As a family man, you consider only the best, or top family cars in India when deciding on which one to buy. Today, let’s look at the Toyota Innova Hycross and Tata Safari 2023, and find out what makes them family-friendly car models in India.
In this article, we will share
- What family-focused buyers look for in a car
- Toyota Innova Hycross vs Tata Safari 2023 – a detailed analysis of their features, space, and safety
- How to pick the right car for you
So, are these perfect cars for a small family, or can they accommodate large families, too? And which of these is the right car for a family man? Read on.
Also read: 10 DC Design cars & how they look in the REAL world: Maruti Swift to Mahindra XUV500
What a Family-focused car buyer looks for in a car
Here’s what a family-focused buyer should look for in car:
- Safety – A car must have essential safety features, and a good safety rating
- Space and comfort – The car must have ample space to accommodate all family members, and must include convenience features like rear AC vents
- Ride and handling – The car’s ride and handling need to be good
A family-focused car buyer looks for a spacious and comfortable cabin with ample legroom, headroom and shoulder room for all passengers. Safety is a top priority, so a car with high safety ratings, multiple airbags and modern safety tech is preferred.
Practicality features like rear AC vents, parking sensors and camera are valued. Low maintenance costs, good fuel efficiency and reliability are also key factors for family buyers.
Why Toyota Innova Hycross and Tata Safari 2023 are popular
The Toyota Innova and Tata Safari 2023 are both popular choices for family-focused buyers due to their spacious interiors, versatility and reliability.
The Innova has always been valued for its cabin space, seating comfort, ride quality and Toyota’s trusted brand image. The new Innova Hycross takes these strengths further with a modern design, premium interiors, additional safety tech and improved fuel efficiency.
The Tata Safari builds on the heritage of Tata’s safari lineage. It offers a high seating position, commanding road view and generous cabin space. Top variants get premium features like panoramic sunroof, powered seats, connected tech etc. Its competitive pricing also makes it attractive for families.
Both SUVs have high ground clearance for Indian roads, third row seating, powerful engines and 4-star Global NCAP safety rating. Their credentials as rugged, value-for-money family haulers make them favourites.
Toyota Innova Hycross and Tata Safari 2023 variants shortlist in Rs 25-26 Lakh Range
For Toyota Innova Hycross, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 8 November 2023 |
| VX 7STR Hybrid | ₹25.3 Lakhs |
| VX 8STR Hybrid | ₹25.35 Lakhs |
For Tata Safari 2023, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 8 November 2023 |
| Accomplished Plus | ₹25.49 Lakhs |
Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid
This mid variant strikes a balance between price and features. The mild-hybrid powertrain optimizes fuel efficiency. Safety kit includes 6 airbags, vehicle stability control, hill-start assist. Comfort features like auto climate control, powered driver seat, rear AC vents are also present. At this price point, it offers good value for family buyers. If you enjoy long drives, you can check out our comparison of the Innova Hycross with Mahindra XUV700.
Toyota Innova Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid
The top variant adds more premium features like panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, wireless charger, larger touchscreen and powered co-driver seat also. For someone looking for best-in-class features, this range-topping variant is recommended. The price increment over VX 7STR is minor. If you value a car’s design and style, you can read our guide to the best Innova Hycross variants for you.
Tata Safari Accomplished Plus
This is a well-equipped variant with the powerful 2.0L diesel engine. It offers modern comforts like panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, JBL sound system, connected car tech etc. On the safety front, it has 6 airbags, electronic stability control, hill descent control and more.
Priced competitively against rivals, this variant gives the Safari its ‘value for money’ image. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Safari 2023 with MG Hector.
Our Pick for the Best variant among Toyota Innova Hycross and Tata Safari 2023 for Family-focused car buyers
For a family buyer, the Toyota Innova Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid variant is recommended as the best option.
Though slightly more expensive than the Tata Safari variant, the Innova Hycross justifies it with more sophisticated hybrid powertrain, vastly improved refinement levels and Toyota’s unmatched reliability.
The self-charging strong hybrid engine delivers a claimed mileage of 23.24 kmpl – highest in the segment. This brings major savings on fuel costs – a key factor for families. The electric motor also provides zippy acceleration for easy overtakes.
Interior space, seat comfort, ride quality and NVH levels are excellent – ensuring comfortable long journeys for all passengers. The cabin gets modern amenities like ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, heads-up display etc.
Safety credentials are robust with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, vehicle stability control, 7 airbags and ADAS tech like blind spot monitor. Brand Toyota is revered for fuss-free, low cost maintenance which brings peace of mind.
Overall, the top Innova Hycross variant offers an unbeatable package of space, comfort, technology, safety and fuel economy for the family-focused car buyer.
The 3 Variants Ranked in Order of Preference
- Toyota Innova Hycross VX 8STR Hybrid
- Toyota Innova Hycross VX 7STR Hybrid
- Tata Safari Accomplished Plus
| Model | Variant | Price | Key Attributes |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | VX 8STR Hybrid | 25.35 Lakhs | Strong Hybrid, 23.24 kmpl mileage, Premium Features, Safety Tech, Brand Toyota Reliability |
| Toyota Innova Hycross | VX 7STR Hybrid | 25.3 Lakhs | Strong Hybrid, 23.24 kmpl mileage, Good Features, Safety Tech, Toyota Reliability |
| Tata Safari | Accomplished Plus | 25.49 Lakhs | Feature Loaded, Panoromic Sunroof, Connected Car Tech, Powerful Engine |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- For someone prioritizing fuel economy and low ownership costs, the Innova Hycross variants are recommended due to their exceptional hybrid mileage. The strong hybrid system also makes city driving smooth and stress-free.
- Buyers looking for an SUV with road presence can opt for the Safari. Its butch styling, high seating position, responsive diesel engine and generous features list make it a compelling package for Indian families. Priced competitively against rivals, it also has excellent value.
All three models score highly on space, comfort, features, safety – which are vital for family car buyers. The Toyota variants edge ahead with their hybrid tech, renowned ownership experience and Toyota’s trusted badge. But the Safari holds its own with its character, features and value pricing. Overall, buyers have three excellent family-focused SUVs to choose from in these variants.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
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