Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Detailed Comparison

by Chandrutpal Kashyap | 25/02/2021
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The all-new Tata Safari has finally launched, and rivals a slew of cars. Today we have a detailed Tata Safari v MG Hector Plus comparison to help you choose the right vehicle for yourself

Tata Motors has finally launched the all-new Safari after a month of being unveiled to the public. It is the latest entrant in the sub Rs 25 lakh 7-seater SUV segment, a category that is seeing renewed interest and growth over the last year or so. Based on the Harrier, the Safari was first unveiled as the Gravitas concept at the Indian AutoExpo, but Tata officials have stated that it was always meant to be the Safari. The new SUV brings back the iconic nameplate after its predecessor was discontinued due to BS-VI emission norms. Today we have a detailed Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus comparison to help you choose between the new SUV and the XL-size MG Hector.

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Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Detailed Comparison 

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Exteriors

The new Tata Safari is based on the Harrier, which is why it looks quite similar to the smaller SUV. The key difference between the two is the elongated wheelbase the Safari gets to make space for the third row of seats. Other differences include a new chrome grille with the new tri-arrow design, chrome surrounds around the headlights, silver faux bash plate, redesigned LED taillights, a stepped roofline and exclusive colours. 

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Detailed Comparison

The MG Hector Plus follows a similar philosophy as well it also has an extended wheelbase to fit the third row of seats when compared to the normal Hector. The main difference between the two is that the Hector Plus gets a bigger front grille, the headlights have a slightly different design, and the rear taillights don’t get the LED strip connecting both of them. The Hector Plus also just received a mid-life refresh in January with a slightly updated design.

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Interiors

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Detailed Comparison

The interior of the Tata Safari retains the general design of the dashboard from the Harrier, but it now gets a different finish on the dashboard panels and a dual-tone interior with white leather which is exclusive to the Safari and gives the cabin a premium and spacious feel. The Safari also comes in both 6 and 7-seater variants, with the former getting captain seats for the middle row.

The MG Hector Plus added a 7-seater variant with the January refresh, before which it only came in as a 6-seater variant with middle row captain seats. The interior of the Hector Plus also gets a black and white dual-tone colour scheme while the dashboard is dominated by the portrait style infotainment system on the centre console.

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Features

The new Tata Safari comes with features like a semi-digital instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 9-speaker audio system from JBL, iRA connected car tech, wireless charging, electric ORVMs, panoramic sunroof, cruise control, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control, ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring system and more. 

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Detailed Comparison

The MG Hector Plus gets a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, a portrait-style 10.4-inch infotainment system with integrated Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, AI-based voice recognition, Infinity audio system, wireless charging, OTA updates, electric ORVMs, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, cruise control, rear AC, and ventilated front seats, a host of connectivity-based features with embedded SIM card

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Dimensions

Name

Tata Safari

MG Hector Plus

Length

4661 mm

4720 mm

Width

1894 mm

1835 mm

Height

1786 mm

1760 mm

Wheelbase

2741 mm

2750 mm

Ground Clearance

200 mm

192 mm

Boot Space

73 litres

155 litres

The new Tata Safari is a bit shorter than the MG Hector Plus, the latter is 59 mm longer and also has a 9 mm longer wheelbase. But the Safari is both taller and wider by 26 m and 59 mm compared to the Hector Plus. The Tata also comes with a better ground clearance as well, 200 mm playing 192 mm. The Hector Plus, being a longer model comes with a significantly larger boot with all the seats up, its 155 litres being more than twice the Safari’s meagre 73 litres boot space.

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus - Specifications

Name

Tata Safari

MG Hector Plus

Engine Type

Kryotech 2.0L Turbo Diesel

2.0L Turbo Diesel

1.5L Turbo Petrol

Displacement

1956cc

1956cc

1451cc

Max. Power

170 PS

170 PS

143 PS

Max. Torque

350Nm

350Nm

250Nm

 

Though they may be named differently, both the new Tata Safari and the MG Hector Plus are powered by the FCA-sourced 2-litre turbo-diesel unit which makes 170 PS and 350 Nm of peak power and torque figures. The Hector Plus also comes with a 1.5-litre petrol unit which makes 143 PS and 250 Nm of max power and torque. The petrol Hecto Plus also comes in a mild-hybrid variant with a 48v electric system. The Tata Safari can be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic sourced from Hyundai. The MG Hector Plus comes with the option of either a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic or a CVT transmission, but if you’re buying a diesel-engined variant then you can only have it with the manual.

Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Prices

The Tata Safari’s prices were finally revealed after a month of being revealed. It will come in a total of 11 variants spanning across 6 trim levels – XE, XM, XT, XT+, XZ, and XZ+. The base XE trim has been priced at Rs 14.69 lakh while the flagship Adventure Persona Edition has been priced at Rs 21.45 lakh.

The MG Hector Plus comes in a total of 12 variants across 4 trim levels – Style, Super, Smart, Select, and Smart. Prices start from Rs 14.65 lakh for the base Style diesel, topping out at Rs 18.89 lakh for the Sharp CVT flagship trim. Do note all prices mentioned here are ex-showroom.

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Tata Safari Vs MG Hector Plus – Verdict

Both the new Tata Safari and MG Hector Plus have compelling arguments to buy them. The Safari is a more visually striking design and Tata has done very well with the rear-end redesign, giving it a different identity to the Harrier. The Hector Plus in comparison doesn’t differentiate itself enough from its smaller sibling, and most of its differences aren’t something that you’ll notice immediately. The Hector Plus has an arguably better dashboard though, it portrait-style infotainment system outshines the smaller unit of the Safari. And as the Hector Plus has just been refreshed last January, it makes a tougher choice buying between the two, especially with the addition of the 7-seater Hector Plus. The MG Hector Plus is considerably cheaper when it comes to the flagship trims, and has similar levels of features. If price is a factor then the Hector Plus makes more sense, though you cannot go wrong with buying either of them. We hope our Tata Safari vs MG Hector Plus comparison helps you pick the right vehicle for yourself.

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