The Indian automotive market is fiercely competitive, and nowhere is this more evident than in the three-row family SUV segment. Two of the most prominent contenders vying for the top spot are the legendary Tata Safari and the feature-packed MG Hector Plus. Both offer space, style, and technology, but they cater to very different tastes and priorities.
The Safari, with its iconic nameplate, banks on its robust build, powerful performance, and commanding road presence. The Hector Plus, on the other hand, charms with its sophisticated comfort, cutting-edge technology, and premium cabin experience. So, which one should be your next family chariot? Let's break it down.
Design and Road Presence: Brawn vs. Beauty
This is where the two SUVs immediately showcase their different philosophies.
The Tata Safari, especially in its latest facelifted avatar, is all about muscle and machismo. It boasts a bold, upright stance derived from its Land Rover D8 platform. The new full-width LED light bars at the front and rear give it a futuristic yet imposing look. Its strong shoulder lines and flared wheel arches scream "tough," making it a vehicle that commands respect on the road. If you want an SUV that looks like it can handle anything, the Safari’s brawny appeal is hard to beat.
The MG Hector Plus opts for a more elegant and sophisticated approach. It's more of an urban cruiser, with a massive chrome-studded grille, sleek split-headlamp design, and a flowing, elongated profile. While it's a large vehicle, its design is less about aggression and more about premiumness. It’s the kind of SUV that looks perfectly at home pulling up to a five-star hotel.
Verdict: For sheer road presence and a rugged, go-anywhere look, the Safari wins. For sophisticated, urban elegance, the Hector Plus takes the crown.
Interior, Technology, and Features: The Gadget Guru vs. The Refined Workhorse
Step inside, and the battle gets even more intense.
The MG Hector Plus has always been known as the "feature king," and it continues to hold that title. The centerpiece is the gigantic 14-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system, which dominates the dashboard. It's slick, responsive, and loaded with MG’s i-SMART connected car technology, offering over 75 features, including a digital key. Coupled with a plush, soft-touch cabin, a massive panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats, the Hector Plus feels like a gadget-lover's paradise.
The Tata Safari, however, has made a quantum leap with its recent update. It now sports a modern and minimalist dashboard featuring a large 12.3-inch touchscreen and a configurable 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. The system is fluid and feature-rich. Tata has also loaded the Safari with creature comforts like dual-zone climate control, a fantastic JBL sound system, ventilated seats in both the front and second rows (for the 6-seater), and a panoramic sunroof. The fit and finish have improved dramatically, giving it a truly premium feel.
Verdict: While the Safari has closed the gap significantly, the Hector Plus still feels slightly more tech-forward with its larger screen and more extensive list of connected car features.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
Both SUVs are available in 6-seater (with captain's chairs in the middle row) and 7-seater configurations.
The MG Hector Plus is engineered for comfort. Its suspension is tuned to be soft, effortlessly soaking up city potholes and undulations, providing a supremely comfortable ride for passengers. The cabin feels incredibly airy and spacious, making it a fantastic vehicle for long family trips, provided the roads are good. The third row, like in most vehicles in this class, is best suited for children.
The Tata Safari offers a more commanding driving position and a ride that feels more robust and planted, especially at high speeds and on broken roads. While slightly firmer than the Hector Plus, its suspension is brilliantly tuned to handle rough Indian terrain without unsettling the occupants. The third-row space is arguably a touch more usable for adults on short journeys, and its "stadium seating" offers a better view for all passengers.
Verdict: For a plush, cloud-like ride in the city, the Hector Plus is superior. For high-speed stability and tackling rough roads with confidence, the Safari has the edge.
Engine and Performance: The Diesel Dilemma
This is a key differentiator. Both SUVs share the same excellent 2.0-litre Stellantis-sourced diesel engine, but their powertrain options are vastly different.
The Tata Safari is a diesel-only SUV. Its 2.0L Kryotec diesel engine produces 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque. It can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or a fantastic 6-speed torque converter automatic. This diesel-auto combination is the Safari's trump card—it's powerful, smooth, and perfect for highway cruising.
The MG Hector Plus offers more choice. It has the same 2.0L diesel engine (170 PS / 350 Nm) but is only available with a 6-speed manual gearbox. This is a major miss for those wanting a diesel automatic. However, the Hector Plus also offers a 1.5L turbo-petrol engine (143 PS / 250 Nm) with a manual or a smooth CVT automatic, catering to buyers with lower running or a preference for petrol refinement.
Verdict: If a powerful and smooth diesel automatic is your non-negotiable requirement, the Tata Safari is your only choice here. If you prefer a refined petrol automatic for city driving, the MG Hector Plus is the clear winner.
Safety
Tata has built its brand on safety, and the Safari is a testament to that. It is based on a platform that has scored a 5-star rating at the Global NCAP crash tests. It comes equipped with up to 7 airbags (including a driver's knee airbag), ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems), ESP, and a host of other safety features.
The MG Hector Plus is also well-equipped with safety tech, including up to 6 airbags, ESP, and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite. However, it has not yet been crash-tested by an independent body like the GNCAP, which leaves a question mark for safety-conscious buyers.
Verdict: With a proven 5-star GNCAP rating, the Tata Safari has a definitive and crucial advantage in the safety department.
Final Verdict: Which One Is for You?
There is no single winner here; the "better" car depends entirely on your priorities.
You should choose the MG Hector Plus if:
You should choose the Tata Safari if:
Ultimately, the Hector Plus is a comfortable, feature-rich tech haven, while the Safari is a tough, safe, and powerful all-rounder with a legendary name. Test drive both, assess your needs, and reclaim your life or discover what it means when "it's a human thing."
