The homegrown Tata Motors group goes up against the Chinese owned British group Morris Garages. One flaunts its Indian credentials with a strong emphasis on safety while the other pitches for the snob value of a foreign brand with ADAS capabilities.
The MG Hector Plus and the Tata Safari are both handsome vehicles packed with a lot of bells and whistles that the Indian consumer desires. They are both seven seaters, designed to accommodate large families or groups, and epitomise the concept of spaciousness and versatility.
The end result is that you have a wide variety of variants and features to choose from but will leave you confused about which car to actually go for. Here is a comprehensive comparison between the two in order to help you make up your mind.
Dimensions: MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
Dimensions | MG Hector Plus | Tata Safari |
Length | 4699 mm | 4661 mm |
Width | 1835 mm | 1894 mm |
Height | 1760 mm | 1786 mm |
Wheelbase | 2750 mm | 2741 mm |
Boot Space | 155 Litres | 73 Litres |
Ground clearance | 192 mm (unladen) | 205 mm(unladen) |
The Tata Safari is the taller of the two giving it a more aggressive stance while the MG Hector Plus is longer and boasts a large wheelbase enhancing the airy spaciousness of its cabin.We will go with the Tata Safari here because of the larger boot space on offer as well as greater ground clearance enabling it to breeze over rough roads.
The MG Hector Plus has a blunt aggressive nose with a frameless front grille, 17 inch alloy wheels, neat sharp lines and a stance that provides a clear sightline for the driver.
The Tata Safari is wider and taller with a chrome garnish around the headlights and a chrome finished tri arrow pattern on the Radiator grille. The car has a beautifully poised look that is only complemented by the 18 inch diamond alloy wheels it stands proudly on.
While the MG Hector Plus does come with more bling and is a big spacious car, the Tata Safari stands out for its stunning road presence, great looks and a robust build quality.
Engine and Transmission: MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
Specifications | MG Hector Plus | Tata Safari |
Engine | 1.5 L MPi Petrol | Kryotec 2.0 L Diesel |
1.5 L Diesel CRDi |
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1.4 L Petrol Turbo |
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Power | 115 PS | 110 PS |
115 PS | 140 PS | |
140 PS |
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Torque | 143.8 Nm | 144 Nm |
250 Nm | 220 Nm | |
242 Nm |
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Transmission | 6 speed MT | 5 speed MT |
6 speed iMT | CVT | |
6 speed IVT | 6 Speed AT | |
6 speed MT |
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6 speed AT |
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7 speed DCT |
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Mileage | 17.5 Kmpl | 14-15 Kmpl |
16.8 Kmpl | 10-12 Kmpl | |
17 Kmpl | 09-12 Kmpl | |
21 Kmpl | ||
19 Kmpl | ||
17 Kmpl |
The Tata Safari employs the familiar Kryotec 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine(a rebadged FIAT multijet with some Tata specific tweaks) found in the Harrier, paired with 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The driving experience is akin to the Harrier, with commendable power delivery. However, the manual variant entails a hefty clutch and somewhat effortful gear shifting. The automatic Safari, pairs seamlessly with the 6-speed torque converter auto gearbox. Engine noise is present under load, yet it quickly settles. The broad power distribution effortlessly propels the Safari. Driving modes – Eco, City, and Sport – fine-tune the performance.
The Hector Plus offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter diesel (the same FIAT multijet used by the Tatas)mated to a 6-speed manual, a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch auto, and a 1.5-liter mild-hybrid petrol with a 6-speed manual. The turbo-petrol engine suits the Hector Plus, displaying linear power delivery, commendable refinement, and adequate performance. Alternatively, the torquier diesel may better serve those frequently carrying a full load.
The Tata Safari caters to drivers preferring an efficient diesel giving power and torque for tackling challenging terrain or regular highway runs.It does score over the Mg Hector Plus because of the automatic variant on offer. The MG Hector Plus offers a refined and comfortable driving experience while presenting the customer with more options to suit the circumstances.
Features and Comfort : MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
Features | MG Hector Plus | Tata Safari |
Infotainment System | 26.41 cm touch ( base variants) | 26.03 cm HD |
35.56 cm touch HD ( only top variants) |
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Music System | 2 speakers 2 tweeters (base variant). | 4 speakers 4 tweeters (base variants) |
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4 speakers 2 tweeters mid variant. | JBL Sound System (4 speakers,4 tweeters, subwoofer and amplifier) top variants | |
Infinity Sound system ( 8 speakers, subwoofer and amplifier) top variants only |
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Climate Control | Yes (except base variants) | Yes |
Ventilated Seats | Yes ( only top variants) | Standard to all variants |
Adjustable Steering | Yes ( Tilt all variants, telescopic top end) | Tllt and telescopic steering all variants |
Drive Modes | Yes | Yes |
Instrument Cluster | Yes | Yes |
Sunroof | Panoramic(top variants only) | Panoramic(top variants only) |
Adjustable Seats | Yes | Yes |
Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
60:40 seat split | Yes | Yes |
Cruise Control | Yes (except base variant) | Yes (except base variants) |
Leather wrapped Steering | Yes | Yes (except base variants) |
Wireless Charging | Top variants only | Top variants only |
Cabin colour Scheme | Dual tone, black and tan | Dual Tone, white and black |
Electronic parking brake | Yes | Yes |
Powered drivers seat | Yes | Yes |
The interiors of the MG Hector Plus are inviting and the dual tone colour scheme adds to the feeling of richness. The cabin is dominated by the 10.5 inch touchscreen that has interactive capabilities and you can control over 50 of the car’s functions using voice commands. Materials used, fit and finish qualities are impeccable though the presence of some hard plastics are jarring.
The Tata Safari comes to the party with a premium cabin as well touched up in a oyster hue shade that is very inviting even though we suspect that keeping it clean might be a bit of an uphill job. The one let down is the smaller 8.8 inch touchscreen and rear view camera, which could have done with a lot more clarity and pixel intensity.
The MG Hector Plus definitely steals a march here with its intuitive AI and internet tech features while the Tata Safari fights back with a more spacious cabin especially in the third row. Boot space honours must, however, go to the MG Hector Plus which even has a unique gesture controlled tailgate.
Safety Features : MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
Safety Features | MG Hector Plus | Tata Safari |
GNCAP | Not Certified | Not Certified |
Airbags | 2 airbags in bottom 3 trims, 4 in next trim and 6 in top two trims. | 2 airbags as standard. Top models XZ, XZ+, XZA and XZA+ get 6 airbags |
ABS with EBD | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
ESC | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
Hill Hold Assist | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
Traction Control | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
Automatic Headlamps | Yes(not in lower trims) | Yes (except EX trims) |
Rain Sensing Wipers | No | Standard to all variants |
Rear Sensors | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
Rear Parking Camera | Yes( in every trim except the lowest one ) 360 degree camera in top two trims. | Yes( 360 degree camera) |
ISOFIX Child seat points | Standard to all variants | Standard to all variants |
ADAS | Yes(ADAS Level 2 in top variant) | Yes (ADAS Level 2 in top variants) |
Hill descent Control | Not Available | Not Available |
The Tata Safari comes with a comprehensive list of safety features as standard across all its variants. This is matched by the MG Hector Plus which also provides a fully equipped car with safety features as standard over all its variants. We must point out that both cars have not been tested by GNCAP though build quality indicates that both will fare well in the ratings whenever they are out.
The top spec models of both provide a pretty comprehensive ADAS level 2 feature list which only add to the overall safety aspect keeping you and your loved ones safe on the roads.
Price Comparison(ex-showroom Delhi): MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
Model | MG Hector Plus | Tata Safari |
Base | 17.99 - 20.51 Lakhs | 15.64-17.14 Lakhs |
Mid | 20.65 - 21.83 Lakhs | 18.46 -19.97 Lakhs |
Upper Mid | 21.98-22.81 Lakhs | 20.92 -22.71 Lakhs |
Top | 22.93-22.98 Lakhs | 23.46 - 26.01 Lakhs |
The MG Hector Plus and the Tata Safari are priced almost identically, making them closely competitive in the market. However, the Tata Safari undercuts the MG Hector Plus, providing price-conscious customers with a compelling reason to consider it as their preferred option.
While the top-of-the-line model of the Tata Safari is considerably more expensive than the comparable Hector Plus, the MG vehicle offers substantial advantages in the form of its feature-rich ADAS Level 2 suite. This advanced suite enhances the overall appeal and practicality of the Hector Plus, making it an attractive choice for buyers who seek a balance between affordability and cutting-edge features.
Summary : MG Hector Plus vs Tata Safari
What car you will purchase will depend on your individual needs? The stand out diesel choice would be the Tata Safari while green or petrol preferences will point you to the MG Hector Plus. The ADAS features on both are available in a complete suite only in the higher end variants where the MG Hector Plus carries a price advantage over the Safari. However , if you have a large family and need a seven seater, the third row of the Tata Safari is much more comfortable for adults as compared to the MG Hector Plus. The Tata Safari is also a better value for money proposition in its lower trims.
Both manufacturers have made efforts to offer feature-packed vehicles at attractive price points, making either choice a good buy. Prospective buyers should consider factors such as design, features, safety ratings, driving experience, and personal preferences to determine which model aligns best with their needs and desires.
