Tata Motors is gearing up to shake the Indian SUV market with an all-new 9-seater large SUV, expected to debut in 2025. Known for its durable vehicles like the Safari and Harrier, Tata now plans to challenge segment leaders Mahindra Scorpio and Bolero Neo with a spacious, feature-rich, and aggressively priced model.
If you’re a large family, travel business owner, or rural commuter seeking space, ruggedness, and economy — this upcoming SUV might just be the perfect pick.
🔧 Expected Engine and Performance
Tata’s new SUV is likely to be based on the modified ladder-frame chassis from the Tata Yodha pickup platform, ensuring durability and off-road strength. Here are the expected powertrain options:
- 2.2L Kryotec Diesel Engine (same as Safari)
- Power Output: 140–170 BHP
- Torque: 350–400 Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed manual & automatic options
- Drivetrain: RWD (with optional 4×4)
This configuration would provide enough muscle for hilly terrains, rural roads, and highway hauling — a necessity for 9-seater utility vehicles.
🧑🤝🧑 Seating & Interior Space
The Tata 9-seater SUV will likely offer:
- 2+3+4 or 2+2+5 seating layouts
- Spacious legroom and headroom in all rows
- Foldable last-row seats for extra cargo space
- Adjustable AC vents for second and third rows
The cabin will focus on comfort, practicality, and utility, perfect for joint families or commercial uses like school vans, tour operators, or inter-village commutes.
📱 Top Features Expected
Tata is known to load its cars with features without inflating prices. This SUV could include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Digital instrument cluster
- Rear parking camera with sensors
- Steering-mounted controls
- Dual airbags (up to 6 in top trims)
- ABS with EBD
- Cruise control
- Manual/auto climate control
- Rear AC vents for all rows
The feature list, if confirmed, would easily outmatch competitors like Bolero Neo and the basic variants of Mahindra Scorpio Classic.
🛡️ Safety Features
In line with Tata’s 5-star safety legacy, this SUV might offer:
- ABS, EBD & ESC
- Dual or 6 airbags (depending on variant)
- Reverse camera with guidelines
- Rear parking sensors
- Strong crash-tested body frame
- Child seat ISOFIX mounts
- Hill Hold Control
Tata might also aim for high Global NCAP crash test ratings like its siblings — Nexon and Safari.
🚗 Exterior Design
Design-wise, expect a bold and muscular presence:
- Boxy silhouette like Scorpio
- High ground clearance (~200 mm)
- Big alloy wheels (16 to 18 inches)
- Split LED headlamps
- Signature Tata Humanity grille
- Roof rails, LED DRLs & rugged bumpers
It will blend rugged utility with a modern, premium touch — fit for both rural and urban appeal.
💰 Expected Price Range
Tata’s USP has always been value-for-money pricing. This 9-seater SUV is expected to start from around:
- ₹12.99 lakh for base diesel variant
- Goes up to ₹17–18 lakh for top variant
That’s significantly more affordable than Scorpio N (which starts at ₹13.6 lakh) while offering more space and similar features.
📅 Expected Launch Timeline
Tata has not officially confirmed the launch, but internal sources and auto reports suggest:
- Unveiling by late 2025
- Sales begin early 2026
- Expected Auto Expo 2026 appearance
The SUV is currently in the prototype and road testing stage across Indian highways.
🆚 How It Compares to Rivals
| Feature | Tata 9-Seater SUV | Mahindra Scorpio Classic | Mahindra Bolero Neo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 9 | 7 | 7 |
| Mileage (expected) | 15–18 km/l | 14–16 km/l | 15–17 km/l |
| Safety | 2–6 Airbags, ESC | 2 Airbags | 2 Airbags |
| Infotainment | 10.25-inch | 7-inch | 7-inch |
| Starting Price | ₹12.99 lakh | ₹13.59 lakh | ₹9.9 lakh |
🔍 Who Should Buy This SUV?
✅ You should definitely consider this 9-seater SUV if:
- You have a large joint family
- You run a tour/travel business or school transport
- You live in rural or semi-urban areas needing durability
- You want Scorpio-like toughness at a lower price
- You prioritize space, power, and safety
🏁 Final Thoughts
Tata’s upcoming 9-seater SUV has the potential to redefine the multi-utility SUV segment in India. With bold looks, large seating capacity, powerful diesel engine, and an affordable price tag — this vehicle could be the Scorpio Killer Tata has long been planning.
If launched right, it will cater to both personal and commercial buyers looking for more value, safety, and practicality.
Stay tuned — this beast could hit the roads sooner than you think!