Hyundai Tucson vs Jeep Meridian vs Tata Safari (2026)
The classic full size suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 2026):
- Pick the Hyundai Tucson if you want the most power (184 bhp), the biggest boot (540 L).
- Pick the Jeep Meridian if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Tata Safari if you want the lowest starting price (₹13.40 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 16.3 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
Hyundai Tucson in short
The Tucson was Hyundai India's flagship SUV until it was quietly discontinued in November 2025, a little over three years after its 2022 launch. Final ex-showroom prices ran Rs 27.32-33.64 lakh after the September 2025 GST reduction. It offered petrol and diesel engines with a plush, feature-rich cabin and Level 2 ADAS, but never found volume against the Toyota Fortuner below it and German rivals above. These figures are retained for reference and used-market research.
Full Tucson prices & variants →Jeep Meridian in short
The Meridian is Jeep India's three-row flagship below the Grand Cherokee, launched in May 2022 as a stretched, 7-seat sibling of the Compass. It shares the 170 PS/350 Nm 2.0 Multijet diesel with 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic, adds 4x4 on the Overland and 85th Anniversary tops, and upper trims carry Level 2 ADAS — something the Compass never got. Its monocoque comfort and car-like manners position it against the Toyota Fortuner, MG Gloster, Skoda Kodiaq and Kia Sorento.
Full Meridian prices & variants →Tata Safari in short
The Safari revives Tata's most iconic nameplate as a three-row flagship built on the Harrier's OMEGA platform, offered in 6- and 7-seat layouts. Since 2026 the 170 PS Kryotec diesel is joined by a 168 bhp 1.5L Hyperion turbo-petrol from ₹13.40 lakh, and the trims are renamed (Smart/Pure X/Adventure X+/Accomplished X/X+/UL). It battles the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector Plus and Hyundai Alcazar.
Full Safari prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Tucson vs Meridian vs Safari — which should I buy?
Pick the Hyundai Tucson if you want the most power (184 bhp), the biggest boot (540 L). Pick the Jeep Meridian if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Tata Safari if you want the lowest starting price (₹13.40 Lakh), the best claimed efficiency (up to 16.3 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Tucson, Meridian, Safari?
The Tata Safari starts lowest at ₹13.40 Lakh, against ₹23.33 Lakh for the Meridian and ₹27.32 Lakh for the Tucson (ex-showroom, October 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Hyundai Tucson: not yet NCAP-tested; Jeep Meridian: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Safari: 5 stars.