In the vast landscape of Indian automobiles, few names evoke as much nostalgia and respect as the Tata Sumo.
A stalwart of Indian roads for decades, the Sumo has been the go-to vehicle for large families, taxi operators, and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Now, in a bold move that’s set to shake up the utility vehicle segment, Tata Motors has unveiled the all-new Sumo, reimagined for the modern era while staying true to its rugged roots.
A Legacy Reborn
The Tata Sumo first rolled out in 1994, quickly becoming a symbol of reliability and versatility on Indian roads.
Named after Sumant Moolgaokar, a former Tata Sons director, the Sumo carved out a niche for itself as a robust people mover capable of tackling diverse terrains.
The new Sumo builds on this rich heritage, blending time-tested toughness with contemporary design and technology.
Design Evolution: Blending Tradition with Modernity
At first glance, the new Sumo is a striking departure from its boxy predecessor. Tata’s design team has managed to retain the Sumo’s imposing presence while infusing it with a sleek, modern aesthetic.
Exterior Highlights:
Bold, upright grille with the signature Tata emblem
LED headlamps with daytime running lights
Muscular wheel arches housing 17-inch alloy wheels
Floating roof design with optional dual-tone color schemes
Wraparound LED taillights
Integrated roof rails for added practicality
The overall silhouette maintains the Sumo’s characteristic tall stance but with smoother lines and improved aerodynamics. It’s a design that pays homage to its predecessor while firmly stepping into the future.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
Step inside the new Sumo, and you’re greeted by a cabin that’s a far cry from the utilitarian interiors of old. Tata has focused on creating a space that’s both comfortable and functional, catering to the diverse needs of its customer base.
Interior Features:
Premium soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels
10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Digital instrument cluster with customizable displays
Multi-function steering wheel wrapped in leather
Versatile seating configurations (7, 8, and 9-seater options)
Ample storage spaces and cubby holes
Rear AC vents for all rows
Panoramic sunroof (on top-end variants)
The new Sumo offers best-in-class legroom and headroom, staying true to its reputation as a spacious people mover.
The flexible seating arrangements allow for easy conversion from a people carrier to a cargo hauler, maintaining the versatility that made the original Sumo so popular.
Powertrains: Efficiency Meets Performance
Understanding the diverse needs of its customer base, Tata offers the new Sumo with a range of powertrain options:
2.0L Revotron Turbocharged Petrol Engine
Power output: 170 PS @ 5,500 rpm
Torque: 280 Nm @ 1,750-4,000 rpm
Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
2.2L Revotorq Turbocharged Diesel Engine
Power output: 160 PS @ 3,750 rpm
Torque: 360 Nm @ 1,500-2,750 rpm
Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
Electric Powertrain (Sumo EV variant)
Power output: 150 kW (201 PS) electric motor
Battery capacity: 60 kWh
Range: Up to 400 km on a single charge
All engines are BS6 Phase II compliant, ensuring lower emissions without compromising on performance. The inclusion of an electric variant showcases Tata’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.
Advanced Technology Suite
The new Sumo comes packed with features that enhance convenience, safety, and the overall driving experience:
Infotainment and Connectivity:
10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Tata iRA connected car technology with over 60 features
9-speaker Harman audio system
Wireless smartphone charging pad
360-degree camera system for easy parking and maneuvering
Safety Technologies:
6 airbags as standard across all variants
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist and Hill Descent Control
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including:
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Lane Departure Warning
Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Detection
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Ride and Handling: Comfort Meets Capability
Tata has worked hard to ensure that the new Sumo offers a comfortable ride without compromising on its off-road capabilities:
Independent front suspension with McPherson struts
Multi-link rear suspension with coil springs
Increased ground clearance of 205mm
Electric power steering with speed-sensitive assist
The new Sumo also offers a 4×4 variant with selectable drive modes (Auto, Snow, Sand, Mud), making it a capable off-roader for adventure enthusiasts.
Environmental Considerations
In line with global trends towards sustainability, the new Sumo incorporates several eco-friendly features:
Use of recycled and recyclable materials in interior components
Improved aerodynamics for reduced fuel consumption
Start-stop system across all variants to reduce idling fuel consumption
Electric variant for zero-emission driving
Market Positioning and Competition
The new Tata Sumo enters a highly competitive segment, going up against established players like the Mahindra Scorpio-N, Toyota Innova Crysta, and MG Hector Plus.
However, with its blend of ruggedness, modern features, and the trusted Tata brand name, the Sumo presents a compelling case for itself.
Priced competitively between ₹12 lakh to ₹20 lakh (ex-showroom), the Sumo offers excellent value for money, especially considering its feature list and build quality.
Customization and Variants
The new Sumo is available in multiple variants to suit different needs and budgets:
XE (Base variant)
XM
XT
XZ
XZ+
Tata also offers a range of customization options through its ‘Imaginator’ program, allowing buyers to personalize their Sumo with various accessory packs and individual add-ons.
The Sumo Experience: More Than Just A Vehicle
Owning a Tata Sumo has always been about more than just having a means of transportation. It’s been about being part of a community, about reliability, and about the freedom to explore. The new Sumo builds on this legacy, offering:
5-year/unlimited kilometer warranty
24×7 roadside assistance
Tata’s extensive service network across India
Sumo Owners Club with exclusive benefits and events
These factors contribute to making the Sumo ownership experience truly special.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sumo
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Sumo is well-positioned to adapt and grow:
Potential for hybrid powertrains in future iterations
Expansion of the electric variant lineup
Integration of autonomous driving features
Continued refinement of connected car technologies
New Tata Sumo : A New Chapter for an Indian Icon
The new Tata Sumo represents more than just a product update; it’s a reinvention of an Indian automotive icon.
By blending its rugged heritage with modern design, advanced technology, and a range of powertrain options, Tata has created a vehicle that’s ready to meet the diverse needs of the Indian market.
From large families looking for a comfortable and spacious vehicle to adventure enthusiasts seeking a capable off-roader, from fleet operators requiring reliability to eco-conscious buyers eyeing the electric variant, the new Sumo has something for everyone.
As it hits Indian roads, the new Tata Sumo is set to write the next chapter in its storied history.
It stands as a testament to Tata Motors’ ability to evolve with the times while staying true to its core values of durability, versatility, and value for money.
In a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the new Sumo emerges not just as a link to the past, but as a bridge to the future of Indian mobility.
It’s more than just a utility vehicle; it’s a statement of intent from Tata Motors, showcasing their vision for the future while honoring their rich heritage.
As the new Tata Sumo rolls out across India, it carries with it the hopes and aspirations of a new generation of Indian drivers, ready to create their own stories and adventures.
The legend of the Sumo continues, reimagined for a new era but still unmistakably, proudly Indian.