Tata has submitted a design patent for a lever that would allow drivers to switch between different terrain modes, which might be used in their future SUVs.

A leaked design patent shows that Tata Motors plans to add terrain modes to its SUVs. The patent features a rotary knob with seven modes, which might include options like Snow, Sand, Gravel, and a Custom mode. This suggests that future Tata SUVs, starting with the new Harrier EV, will offer all-wheel drive (AWD) or a 4x4 setup.

1. Future Tata SUVs to get AWD/4x4
2. Terrain modes include Snow, Gravel, Sand, and more

Tata Motors sells four front-wheel-drive SUVs with internal combustion engines: the Nexon, Harrier, Safari, and Curvv. When the Curvv was launched, the company mentioned that its new ATLAS (Adaptive Tech Forward Lifestyle Architecture) platform can support a 4x4 system, although some modifications would be needed.

The next-gen Nexon will also use the ATLAS platform, but since there's limited demand for 4x4 or AWD SUVs in this segment, it likely won't include the new terrain modes. However, other SUVs built on the same platform, like the upcoming Sierra and the Harrier EV, will offer all-wheel drive. It remains to be seen if Tata will introduce AWD systems in their internal combustion engine SUVs.

It's important to note that terrain modes are different from the drive modes (Eco, City, Sport) available in the Nexon, Curvv, Harrier, and Safari. The Harrier and Safari also have traction modes like Normal, Rough, and Wet. In comparison, competitors like the Mahindra XUV700, Scorpio N, and Jeep Compass are the only ones in this segment that offer all-wheel drive or 4x4 options.