What are the best cars for long drives, or highway driving in India? Today, we take a look at the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari 2023, and their variants to find out what makes them comfortable cars for road trips in India.
In this article, we will share
- What a long-distance road trip lover looks for in a car
- Mahindra XUV700 vs Tata Safari 2023 – an in-depth analysis of their features, fuel efficiency, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Long-Distance Road Trip Lover Looks for in a Car
What a long-distance road trip lover should look for in a car:
- Fuel Efficiency – The car should have high fuel efficiency so that long-distance trips are economical
- Space – The car should have good space for a comfortable and enjoyable trip
- Safety – The car’s safety ratings should be high, and adequate safety features
- Handling – The car’s handling must be superior, and it should have high-speed stability
Long-distance road trip enthusiasts prioritize comfort, performance, and reliability in their vehicles. Key features include spacious and comfortable interiors, efficient climate control, and adjustable seating for long hours of travel. High fuel efficiency and a large fuel tank capacity are crucial for minimizing stops.
Advanced navigation systems, steady high-speed performance, and cruise control enhance driving ease. Safety features like ABS, airbags, and traction control provide peace of mind, while infotainment systems compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay keep passengers entertained. Additionally, a large boot space for luggage and camping gear is essential.
Why Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari 2023 are Popular
Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari 2023 are popular choices for long-distance travelers due to their blend of comfort, space, and robust performance.
The Mahindra XUV700, with its powerful turbocharged engines, offers an exhilarating drive experience, essential for long trips. Its spacious interior, large touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control make it a top contender.
The Tata Safari, renowned for its commanding road presence and high ground clearance, offers a comfortable ride over varied terrains. Its spacious cabin, ample headroom and legroom, and reliable diesel engine option make it ideal for extended journeys.
Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 16-18 lakh range
For Tata Safari 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| Smart | ₹1,619,000 |
| Pure | ₹1,769,000 |
For Mahindra XUV700, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 13 November 2023 |
| AX3 | ₹1,651,000 |
| AX3 E | ₹1,701,000 |
| AX3 7 Str Diesel | ₹1,777,000 |
Tata Safari Smart
Priced at INR 1,619,000, the Tata Safari Smart offers a diesel engine, high ground clearance, and a spacious interior, making it suitable for long drives. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Safari 2023 with Toyota Innova Crysta.
Tata Safari Pure
The Tata Safari Pure, at INR 1,769,000, provides similar benefits as the Smart variant with additional comfort features like a larger touchscreen, enhancing the travel experience.
Mahindra XUV700 AX3
The Mahindra XUV700 AX3, priced at INR 1,651,000, stands out with its powerful petrol engine and modern tech features, offering a blend of performance and comfort for long trips. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with MG Hector Plus.
Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E
At INR 1,701,000, the Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E variant adds enhanced features like an electronic sunroof, providing an elevated driving experience for road trip enthusiasts. If you enjoy off-road adventures, you can read our comparison of the XUV700 with Isuzu V-Cross.
Mahindra XUV700 AX3 7 Str Diesel
The Mahindra XUV700 AX3 7 Str Diesel, priced at INR 1,777,000, combines the robustness of a diesel engine with the convenience of a seven-seater layout, ideal for larger groups or extra luggage.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari 2023 for Long-Distance Road Trip Lovers
The Mahindra XUV700 AX3 stands out as the best variant for long-distance road trip lovers. Priced at INR 1,651,000, it offers a perfect balance of performance, comfort, and technological features.
The powerful turbocharged petrol engine ensures a smooth and responsive drive, essential for long distances. Its spacious interior, large fuel tank capacity, and advanced infotainment system provide the necessary comfort and convenience for extended journeys.
The high ground clearance and safety features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control add to its appeal for road trip enthusiasts.
The Top 3 Choices
- Mahindra XUV700 AX3
- Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E
- Tata Safari Smart
| Feature | Tata Safari Smart | Mahindra XUV700 AX3 | Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E |
| Fuel Tank Capacity (l) | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| Boot Capacity (liters) | 420 | 240 | 240 |
| Ground Clearance (mm) | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 167.62 | 197.13 | 197.13 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Mahindra XUV700 AX3: Offers the best combination of power, technology, and comfort features, making it ideal for long-distance travel.
- Mahindra XUV700 AX3 E: Adds luxury features like an electronic sunroof to the AX3’s offerings, enhancing the overall travel experience.
- Tata Safari Smart: Provides a spacious and comfortable interior with a reliable diesel engine, suitable for varied terrains and longer trips.
For long-distance road trip lovers, the Mahindra XUV700 AX3 emerges as the top choice, offering an excellent mix of performance, comfort, and advanced features. The AX3 E variant adds a touch of luxury for those seeking extra amenities, while the Tata Safari Smart remains a strong contender for its spaciousness and diesel engine reliability. These three variants cater well to the needs of road trip enthusiasts, combining comfort, space, and driving pleasure for memorable journeys.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
Also read: Upcoming 2022 Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza rendered
Omprakash Tiwary is a business writer who delves into the intricacies of the corporate world. With a focus on finance and economic landscape. He offers readers valuable insights into market trends, entrepreneurship, and economic developments.
