the introductory prices of the Safari start from Rs 14.69 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 21.45 lakh, ex-showroom for the Adventure Persona Edition with automatic transmission.

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Both these products have their definite characteristics and appeals but depending on your requirements there will always be one that suits your needs better than the other, be it the powertrain option, transmission options or the image that both these products carry. Also, Safari being the flagship offering from Tata Motors does come with a bigger price tag but also compensates for that with a tone of more in-cabin features. We have also linked the video reviews of both these vehicles to help you decide which one suits your needs better. Whichever SUV you buy, you can’t really go wrong with either of them.