Best Top-End Variant of 7-Seater Premium SUVs Compared From A Safety Perspective
Most of the time, Indian roads are notoriously unsafe for traffic and drivers, so it is important to consider the safest cars, or top safety-rated cars when purchasing a vehicle. We compare the top variants of 7-seater premium SUVs in India (Tata Safari 2023, Mahindra XUV700 2024, Mahindra Scorpio-N, and MG Hector Plus) in terms of their safety aspects.
In this article, we will share
- What a safety-conscious buyer looks for in a car
- Tata Safari 2023 vs Mahindra XUV700 2024 vs Mahindra Scorpio-N vs MG Hector Plus – an in-depth look at their safety features, ratings, and driver assistance features
- How to pick the right car for you
Can these models be considered the best cars with safety features in India? How have they fared in crash tests, and how is their structural integrity? What features do they have to ensure driver, passenger and child safety? Read on.
What a Safety-Conscious Buyer Looks for in a Car
Here’s what a safety-conscious buyer should look for in a car:
- Safety – What safety features does the car have? What is its safety rating?
- Driver assistance – Does the car have features like parking camera, rear parking sensors, follow-me-home headlights, etc.
- Space – Does the car have enough interior space?
Safety-conscious buyers prioritize vehicles that offer a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect occupants in the event of an accident. They look for cars equipped with multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as knee airbags for added protection. Electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are also crucial for maintaining control and stability in emergency situations.
Additionally, safety-conscious buyers appreciate advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and forward collision warnings with automatic emergency braking.
Why Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus are popular
The Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N, and MG Hector Plus have gained popularity among safety-conscious buyers due to their impressive array of safety features and strong performance in safety tests.
The Tata Safari has been awarded a 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP, which is a testament to its robust build quality and advanced safety features. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, including a driver knee airbag, and advanced electronic stability control systems such as Roll Over Mitigation and Corner Stability Control. The Safari also offers features like Brake Disc Wiping, After Impact Braking, and Panic Brake Alert, which enhance safety in various driving conditions.
The Mahindra XUV700 offers a comprehensive safety package, including seven airbags, an advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and a host of driver assistance features. It also provides Continuous Digital Video Recording, which can be invaluable in the event of an accident, as well as an Electronic Park Brake for secure parking.
The Mahindra Scorpio N, particularly the Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT variant, comes equipped with six airbags and advanced safety features such as Driver Drowsiness Detection. Its robust build quality and advanced suspension setup also contribute to its overall safety credentials.
The MG Hector Plus offers a range of safety features, including six airbags, an Electronic Parking Brake, and advanced driver assistance systems such as Bend Cruise Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking for pedestrian safety. It also provides a 360-degree camera for enhanced visibility and safety while parking or maneuvering in tight spaces.
These SUVs have been designed with safety as a top priority, offering a combination of passive and active safety features to ensure the well-being of occupants in various driving scenarios.
Top variants of Tata Safari, Mahindra XUV700, Mahindra Scorpio N and MG Hector Plus
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 7 May 2024 |
| Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT | ₹2,454,100 |
| Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | ₹2,699,000 |
| MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT | ₹2,267,800 |
| Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT | ₹2,734,000 |
Mahindra Scorpio N Z8L Diesel 4×4 AT
This variant is an excellent choice for safety-conscious buyers, offering six airbags and advanced safety features such as Driver Drowsiness Detection. Its robust build quality and advanced suspension setup also contribute to its overall safety credentials. If you’re a family-focused car buyer, you can read our comparison of the Scorpio-N with Maruti Suzuki Invicto.
Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD is a top pick for safety-conscious buyers, offering seven airbags, an advanced electronic stability program (ESP), and a host of driver assistance features. It also provides Continuous Digital Video Recording and an Electronic Park Brake for added safety. If you’re a performance enthusiast, you can check out our guide to the best petrol variants of XUV700.
MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
This variant is a strong contender for safety-conscious buyers, offering six airbags and advanced driver assistance systems such as Bend Cruise Assistance, Traffic Jam Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking for pedestrian safety. It also provides a 360-degree camera for enhanced visibility and safety. If you enjoy long-distance road trips, you can read our comparison of the Hector Plus with Tata Safari 2023 and Hyundai Alcazar.
Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT is an impressive choice for safety-conscious buyers, having been awarded a 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP. It comes equipped with multiple airbags, including a driver knee airbag, and advanced electronic stability control systems such as Roll Over Mitigation and Corner Stability Control.
Our Pick for the Best Top-end Variant For Safety
After considering the safety features and attributes of the shortlisted variants, the Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT emerges as the best option for safety-conscious buyers.
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT has been awarded an impressive 5-star safety rating by Global NCAP, which is a testament to its robust build quality and advanced safety features. This variant comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features designed to protect occupants in various driving scenarios.
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT offers seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, providing superior protection in the event of a collision. It also boasts advanced electronic stability control systems such as Roll Over Mitigation and Corner Stability Control, which help maintain vehicle stability and prevent rollover accidents.
Additionally, this variant offers features like Brake Disc Wiping, which ensures optimal braking performance in wet conditions, and After Impact Braking, which automatically applies the brakes after a collision to prevent secondary impacts. The Panic Brake Alert feature provides an early warning to following vehicles in case of sudden braking, enhancing overall road safety.
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT also comes equipped with an Advanced ESP with Driver Doze Off Alert, which monitors driver alertness and provides warnings if it detects signs of drowsiness, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
Other notable safety features include a 3-Point Seatbelt with Reminder for all Seats, ensuring that all occupants are securely fastened, and an Electronic Park Brake with Auto Hold, which prevents unintended vehicle movement when stopped on an incline.
Considering its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, comprehensive array of airbags, advanced electronic stability control systems, and additional safety features, the Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT is the top choice for safety-conscious buyers looking for a premium 7-seater SUV.
The Top 3 choices
- Tata Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT
- Mahindra XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD
- MG Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT
| Attributes | Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT | XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD | Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT |
| Global NCAP Safety Rating | 5 Star | N/A | N/A |
| Global NCAP Child Safety Rating | 5 Star | N/A | N/A |
| No. of Airbags | 7 | 7 | 6 |
| Knee Airbags | Driver | Driver | N/A |
| Advance Safety Features | Yes | Yes | Yes |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT stands out with its 5-star Global NCAP safety rating for both adult and child occupants, offering a testament to its superior safety credentials. It also boasts seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, and a range of advanced safety features.
- The XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD offers seven airbags, a driver knee airbag, and advanced safety features, making it a strong contender in terms of safety.
- The Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT, while offering six airbags, also provides a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features, ensuring the well-being of its occupants.
The Safari Accomplished Plus Dark 6S AT, XUV700 AX7 Diesel AT Luxury Pack AWD, and Hector Plus 1.5 Turbo Savvy Pro CVT are all attractive options for safety-conscious buyers. All three variants prioritize safety, offering a combination of passive and active safety features to provide peace of mind to safety-conscious buyers.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.