The decision to resurrect the Sumo nameplate wasn’t taken lightly by TATA Motors. As India’s automotive market has evolved dramatically, with consumer preferences shifting toward feature-rich compact SUVs, the new Sumo needed to balance its workhorse reputation with modern expectations. The 2025 model represents over four years of development, with TATA’s design teams working to capture the original’s spirit while creating something genuinely new.
“The Sumo has deep emotional connections with Indian consumers,” explains Rajesh Kaul, Head of Commercial Vehicle Business Unit at TATA Motors. “Our challenge was to honor that legacy while creating a vehicle that meets the expectations of today’s buyers – something that’s still tough and practical but also comfortable, efficient, and technologically advanced.”
TATA Sumo 2025 Design
The 2025 Sumo immediately announces its relationship to the original through its upright, boxy silhouette – a deliberate design choice that maximizes interior space while maintaining the model’s recognizable profile. However, this is where the visual similarities largely end.
The front fascia incorporates TATA’s current “Impact 2.0” design language, featuring a prominently positioned humanity line connecting sleek LED headlamps. The distinctive tri-arrow patterns in the lower bumper and honeycomb grille create visual interest while improving airflow. Strong character lines along the sides reduce the visual mass, while squared-off wheel arches with subtle black cladding emphasize the vehicle’s rugged capability.
At the rear, vertical LED taillamps flank a tailgate designed for easy access, with the Sumo name prominently embossed on a brushed metal finish trim piece. Roof rails come standard across all variants, emphasizing the vehicle’s utility focus while improving its proportions.
Available in eight exterior colors, including the heritage-inspired Sumo Gold and the new Himalayan Blue, the 2025 Sumo strikes a balance between respecting tradition and embracing contemporary aesthetics.
TATA Sumo 2025 Interior
Inside, the 2025 Sumo demonstrates how far TATA’s interior design has evolved. The dashboard features a horizontal orientation with a 10.25-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system positioned centrally. Physical controls for climate functions remain, acknowledging the practical needs of users who may be operating the vehicle in challenging conditions.
Materials quality represents a significant upgrade, with soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels in higher trims, though durable hard plastics remain in areas likely to face heavy use. Fabric upholstery is standard, with leatherette options on premium variants.
The Sumo’s interior packaging remains its strongest selling point. Three rows of seating accommodate seven passengers comfortably, with the second row offering a 60:40 split that slides and reclines. The third row can fold flat into the floor when not needed, creating substantial cargo space. Throughout the cabin, thoughtful storage solutions abound – from multiple cup holders and bottle pockets to a deep center console and overhead compartments.
“We benchmarked much more expensive vehicles for interior space utilization,” notes Prakash Telang, Chief of Interior Design. “The goal was to create an environment that’s practical for daily use but doesn’t feel utilitarian or spartan.”
TATA Sumo 2025 Powertrains
Under the hood, the 2025 Sumo offers choices that reflect India’s evolving automotive landscape. The standard powertrain is TATA’s 1.5-liter Revotorq diesel engine, producing 115 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. This proven unit delivers an impressive 19.5 km/l (approximately 46 mpg) while meeting BS6 Phase II emission standards.
New for 2025 is the optional 1.2-liter turbocharged Revotron petrol engine with 120 horsepower and 170 Nm of torque. While slightly less efficient at 16.5 km/l (approximately 39 mpg), it offers quieter operation and lower initial cost.
The headline addition is TATA’s new hybrid powertrain, combining a 1.2-liter petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 125 horsepower and an exceptional fuel economy rating of 23.8 km/l (approximately 56 mpg). This system features regenerative braking and a small lithium-ion battery that enables limited pure-electric operation in urban environments.
Transmission options include a standard 6-speed manual across the range, with a 6-speed automated manual (AMT) available on higher trims. Four-wheel drive remains available on select diesel variants, maintaining the Sumo’s capability in challenging terrain.
TATA Sumo 2025 Technology
The 2025 Sumo benefits from TATA’s latest iRA (Intelligent Real-time Assist) connected car technology. The system offers remote vehicle monitoring and control via smartphone, over-the-air updates, and natural voice recognition. Navigation with real-time traffic information comes standard on mid and higher trims.
Safety technology has received particular attention, with six airbags, electronic stability control, hill-hold assist, and a tire pressure monitoring system standard across the range. Higher trims add a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The driver information display uses a 7-inch digital screen with customizable layouts, while a wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin cater to the needs of connected families.
TATA Sumo 2025 Driving Experience
On the road, the 2025 Sumo demonstrates how far TATA’s engineering has progressed. While retaining body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road capability, the chassis has been significantly refined with hydroformed components that increase rigidity while reducing weight.
The suspension—independent front and multi-link rear—strikes a balance between load-carrying capacity and ride comfort that eluded the original model. Progressive-rate springs and twin-tube dampers absorb impacts from poor road surfaces while maintaining composure during cornering.
Electric power steering reduces effort at parking speeds while providing progressive weighting as velocity increases. While not sports-car precise, the system offers adequate feedback for confident placement on narrow roads.
Noise suppression has been dramatically improved through additional sound insulation, acoustic glass, and active noise cancellation on premium variants. Wind and road noise remain well-controlled at highway speeds, making long journeys considerably more pleasant than in the original Sumo.
Off-road, the available four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and hill descent control ensures the Sumo remains capable in challenging conditions. Ground clearance of 210mm and approach/departure angles of 28 and 24 degrees respectively allow for confident off-pavement excursions.
TATA Sumo 2025 Practical Innovations
Beyond its core attributes, the 2025 Sumo incorporates numerous thoughtful features that enhance everyday usability. The air conditioning system includes a dedicated rear evaporator for effective cooling in India’s climate. Multiple power outlets, including a 230V AC inverter on higher trims, support various devices during extended journeys or at remote locations.
Storage solutions include an innovative cooled compartment under the front passenger seat, perfect for keeping beverages chilled during summer trips. The tailgate features a separate opening glass section for quick access to small items without opening the entire door.
For commercial users, TATA offers a specialized variant with easy-clean vinyl interiors, reinforced suspension components, and pre-wiring for taxi meters and fleet management systems.
TATA Sumo 2025 Market Position and Value
With a starting price of approximately ₹10.5 lakh (approximately $12,500) for the base petrol variant and extending to around ₹18.5 lakh ($22,000) for the fully-equipped hybrid model, the 2025 Sumo represents significant value in a market where prices continue to climb. TATA’s standard 5-year/100,000-kilometer warranty enhances the ownership proposition.
The Sumo positions itself in an interesting niche between traditional MUVs like the Maruti Ertiga and larger SUVs like the Mahindra Scorpio-N. Its combination of passenger space, cargo flexibility, and genuine off-road capability when properly equipped creates a unique value proposition in the Indian market.
TATA Sumo 2025
The 2025 TATA Sumo successfully navigates the challenging task of resurrecting an iconic nameplate for modern times. Rather than merely trading on nostalgia, TATA has created a thoroughly contemporary vehicle that addresses the practical needs of Indian consumers while incorporating technology, efficiency, and refinement expected in today’s market.
What makes the new Sumo compelling isn’t revolutionary innovation but thoughtful evolution – recognizing what made the original successful while acknowledging where it needed improvement. The result is a vehicle that should appeal both to loyal Sumo enthusiasts and new customers seeking a practical, versatile transportation solution.