In the ever-evolving world of SUVs, Tata Motors has introduced a formidable new contender: the 2025 Tata Sumo. This iconic name, known for its ruggedness and reliability, has been reimagined to compete with the powerful Toyota Fortuner, a leading figure in the full-size SUV market. This exciting showdown promises to reshape the SUV landscape in India and beyond.
Reviving an Icon Tata Sumo 2025
Once a familiar sight on Indian roads, the Tata Sumo had faded from the limelight as consumer preferences shifted toward more refined and stylish SUVs. However, building on the success of its recent passenger vehicle lineup, Tata Motors has decided to bring back this iconic vehicle, but with a modern twist.
The 2025 Tata Sumo is not just a facelift; it’s a complete reinvention. The utilitarian design has been replaced with a more contemporary and stylish look that combines strength with sophistication. With its bold aesthetics, the new Sumo is set to stand out on any road.
Design: Power Meets Elegance
The 2025 Tata Sumo’s design is a clear reflection of Tata Motors’ ambition. The front of the vehicle features a striking hexagonal grille, detailed to perfection, complemented by sleek LED headlamps that extend into the vehicle’s fenders.
The sculpted hood hints at the raw power within, while the side profile boasts a dynamic character line that runs from the front to the rear, imparting a sense of motion even when the vehicle is stationary.
The Sumo’s flared wheel arches house 19-inch alloy wheels, striking a balance between off-road durability and urban appeal. At the rear, the split LED tail lights, joined by a light bar, create a distinctive look, while the roof-mounted spoiler adds a sporty touch.
This design ensures that the 2025 Tata Sumo feels equally at home navigating city streets or tackling rugged trails.
Interior: Luxury and Comfort Combined
Step inside the 2025 Sumo, and the first impression is one of refinement. The cabin features premium materials, including soft-touch plastics, genuine leather, and brushed aluminum accents.Â
The centerpiece of the interior is a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system, which integrates seamlessly with the digital instrument cluster, creating a futuristic cockpit feel.
The new Sumo is equipped with Tata’s latest UX interface, offering an intuitive and responsive experience, with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For comfort, the front seats come with 12-way power adjustment and memory settings, while the second-row seats are adjustable for reclining and sliding.
The third-row, now included as part of the vehicle’s seven-seater configuration, can be folded flat to increase cargo space significantly.
Powertrain: Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, the 2025 Tata Sumo offers multiple powertrain options to suit a variety of needs. The base model features a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque.
This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing an excellent balance of power and fuel efficiency.
For those who seek more power, Tata offers a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine producing 180 horsepower and a robust 450 Nm of torque, ideal for towing or off-road adventures.
However, the standout option is the hybrid variant, which combines a 1.5-liter petrol engine with an electric motor to produce a total of 250 horsepower, while offering fuel efficiency of over 20 km/l.
This innovative hybrid system offers the best of both worlds: powerful performance and reduced environmental impact.
Off-Road Capability: Staying True to Its Roots
The 2025 Sumo may now feature modern luxury and technology, but its off-road capabilities remain a key part of its identity. The vehicle comes equipped with Tata’s advanced 4×4 system, including a low-range gearbox and differential locks for serious off-road performance.
The Terrain Response System allows drivers to select different driving modes for various terrains, including Sand, Mud, Snow, and Rock, ensuring optimal performance in any condition.
With a ground clearance of 225mm, the new Sumo is built to take on challenging trails. Its optimized approach and departure angles further enhance its off-road capability, while wade sensing technology allows the vehicle to ford water up to 700mm deep—an essential feature during monsoon seasons.
Technology: Connectivity and Innovation
In the era of smart vehicles, the 2025 Tata Sumo doesn’t fall behind. It’s equipped with Tata’s latest connected car technology, allowing drivers to control various vehicle functions through their smartphones. Features such as remote engine start, climate control, and geofencing make the Sumo more convenient and user-friendly.
Additionally, the Sumo comes with an advanced AI-powered infotainment system that can understand natural language commands in multiple Indian languages. Whether it’s adjusting the climate, setting navigation, or even scheduling a service appointment, the Sumo’s system is designed to make the driving experience more intuitive.
Safety also takes a leap forward, with the addition of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system contribute to a safer and more confident driving experience. With these upgrades, the 2025 Sumo has earned a 5-star safety rating in Global NCAP crash tests.
The Fortuner Face-Off: How Does the Sumo Compare?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the 2025 Tata Sumo is how it stacks up against the Toyota Fortuner, which has long been the dominant force in the full-size SUV segment in India.
In terms of size, the Sumo is comparable to the Fortuner, offering similar cabin space and road presence. However, the Sumo’s modern design is likely to appeal to younger buyers seeking a stylish, capable SUV.
Performance-wise, the Sumo offers a broader range of engine options, including a fuel-efficient hybrid variant that the Fortuner doesn’t currently offer. While the Fortuner still leads in terms of outright engine power, the Sumo’s hybrid technology is a game-changer, combining performance with eco-friendly benefits.
The Sumo also excels in terms of technology. Its infotainment system, connected car features, and ADAS suite offer a more advanced user experience compared to the Fortuner, which has been criticized for lacking in these areas.
That said, the Toyota Fortuner still holds an edge in terms of brand reputation, resale value, and reliability. However, Tata Motors has been making significant strides in quality, customer service, and after-sales support, helping to bridge the gap with its competitors.
Pricing: A Competitive Advantage
Pricing will likely be a crucial factor in the Sumo vs. Fortuner battle. While official pricing has yet to be released, experts suggest that Tata Motors will price the Sumo aggressively, making it a more affordable alternative to the Fortuner.
The base model of the 2025 Tata Sumo is expected to start around ₹20 lakhs, with the top-spec hybrid variant priced at approximately ₹35 lakhs. This competitive pricing could make the Sumo an attractive option not only for buyers considering the Fortuner but also for those eyeing mid-size SUVs like the MG Hector and Jeep Compass.
Conclusion: A New Era for SUVs Tata Sumo
The 2025 Tata Sumo is more than just a new model—it’s a statement of intent from Tata Motors, signaling its desire to compete at the highest levels of the automotive industry. With its blend of modern design, advanced technology, off-road prowess, and impressive performance, the Sumo is ready to challenge established players like the Toyota Fortuner.
