Tata Safari 2026 Every Seat Review: 3rd Row space, comfort & Legroom tested - India.com

The Tata Safari has long been a nameplate synonymous with space and comfort in the Indian SUV market. With the 2026 iteration, the company has focused on refining the three-row experience, and we spent extensive time testing every seat to see if it truly delivers on its promise. The third row, often the weakest link in many SUVs, is where the Safari aims to stand out. Our testing involved measuring legroom, headroom, and overall comfort for passengers of varying heights, and the results are mixed but largely positive.

Starting with the third row, the Safari 2026 offers a dedicated air conditioning vent, which is a boon for rear passengers in India's sweltering climate. Legroom, however, remains a compromise. With the second row set to a comfortable position for a 5'10" driver, the third row offers just about 650 mm of knee clearance. This means for adults over 5'8", the experience can feel cramped on longer journeys. Headroom, on the other hand, is surprisingly generous at 950 mm, thanks to the boxy design. The seat cushion is low, which forces a knees-up posture, but the under-thigh support is adequate for short trips. For children and teenagers, the third row is perfectly usable, and the presence of ISOFIX anchors adds to its practicality.

Moving to the second row, the Safari 2026 shines. Captain seats in higher trims offer a lounge-like feel with adjustable armrests and a recline function. Legroom here is expansive at 850 mm, and the flat floor means even the middle passenger (if in a bench seat) gets decent space. The seats are well-padded, and the cushioning is neither too soft nor too hard, striking a balance for long drives. The second row also gets its own AC vents and charging ports, making it a preferred spot for families. The first row, meanwhile, offers electric adjustment with memory function, and the driver gets a commanding view of the road. However, the dashboard’s touchscreen, while large, can be prone to fingerprints and glare in direct sunlight.

When it comes to boot space, the Safari 2026 with all three rows up offers just 215 litres, which is enough for a couple of small suitcases or a few backpacks. With the third row folded flat, space expands to a cavernous 730 litres, and with both rear rows down, it becomes a mini cargo van. The seats fold in a 50:50 split for the third row and 60:40 for the second, providing flexibility for various load combinations. However, the folding mechanism requires some effort, and the seatbelts can get caught during the process.

Analysts note that while the Safari 2026's third row is not a class leader in legroom, its headroom and practicality make it a strong contender in the segment. The key is to position the second row slightly forward to maximise comfort for all occupants.

In terms of ingress and egress, the second-row seats have a one-touch tumble mechanism that slides and folds forward, providing a decent opening. However, the step-in height is slightly high for elderly passengers, and the lack of running boards on some trims could be a drawback. Once inside, the cabin's airiness is enhanced by a panoramic sunroof, which brightens the space. The overall build quality is impressive, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads. Yet, some plastic parts in the lower sections feel a bit hard, which is typical at this price point.

For those who frequently carry a full complement of passengers, the Safari 2026 is a practical choice, but it's best to reserve the third row for shorter trips or for younger occupants. The 2026 model's improvements—like improved under-thigh support and better AC airflow—show that Tata Motors has listened to feedback. Still, a more reclined third-row seatback would have been welcome. As with any three-row SUV, there's a trade-off between passenger space and luggage capacity. The Safari 2026 manages this balance reasonably well, but it's not perfect. If you prioritise third-row space above all, you might want to consider alternatives, but for most Indian families, the Safari offers a compelling package.

In conclusion, the Tata Safari 2026's every-seat review reveals a vehicle that is best in class for second-row comfort, while its third row is acceptable for occasional use. The boot space is adequate when all seats are in use, but it's the flexibility that wins. With a starting price of ₹25.5 lakh (ex-showroom), the Safari 2026 continues to be a value-for-money proposition in the full-size SUV segment. Whether you're a chauffeur-driven owner or a self-drive enthusiast, the Safari's seating layout offers something for everyone, but it's the second row that will keep you smiling. For a closer look at the Safari 2026 and other SUVs, visit autoverse.cc for detailed reviews and comparisons.

Ready to experience the Tata Safari 2026 for yourself? Check out our in-depth video review and first-hand impressions at autoverse.cc for more insights and to see how it stacks against rivals. Don't miss out on the latest updates and expert opinions—click through to autoverse.cc now.