New Hyundai Alcazar vs Tata Safari: The Ultimate 7-Seater SUV Battle Heats Up
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift, launched on September 9, 2024, has reignited the competition in India’s three-row SUV segment, where family-oriented vehicles like the Tata Safari continue to dominate sales. With over 1.5 lakh units sold since its debut in 2021, the Alcazar facelift introduces refreshed styling, advanced tech, and improved comfort, challenging the Tata Safari’s stronghold as a spacious, powerful option for large families.
As India’s SUV market surges toward a projected value of $50 billion by 2030, this head-to-head comparison analyzes the two models on key parameters like third-row space, boot capacity, ride quality, ADAS suites, and infotainment systems. Drawing from verified data and expert reviews, this definitive “Vs.” guide helps potential buyers decide between the feature-rich Alcazar and the robust Safari, optimized for searches like “Hyundai Alcazar facelift vs Tata Safari comparison 2025” and “best 7-seater SUV India.”
Third-Row Space and Comfort: Alcazar vs. Safari
Third-row usability is a critical factor for family SUVs, where adults often need viable seating for longer journeys.
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift offers a wheelbase of 2760mm, providing adequate third-row space for children or smaller adults, with dimensions allowing adults to manage shorter trips comfortably.
The second-row seats slide and recline, offering flexibility to tuck feet under for better legroom, though taller passengers may find knee room tight at 645mm and headroom limited to 940mm. Comfort features include dedicated AC vents, USB ports, and cup holders in the third row, enhancing usability. However, the bench seat lacks sufficient thigh support for extended rides, making it best suited for occasional use.
In contrast, the Tata Safari’s larger dimensions (4668mm length, 1922mm width, 1795mm height, 2741mm wheelbase) translate to superior third-row space, with better knee room (around 700mm when second row is adjusted) and headroom (980mm), accommodating adults more comfortably for medium-distance travel.
The second row can slide forward to create additional space, and the 50:50 split third-row folds flat for versatility. Features like AC vents and USB ports are present, but the Safari’s firmer cushioning may feel less plush than the Alcazar’s over bumps. Reviews note the Safari’s third row is “more adult-friendly” for family outings, though it’s still not ideal for very long trips without adjustments.
Overall, the Tata Safari edges out for third-row comfort due to its size, making it preferable for families with frequent adult passengers in the back.
Boot Space: Alcazar vs. Safari
Boot space is essential for family SUVs, balancing seating with cargo needs for weekend getaways or shopping.
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift provides 180 liters of boot space with all three rows up, sufficient for a couple of small trolley bags or groceries. Folding the third row expands it to 579 liters (measured to the roof), accommodating larger luggage for family trips.
With both second and third rows down, it reaches 1,800 liters, offering versatility. The low loading lip and wide opening facilitate easy access, though the space is narrower due to the SUV’s compact footprint.
The Tata Safari offers a more generous 73 liters with all rows up, but this expands to 680 liters with the third row folded and up to 1,550 liters with the second row down. Its wider body allows for better organization of luggage, and the flat floor when seats are folded creates a practical loading area.
However, the higher loading lip may require more effort for heavy items. Reviews highlight the Safari’s boot as “more practical for long trips,” with space for multiple suitcases even with the third row in use.
The Safari wins for overall boot flexibility, especially for families needing ample cargo space alongside seating.
Ride Quality: Hyundai Alcazar vs Tata Safari
Ride quality determines comfort on India’s mixed roads, from pothole-filled cities to smooth highways.
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift excels in ride comfort with its well-tuned suspension that absorbs bumps effectively, offering a plush feel for passengers. The diesel engine (116hp, 250Nm) is refined, with minimal vibrations, and the 6-speed automatic transmission ensures smooth shifts.
On highways, it maintains stability at high speeds, though body roll is noticeable in corners due to its height. City driving is effortless with light steering and a tight turning radius of 5.4m. Reviews praise its “balanced ride” for family use, with low road noise contributing to a premium cabin experience.
The Tata Safari’s suspension is firmer, providing better handling on highways with excellent stability at speeds over 100km/h, thanks to its larger tires and 195mm ground clearance.
The diesel engine (168hp, 350Nm) delivers strong torque for overtakes, but some road noise filters into the cabin. In cities, the steering feels heavier, and the turning radius (5.8m) makes maneuvering tighter spots challenging. Third-row passengers may feel more bumps due to the rear suspension setup. Experts note the Safari’s “confident highway cruiser” nature but criticize occasional harshness over potholes.
The Alcazar offers a more comfortable ride for daily urban use, while the Safari shines on highways.
Features Analysis: ADAS Suites and Infotainment Systems
Both SUVs pack modern features, but differences in ADAS and infotainment highlight their priorities.
The Hyundai Alcazar facelift’s Level 2 ADAS suite includes 19 features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic alert. It integrates seamlessly with the 360-degree camera and parking sensors for enhanced safety in traffic.
The infotainment system features dual 10.25-inch screens (touchscreen and digital cluster), supporting wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, Bose 8-speaker audio, and 70+ Bluelink connected-car functions. Voice-enabled panoramic sunroof and multi-language support (including Hindi) add convenience for Indian families.
The Tata Safari’s ADAS includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, and forward collision warning, but lacks the Alcazar’s rear cross-traffic alert in some variants. It’s effective but noted for occasional false alerts in reviews.
The infotainment setup comprises a 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital cluster, with wireless connectivity, a 10-speaker JBL system, and connected features like remote start. However, the interface is less intuitive than Hyundai’s, and voice commands are limited.
The Alcazar leads in ADAS comprehensiveness and infotainment polish, ideal for tech-savvy families.
Verdict: Which SUV Wins for Different Uses?
For city driving, the Hyundai Alcazar facelift is the better choice with its compact size, lighter steering, and refined ride, making it easier to navigate traffic and parking. Its superior ADAS and quieter cabin enhance urban comfort.
On highways, the Tata Safari excels with its powerful diesel engine, stable handling, and larger footprint, providing confidence during overtakes and long cruises. Its torque (350Nm vs. Alcazar’s 250Nm) handles loaded conditions better.
For overall family use, the Tata Safari emerges as the winner due to its superior third-row space, boot capacity, and value-for-money pricing (starting at ₹15.49 lakh vs. Alcazar’s ₹14.99 lakh, but with more power and size). However, the Alcazar is preferable for those prioritizing features, refinement, and a premium feel. Test drives are recommended to decide based on specific needs. Official Website of,
Hyundai Alcazar:
https://www.hyundai.com/in/en/find-a-car/alcazar/highlights
Tata Safari:
https://cars.tatamotors.com/safari/ice.html
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