New Tata Sumo: In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by crossovers and soft-roaders, Tata Motors has made a bold statement with the resurrection of an icon. The all-new Tata Sumo Ghatak—whose name translates to “powerful strike” in Hindi—arrives not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a thoroughly modernized challenger aimed squarely at premium SUV territory long dominated by the Toyota Fortuner. With this strategic move, Tata is betting that Indian consumers are ready for a homegrown alternative that combines the Sumo’s legendary ruggedness with contemporary design, technology, and performance—all at a price point that could redefine value in the segment.
A Design Renaissance: Honoring Heritage While Embracing Modernity
The original Tata Sumo, launched in 1994, became synonymous with utilitarian durability, earning a reputation for unflinching reliability in the most challenging conditions. The new Ghatak iteration acknowledges this heritage while making a dramatic leap forward aesthetically. Gone is the boxy, function-over-form profile of its predecessor, replaced by a design that manages to be both muscular and sophisticated.
The front fascia features Tata’s new “Humanity Line” grille design that stretches across the width of the vehicle, flanked by slim LED headlights with distinctive daytime running light signatures. These elements create a commanding presence without resorting to the excessive chrome that characterizes many competitors. The pronounced wheel arches house 19-inch alloy wheels with an intricate diamond-cut pattern, while the strong shoulder line rises toward the rear, creating a dynamic profile despite the vehicle’s substantial dimensions.
Perhaps most impressive is how the design team has managed to incorporate subtle nods to the original Sumo—particularly in the distinctive D-pillar treatment and the vertical tail lamps—while creating something thoroughly contemporary. This balance between heritage and innovation gives the Sumo Ghatak a unique visual identity in a segment often criticized for derivative styling.
Redefining Interior Expectations
If the exterior represents evolutionary change, the interior marks a revolutionary departure from the utilitarian cabins of Sumos past. The dashboard architecture embraces Tata’s new “digital-first” philosophy with a 12.3-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. These screens are integrated into a dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials with genuine oak wood accents—a far cry from the hard plastics of the original.
Seating capacity remains generous with three rows accommodating seven passengers, but the experience is transformed through the use of premium materials. The first and second rows feature leather seats with ventilation and heating functions, while the driver receives the additional benefit of a 10-way power adjustment system. Ambient lighting with customizable color options creates a sophisticated nighttime environment that would have been unimaginable in the Sumo of old.
Practical touches abound, from the wireless charging pad to the panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light. The cargo area retains the generous proportions expected of a vehicle in this class, with the third row folding completely flat to create a truly versatile space for luggage or adventure gear.
Powertrain Revolution: Performance Meets Efficiency
Under the hood, the Sumo Ghatak offers a choice of powertrains that underscores Tata’s commitment to providing genuine alternatives to the Fortuner. The standard option is a newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 210 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque—competitive figures in this segment. This is paired with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission developed in collaboration with ZF.
For those seeking maximum performance, a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol variant delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. Both engines feature advanced technologies including variable geometry turbochargers and direct injection systems to optimize the balance between performance and efficiency.
True to its off-road heritage, the Sumo Ghatak comes equipped with a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system featuring a Terrain Response controller with dedicated modes for sand, mud, snow, and rocks. The system continuously monitors traction conditions and can send up to 100% of torque to either axle as needed. With 245mm of ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 31 and 29 degrees respectively, the Ghatak maintains the go-anywhere capability that defined its predecessor.
Technology Integration: Smart Features for the Connected Era
The technology package of the Sumo Ghatak reflects Tata’s understanding that modern SUV buyers expect connectivity and convenience features on par with premium sedans. The vehicle comes equipped with Tata’s iRA connected car technology, offering over 60 features including geofencing, remote engine start/stop, vehicle diagnostics, and OTA (over-the-air) updates for both infotainment and vehicle systems.
The comprehensive ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system—safety features that were once the exclusive domain of luxury brands. The integration of these technologies has been accomplished without overwhelming the driver, thanks to an intuitive interface that prioritizes ease of use.
Audio is delivered through a premium 16-speaker JBL sound system specifically tuned for the Sumo Ghatak’s cabin acoustics, while a tri-zone climate control system ensures passenger comfort regardless of external conditions. These premium touches reinforce Tata’s ambition for the Ghatak to be considered alongside established luxury SUVs.
Price Positioning: Disrupting the Premium SUV Paradigm
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the Sumo Ghatak’s market entry is its aggressive price positioning. Starting at ₹24.99 lakh (approximately $30,000) for the base petrol variant and extending to ₹32.99 lakh (approximately $40,000) for the fully-loaded diesel 4×4 model, the Ghatak undercuts the Toyota Fortuner by 15-20% while offering comparable or superior specifications.
This pricing strategy represents a clear challenge to the established premium SUV hierarchy and reflects Tata’s confidence in the vehicle’s ability to change consumer perceptions about domestic automotive brands. The company has backed this confidence with a comprehensive 5-year/unlimited kilometer warranty package that includes 24/7 roadside assistance—addressing potential concerns about long-term reliability.
Market Impact: Redefining the Competitive Landscape
The arrival of the Sumo Ghatak has the potential to significantly alter the competitive dynamics of India’s premium SUV market. While the Fortuner has long dominated this segment through a combination of robust capability and aspirational brand value, the Ghatak offers a compelling alternative that combines similar attributes with distinctive design, advanced technology, and significant cost advantages.
Industry analysts suggest that the Ghatak’s entry may force other manufacturers to reconsider their pricing and feature strategies, potentially accelerating the democratization of premium features across the market. The timing of this launch coincides with growing consumer interest in domestic brands, particularly following Tata’s impressive performance in recent safety ratings and quality assessments.
Conclusion: A Bold New Chapter for an Iconic Nameplate
The Tata Sumo Ghatak represents more than just another SUV launch—it symbolizes the evolution of an iconic Indian automotive brand from utility-focused origins to a sophisticated competitor capable of challenging established global players. By combining genuine off-road capability with contemporary design, advanced technology, and disruptive pricing, Tata has created a vehicle that honors the Sumo’s heritage while redefining expectations for the nameplate.
Whether the Sumo Ghatak will succeed in its ambitious mission to challenge the Fortuner’s market dominance remains to be seen, but its mere existence signals a new confidence in India’s automotive industry. For consumers, this competition can only be beneficial, accelerating innovation while making premium features more accessible. As the SUV segment continues to evolve, the revived Sumo nameplate seems poised to write an important new chapter in its storied history—one defined not just by rugged durability, but by genuine aspiration.