There was a time when the Tata Safari nameplate stood tall as a diesel-only fortress. Big, brawny, and unapologetically torque-heavy. But times change, regulations tighten, and customer preferences evolve. Enter the 2026 Tata Safari Red Dark, now powered by Tata’s brand-new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine. On paper, it sounds like a downsizing gamble. In reality, it turns out to be far more interesting.
We spent a considerable amount of time driving this new petrol-powered Safari across highways and mixed driving conditions, and here’s what it genuinely feels like from behind the wheel.
Familiar Design
Visually, the Safari Red Dark continues to look imposing, but this new edition adds a sharper personality. The carbon black exterior paired with gloss red accents gives the SUV a more premium and slightly aggressive stance. The 19-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers further enhance the road presence, making the SUV look noticeably sportier without going overboard.
Step inside, and the cabin feels significantly more special than before. The Carnelian Red leather upholstery instantly grabs attention and contrasts beautifully with the steel black dashboard finish. It feels rich, distinctive, and properly flagship-worthy.
Feature upgrades play a big role in enhancing the luxury quotient. The massive 36.9 cm Samsung Neo QLED infotainment screen is sharp, fluid, and easily among the best displays currently available in the segment. Pair that with Dolby Atmos audio, and the cabin transforms into a genuinely cinematic experience, especially during highway cruising.
The Vision X IRVM with built-in dashcam and DVR is a clever addition, though it does have one ergonomic limitation. When used as a traditional mirror, the adjustment range feels limited, especially for taller drivers. The camera feed, however, is crisp and highly usable with multiple viewing options.
Convenience features like memory-based climate sync, dual camera washers, sliding armrest, and auto-dipping ORVMs show Tata’s growing focus on everyday usability.
The Big Change – 1.5L Hyperion Turbo Petrol Engine
Let’s address the elephant in the room. The new 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol produces 170 PS and 280 Nm. More importantly, this engine is about 80 kg lighter than the outgoing diesel, reducing front axle weight significantly.
The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed torque converter automatic. The review vehicle featured the automatic.
On highways, the first thing that stands out is refinement. At cruising speeds of 80-100 km/h, the cabin remains impressively silent. Engine noise is almost negligible, and wind or road noise barely intrudes. Long-distance driving feels relaxed and fatigue-free.
Push the throttle harder, and the engine responds with a progressive surge rather than a sudden punch. The acceleration feels strong enough to maintain triple-digit speeds comfortably. More importantly, the engine never feels strained, even while overtaking at highway speeds.
It may not deliver diesel-like low-end shove, but it compensates with smoothness and linear power delivery that suits urban driving much better.
Performance That Surprises
Despite being a large seven-seater SUV, the petrol Safari feels quicker than expected. It builds speed confidently and maintains momentum effortlessly. Whether overtaking or merging into fast-moving traffic, the engine feels capable and responsive.
Drive modes: Eco, City, and Sport, noticeably alter throttle response. Sport mode, in particular, holds gears longer and extracts the maximum performance potential from the engine.
The torque converter gearbox prioritises smoothness over outright speed. Shifts are seamless, though enthusiasts may find them slightly slower than dual-clutch units. Paddle shifters allow manual intervention, and the system smartly prevents over-revving by automatically upshifting when required.
Ride Quality – Still One of Safari’s Strongest Strengths
Tata has retuned the suspension to accommodate the lighter petrol engine, and the results are impressive.
The Safari continues to deliver one of the most comfortable ride experiences in its segment. The suspension absorbs potholes, broken surfaces, and highway undulations with remarkable composure. Despite the large 19-inch wheels, ride comfort remains plush and well-controlled.
High-speed stability is another strong point. Even during sudden lane changes or fast highway runs, the Safari remains planted and confidence inspiring. Yes, body roll is noticeable, but it’s predictable and well-managed.
Steering and Driving Comfort
The steering is light at low speeds, making city driving and parking effortless. As speeds increase, it gains adequate weight and offers predictable feedback. It is not sporty or razor sharp, but it is perfectly tuned for a large family SUV.
The commanding driving position further enhances confidence. Large wing mirrors and excellent bonnet visibility make manoeuvring this big SUV surprisingly easy.
Braking and Safety Confidence
The all-wheel disc brakes provide strong and progressive stopping power. Under hard braking, there is some expected nose dive, but overall braking performance feels reassuring.
Tata’s strong safety reputation continues to add peace of mind, reinforcing the Safari’s family-friendly credentials.
Real-World Efficiency
Fuel efficiency figures look promising for a petrol SUV of this size. During aggressive driving, the Safari delivered around 11 kmpl. During relaxed highway cruising, efficiency improved to nearly 15 kmpl. Considering the size and weight of the vehicle, these numbers are respectable and practical for daily usage.
Verdict
The 2026 Tata Safari Red Dark petrol successfully transforms the character of the SUV without diluting its identity. It feels smoother, quieter, and more refined, while still retaining the comfort, presence, and practicality Safari buyers expect.
The new Hyperion engine may look small on paper, but in real-world driving, it delivers adequate performance with improved refinement and respectable efficiency. Combine that with enhanced features, improved comfort, and strong road presence, and the petrol Safari emerges as a surprisingly well-rounded package.
Also read: 2025 Mahindra Thar Review
