The first-generation Safari was launched in India in 1998 and exported to European markets the same year, with UK sales beginning in 1999. It was built on the Tata X2 body-on-frame platform derived from the Tata Telcoline, with the rear axle redesigned and strengthened for off-road use. Drive went to the rear wheels in normal conditions, with a part-time all-wheel-drive option engageable up to 60 km/h, a self-locking rear differential, and a double-wishbone and torsion-bar front suspension, while a five-arm rigid rear bridge with coil springs was used at the rear.
The initial engine was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel of 1948 cc, derived from the Peugeot XD88 unit built under licence in India and producing 92 horsepower under Euro 2 norms. A 2.1-litre 16-valve naturally aspirated petrol engine co-developed with AVL producing 135 horsepower was added in 2003 before being discontinued in 2005.
In 2005 a significant facelift introduced a new bumper, grille, and lighting alongside the first direct-injection diesel engine from Tata: the 3.0-litre four-cylinder Dicor producing 116 PS and 300 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm, derived from a Mercedes-Benz commercial unit. The 3.0 Dicor was replaced in European markets in 2007 by a 2.2-litre unit developed on the PSA Group DW12 base and revised by Austrian engineering firm AVL, producing 140 PS and 320 Nm. A further refresh in 2010 updated the grille, interior trim, and colour range.
The Safari Storme was unveiled at the Auto Expo in January 2012 and launched in October of that year. It featured a comprehensively new body shell — though the overall design silhouette was preserved — with revised lighting, a repositioned spare wheel relocated from the tailgate to a floor-mounted position, and a stronger five-arm multi-link rear suspension with hydro-formed chassis sections. Power came from the Varicor 2.2-litre electronically controlled common rail diesel producing 150 PS and 320 Nm. A 2015 update introduced the Varicor 400 variant, raising torque to 400 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, available with a six-speed manual in both two- and four-wheel-drive versions.
In December 2016 Tata Motors was contracted to supply approximately 3,192 Safari Stormes to the Indian Army as the successor to the Maruti Gypsy. The vehicle passed the Army's GS800 classification, requiring a hard-top vehicle capable of carrying at least 800 kg payload with air conditioning. The Storme also entered service with the Indian Border Security Force and was exported to the Seychelles Police Force. In 2019, ten Safari Stormes were delivered to the Tatmadaw by the Indian ambassador to Myanmar. The Safari Storme was discontinued in 2020 due to BS6 emissions regulations.
The second-generation Safari, launched in January 2021, marked a complete architectural departure. Built on the same platform as the Tata Harrier and sharing its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine with the Jeep Compass, it is a front-wheel-drive monocoque crossover available in six- or seven-seat configurations. The six-seat captain-chair layout was restricted to the top-specification XZ Plus trim.
In February 2021 Tata launched the Safari Adventurer Persona edition using a colour scheme shared with the Tata Buzzard. An XTA+ variant with a six-speed Hyundai-sourced automatic gearbox and panoramic sunroof was added in August 2021. January 2022 saw the Dark edition and Kaziranga special edition, alongside Gold variants in Black Gold and White Gold finishes.
A facelift revealed in October 2023 updated the front fascia with full-width LED daytime running lights, sequential turn indicators, revised bumpers, and 19-inch alloy wheels on top trims. At the rear, connected taillamps and a gesture-controlled electric tailgate were added. Interior revisions included a 10.25-inch touchscreen upgraded to a 14.5-inch Samsung OLED unit on higher specifications, powered ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a customisable digital instrument cluster with phone mirroring.
In 2023 the Safari received five-star ratings for both adult occupant and toddler protection under Global NCAP 2.0 and the Indian Bharat NCAP programmes, sharing those results with the closely related Tata Harrier.