Tata Sierra

Tata Motors seems to have hit the nail on the head with the new Sierra. Given the attention it got on the media drive, and the reaction of the online community, we can very confidently say that half of Tata’s job is already done. The other half involves the Sierra delivering on sky-high expectations of someone intending to buy an SUV today. The new Tata Sierra, launched at Rs 11.49 lakh (introductory), has been the talk of the town. Bookings are officially open and Tata has confirmed delivery timelines as well.  

The Sierra is entering a segment that has no dearth of choices. It faces heat from the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, all of which are super popular choices in the segment. Sierra top variant prices also overlap with larger SUVs, including the Tata Harrier, and Mahindra XUV700. 

Should you buy a Tata Sierra? Straight answer, we’d recommend it. But there’s a small *conditions apply in the mix. Read on.

Design and Build Quality

The Sierra’s design blends your childhood memories with the modern world. There are design traits that are a throwback to the OG, but so many design touches that are bound to be fondly remembered years later. See this detailed image gallery to check out the Sierra from every angle.

For starters, the Sierra plays the ‘size’ game really well (check this to see how the dimensions compare against its rivals) . It is a 4.3-metre SUV, but it pushes the envelope in terms of width, height and wheelbase. This makes it look larger compared to other cars such as the Creta/Seltos and especially so against something visually meeker like the Taigun/Kushaq. The Sierra’s wheelbase is 2730mm, just 11mm smaller than the much larger Tata Harrier. By pushing the wheels out to the extremes and super small overhangs, the Sierra has an old-school boxy SUV charm going for it. 

From the front, you’d notice that the front end is upright and imposing. The bonnet line is set quite high, and there are powerful creases on the hood that give the face more character. The clamshell bonnet design is unique too, wrapping itself over the front fender. One can also personalise the look of their Tata Sierra by choosing from range of official accessories (check full list of options here). 

We’re sure it’s the Sierra’s front lighting that’s going to grab maximum attention. It features a 1.8-metre wide single-piece LED daytime running lamp which is offered as standard. In the higher trims, it also gets sequential turn indicators and welcome/goodbye animations. 

What I’m not particularly a fan of, is the piano black ‘grille’ that’s placed between the DRL and the headlamp. It wears the ‘new’ Tata 2D logo and the Sierra lettering. Below the grille are the slimmest headlamps fitted to any Indian-manufactured vehicle. The headlamps feature bi-LED projectors that measure just 17mm. We had our concerns regarding light throw and low light performance initially, but can confirm they’re super bright and usable for our conditions. 

The bumper design is clean and straightforward, featuring white LED fog lights in the higher variants. It also gets a prominent skid plate finished in silver, and a gloss black applique that continues throughout the lower half of the car. While the gloss black makes the body colour pop, it is very prone to picking up nicks and scratches (from road rubble) and swirl marks (from daily washing). Consider investing in a paint protection film (PPF) to keep these panels scratch free. 

Viewed from the side, Tata’s attempt at recreating the Sierra’s iconic ‘Alpine Window’ immediately grabs attention. A combination of two large glass panels (rear window and C-pillar), a gloss black paint finish on the roof and a large panoramic sunroof that extends nearly to the boot gives the Sierra a truly unique side profile. I like the smaller details too, such as the B-pillar trim, flush-fitting door handles and the hidden rubber beading. This article explains how the new Sierra compares to the old Sierra in terms of design.

The tyre size of the Sierra is 225/55R19. The top variants, Accomplished and Accomplished+ feature large 19-inch alloy wheels, in a dual-tone finish. The wheels are the largest in the segment, and on par with SUVs from a segment above. The Smart+ variant gets 17-inch steel wheels, Pure and Pure+ variants have 17-inch alloy wheels and the Adventure and Adventure+ variants get 18-inch alloy wheels. You can check out the intricate design details of the new Tata Sierra in our in-depth image gallery. 

At the rear, the omission of the tailgate-mounted spare wheel might upset some purists. But this is a decision rooted in practicality, that allows a top-hinged powered tailgate instead of a manual side-opening one. That also means that the Sierra can show off an end-to-end, 1.6-metre wide LED tail lamp bar. These lights feature animations as well. As mandated by law, the Sierra has a pair of marker lights that are visible once the bootlid is open. 

Tata is offering some seriously cool colour options (check variant-wise Sierra colour options here), with equally cool names. Our favourites include the Andaman Adventure (yellow), Bengal Rouge (red), and Munnar Mist (green). Consider these colours if you want your Sierra to stand out in traffic. Check this report for real-life images of all Sierra colours.

Design and Quality

With the Sierra, we see Tata Motors moving away from a ‘cockpit’ like cabin-design to a more relaxed ‘lounge’ style theme. The cabin is quite a premium and relaxing place to be, and most of that is down to the way it looks. Explore this detailed Sierra interior image gallery for an in-depth look at the interior. 

Tata has cleverly blended new and familiar elements to give the Sierra a unique cabin. From a visual standpoint, the triple-screen setup, the headlamp/wiper stalks, power window console are all brand new. At the same time, the climate control interface, the four-spoke steering wheel, the ‘monostable’ gear shifter are bits we’ve seen in other Tata cars before. 

What stands out is the mix and match of colours, materials and finishes used throughout the cabin. The dashboard uses a smooth and grained cross-hatch texture which is also seen on the top half of the doorpad. Similarly a textured leatherette wrap is on the mid-pad of the dashboard and the central armrest. A smooth leatherette finish is on the door pad and elbow rests. Interestingly, the Sierra also uses a fabric insert on the dashboard which looks quite rich. 

Tata’s design team has had some fun with the interior of the Sierra, and it shows. Whether it’s the intricate design on the speaker grilles or door pads, or the topographical maps on the phone tray or under the armrest — these quirks will have you smile. Fun fact, there are GPS co-ordinates of Tata Motors’ Sanand factory under the armrest of the Sierra! 

The off-white/coffee colour scheme, paired with dull silver accents is very pleasing to look at. It also walks the fine line between feeling comforting and outdoorsy. That said, it will be a pain to keep clean. The light colour on the seats and doorpads will easily pick up dirt and grime. Ensure you’re good friends with the friendly neighborhood car-wash centre! 

Tata has previously struggled with fit and finish. With the Sierra, there is an improvement on both counts, especially in finish quality. Fitment while good for the most part, still had some odd gaps like loose upholstery on the dashboard and some improperly fitted trim.

Front Seats

Getting in and out of the Sierra is quite easy. The doors open wide (although not 90° like the Altroz/Punch), and the height is neutral. Even elders in the family won’t have an issue in sitting/alighting from the car. 

As you get into the front seats, you’ll notice that the seating position is quite high even at its lowest setting. This gives you a clear view of the bonnet’s edge, which is sure to be comforting and confidence-inspiring for newer drivers. In the top variant, the driver’s seat gets a 6-way powered adjustment with three memory settings. Paired with a steering that’s adjustable for rake and reach, it’s really easy to find a comfortable driving position. 

Note: if you’re taller than 6’3”, you might want the front seats to travel further back. Your knee will brush against the dashboard. 

The front seats are wide, and have good contouring at the sides. This ensures even larger frames feel comfortable. There’s ample support for the shoulder, upper and lower back. A unique feature is the extendable under-thigh support which will come in handy on longer drives.  

As for the co-driver’s seat, that gets a manual ‘boss mode’ lever, that allows the rear passenger to push the seat forward for maximum legroom. 

Front seat cushioning isn’t overly soft, something I prefer. Firm foam padding means you won’t ‘sink’ into the seats if you’re spending long hours whether stuck in traffic or on roadtrips. 

Rear Seats

The rear seat experience is among the best in the segment. Compare the Sierra’s 2730mm wheelbase to that of the Creta (2610mm) and the Grand Vitara (2600mm) and it’s easy to see how Tata has managed to make space for the rear occupants. For reference, a six-footer like me has a fist-worth of kneeroom to spare behind my own driving position. What’s surprising is that even with a 6’5” tall colleague in the driver’s seat, my knees did not brush the front seat. That’s genuinely impressive. Switch to the co-driver’s side for a proper lounge-like experience. With the front seat pushed ahead, you’d have room that’s comparable to much larger MPVs like the Innova. 

Thanks to the upright design, headroom isn’t a bother even for those who wear turbans. Footroom is plenty too, you can tuck your feet under the front seats comfortably. Do note that in the Accomplished+ version, there’s a control module for the third screen under the co-driver’s seat, so foot room is slightly compromised. 

The wide rear bench accommodates three average-sized adults comfortably. If occupants are XL-sized, there’s some brushing of the shoulders involved. That said, the central passenger gets and adjustable headrest and a proper three-point seatbelt. The flat-floor means footroom is not compromised either. 

Amenities here include sun shades, rear AC vents (offered as standard) and a central armrest. The seat also features a recline function. The range of recline isn’t particularly wide, but is rather better used to accommodate a little more luggage in the boot. 

Storage and Practicality 

On the practicality front, the Sierra does enough. All four doors get sizable bottle holders and can store a few more small items too. There’s a (small) umbrella holder in the front doors as well. 

In the centre console, you have a small tray-like space for your wallet/keys, followed by two cupholders. Tata has cleverly utilised the area around the gear lever by providing a space where you can stack phones horizontally. Some additional space under the front armrest and a well-sized glovebox wraps things up. 

At the rear, the seat-back pockets come in handy. There are a couple of smaller pockets within that you can use to store your phone. A central storage space under the rear AC vent is just right to park your phone while it’s charging. 

Charging Options

There are a total of four USB Type-C ports in the car, out of which two support 65W fast charging. The front occupants additionally get a wireless phone charger. 

The only 12V socket in the Sierra is placed in the boot. This can be used to power accessories like a tyre inflator or a car fridge.   

Boot Space

Measured up to the roof, the Sierra has a boot space of 622-litres. Even below the parcel shelf, there’s a wide and deep storage area that will swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage with absolute ease. In fact, you can very comfortably stack two cabin-sized trolley bags on top of each other and still not touch the parcel tray. You could fit in four cabin-sized trolley bags and a couple of soft bags with ease here. 

Should you need more space, you can remove the parcel tray and stack it against the rear seat in a slot designed specifically for it. For more room, there’s 60:40 split functionality. Here’s a quick snapshot of the space available: 

On the equipment front, Tata seems to have ticked practically every available option. Basics include: 

• Keyless Entry

• Push-button Start Stop

• Automatic Headlamps

• Automatic Wipers

• Dual-zone Climate Control

• Auto-Dimming IRVM

• 6-way Powered Driver’s Seat

• Configurable Ambient Lighting

• Panoramic Sunroof

Now, let’s get down to the highlights:

Front Seat Ventilation: There are three fan speed settings and this works effectively too. Sadly, like the Nexon and Curvv, the button is placed awkwardly on the side of the seat and the only indication of fan speed is on the button itself making it inconvenient to use. 

10.25-inch Digital Driver’s Display: Same unit as other Tata cars. Good resolution, easy to understand interface. Has multiple views and also displays the side camera feed if needed. 

12.3-inch Touchscreen: Super slim bezels, high-definition screens and the familiar Tata interface. We faced no lags, glitches or freezes in our time with the car. Supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and displays the feed of the 360° camera as well. 

12-speaker JBL Audio System with Dolby Atmos: Interesting placement of speakers, including a central ‘sound bar’ in the dashboard and B-pillar mounted tweeters for the rear occupants. Great clarity, especially for the mids and the highs. Heavy bass usually tends to cause rattles and vibrations in the door pads that take away from the experience. Songs, podcasts and videos produced with Dolby Atmos sound exceptional, with a proper surround sound effect. 

12.3-inch Co-Driver Screen: Pair headphones or a gaming controller separately to enjoy your own content or games. Slick to use, just like the main infotainment screen. 

360 Degree Camera: High quality video feed straight to the central screen that makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easy. Has a ‘4sight’ function that also displays a frontal view from the side cameras. This is helpful while on a T-junction. We wish the feed for the frontal view was slightly larger, however. 

AR Head-Up Display: This feature is not available in the top Accomplished+ variant, but available in the one-below-top Accomplished version. It features a crisp projection of vital drive stats along with interesting graphics and animations for ADAS functions and navigation. See how the dashboard of the Accomplished version differs from the Accomplished+ here.

So many of these features debut for the first time on a Tata Motors car, check this to see which ones!

Standard safety features on the Tata Sierra include: 

• 6 airbags

• ABS with EBD

• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

• Electronic Stability Programme

• Rear Parking Sensors

• Seatbelt Reminders

Higher variants add features such as hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system and front parking sensors. 

Level 2 ADAS is available only on the top-spec Accomplished+ variant. Features include adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert. Like we’ve experienced in other Tata cars, calibration of the ADAS seems to be done well as per Indian conditions. If you foresee heavy highway usage and want an additional layer of safety, the ADAS can be relied upon. 

For a deeper dive into the safety features of the Sierra, check this detailed article.

Bharat NCAP has also crash tested the Sierra, where it has scored a perfect 5 star for adult as well as child occupant safety.

Engine Options And Performance

The Tata Sierra is offered with a range of three engine options. Here’s a look at what’s available: 

As you’d expect, all options are not available in all variants. Check this article to see if your favourite variant has the engine option you want.

Tata Sierra 1.5 Petrol 

I did not have the chance to experience this engine. That said, it is the one that’s going to be the most popular. A 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated engine is par for the course in this segment. SUVs such as the Creta, Seltos, Grand Vitara, Elevate — all feature one. While the power and torque outputs are comparable, there’s an interesting difference. 

First, this engine runs on an Atkinson Cycle, which means it’s ready to be converted into a proper hybrid if needed. Second, the torque figure of 145Nm at a low 2100rpm indicates strong pulling power. For reference, other SUVs make the same amount of torque at roughly twice the rpm. 

This engine is available with a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. I’d recommend you consider this option if you foresee mostly city usage and occasional/relaxed highway drives. 

Tata Sierra 1.5 Turbo Petrol

The engine comes to life with a thrum. Refinement levels are acceptable and there are no unpleasant vibrations to be felt anywhere. As you build speed, the engine does get vocal and thrummy, but never to the point being jarring or bothersome. 

This is the fun engine option. You wouldn’t expect or associate such strong acceleration or excitement with Tata cars, but this one does exactly that. There’s strong acceleration to be had, as the Sierra turbo petrol sprints to 100kmph in ~10 seconds. 

You’ll appreciate the quick acceleration on the highways, as it makes overtakes quite effortless. The torque ensures you always have enough power on tap, making those quick bursts from 40-80kmph, 80-100kmph fun and engaging. Keep the accelerator pinned, and the Sierra turbo is capable of hitting some seriously high speeds. 

The engine is available exclusively with the 6-speed automatic transmission. It isn’t the fastest gearbox around, but is acceptably quick and smooth. 

Fuel efficiency is likely to be a concern with this engine. Tata Motors has (oddly) chosen to lock the minimum fuel efficiency read out on the display to 8kmpl. For example, even when we idled the Sierra for over an hour on our shoot, the display continued to read 8kmpl. I think this is misleading, as it doesn’t portray an accurate picture of real-time consumption.

For heavy city use, the fuel efficiency is likely to hover between 8-10kmpl, and highway drives could see this rise up to 14-16kmpl. 

Tata Sierra 1.5 Diesel

This engine is shared with the Nexon and Curvv. However, there are a few tweaks to the tune and internals.

To begin with, this diesel engine isn’t as refined as what Hyundai-Kia offers. It sounds crude and is more vocal both inside and outside the cabin. Make no mistake, this isn’t a concern with the Sierra’s NVH package, but just the construction of the engine that makes it noisier. 

The power is delivered in a smooth and strong manner rather than an outright surge. That’s to say performance always feels ‘adequate’ but never ‘exciting’. On the highways too, this engine feels at home while comfortably cruising at 100-120kmph with the rpm resting at a lazy ~2000rpm. You have enough power to make overtakes even at these speeds. Here too, the automatic remains smooth and acceptably quick. 

Consider the diesel if you foresee very heavy usage, possibly around 60-80km+ per day. This engine should also offer better fuel efficiency — around 12kmpl in heavy city traffic and 16kmpl+ for highway drives. 

Note: Interestingly, this 1.5-litre diesel engine does not require DEF (AdBlue). 

I spent a very limited amount of time driving the Sierra. Watch this space as it gets updated with more insights. 

Note: Tata Sierra AWD

Tata Motors has confirmed that the Sierra’s new ‘ARGOS’ platform is capable of supporting all-wheel drive. It is actively under consideration and might just be launched in 2026 if Tata sees enough demand for the same. Given the OG Sierra’s 4x4 credentials, I feel this is something Tata should’ve offered from day one. Head here to read out thoughts on whether the Tata Sierra is a capable off-road SUV.

Ride And Handling

The Sierra rides beautifully. The suspension is set up to be firm, which I consider to be the right call for Indian roads. Despite riding on large 19-inch wheels, the ride does not feel overly stiff or bouncy. 

It remains comfortable on broken surfaces, potholes and controls body movement quite well. Sharper bumps will be felt only for a split second inside the cabin as the Sierra regains composure almost instantly. Tata is offering ‘frequency dependent damping (FDD)’ in higher variants, which is beneficial on rough roads. 

In terms of handling, the Sierra remains largely neutral. For its intended usage, it simply gets the job done. The steering is light at low speeds and weighs up enough for highway drives. There’s some body roll to be experienced if you dunk the Sierra hard into a corner, but that’s to be expected given its height and size.

The Sierra is being offered in 7 broad variants: Smart +, Pure, Pure +, Adventure, Adventure +, Accomplished, and Accomplished +. Here's our detailed explaination of features packed in each variant.

Smart +

• Exterior gets with Bi-LED projector headlamps, conencted LED DRLs, connected LED tail lamps, flush door handles, and 17-inch steel wheels.
• Cabin gets front sliding armrest, rear window shades, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, and rear AC vents.
• Features include a 4-inch driver's display, push button start stop, and electrically adjustable ORVMs.
• Safety kit gets 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, all-wheel disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

Read more about Smart Plus variant of the Sierra here. 

Pure

• No changes to the exterior or inteiror design save for a shark fin antenna.
• Feature additions include cruise control, an 8-speaker sound system, auto folding ORVMs, drive modes and paddle shifters. 
• Gets an infotainment package with a 10.25-inch touchscreen along with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
• Safety kit gets a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill descent control, and a rear parking camera with guidelines.

Know what more the Pure variant of the Sierra gets by tapping here. 

Pure + 

• Gets 17-inch alloy wheels as cosmetic upgrade.
• Additional features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone AC, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, rear defogger, rear hidden wiper, and two 65W Type-C charging ports. 

Adventure  

• Exteiror gets roof rails and the cabin comes with leatherette wrap on the steering wheel and gear knob.
• Feature additions include front fog lamps with cornering function and a 7-inch digital driver's display.
• Safety is enhanced by a 360-degree camera, a blind view monitor, and front parking sensors.

More details about the Adventure variant here.

Adventure +  

• Exterior gets 18-inch alloy wheels.
• Changes inside include ambient lighting, thigh support extender, boss mode, rear seats with 2 step recline and 60:40 split, rear adjustable headrests, seat back pockets, and a rear centre armrest with cupholders.
• Additional features include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver's display, cooled glovebox, and three terrain modes.

We have detailed more about it in our Adventure Plus explained story, do check it out.

Accomplished

• Cabin gets leatherette seats and soft touch paddings and the exterior gets 19-inch alloy wheels.
• Feature additions include ventilated front seats, head-up display, 12 speaker JBL sound system with a sound bar, 6-way powered driver seat, and a wireless phone charger.
• Safety kit gets Level 2 ADAS features and puddle lamps.

Take a closer look at this one-below-top Accomplished variant here. 

Accomplished +

• Exterior gets Bi-LED booster headlamps, rear fog lamps, and welcome and goodbye animations.
• Cabin gets an air purifier, menory function in the driver seat, and an auto dimming IRVM.
• Infotainment package gets a 12.3-inch front passenger display with arcade suite.
• Other feature additions include Amazon Alexa integration, in-built navigation, and two 65W type-C charging ports in the rear.
• Safety kit gets additional ADAS features.

We have also detailed both variants in our Accomplished-explained story, a must read.

CarDekho Recommends

• Pick the one above base Pure variant if you're on a budget. It covers all the basics, comes with all powertrain options, and does not miss out on anything major.
• Pick the one below top Accomplished variant if you want a more premium experience. Gets an upmarket cabin, almost all the features, a good safety package, and only misses out on certain flashy features.

Have a look at our detailed story where we have compared the base Smart+ variant with the top-end Accomplished+ variant.

The Sierra’s comeback is easily the most hyped Indian automotive event of the year. Tata has resurrected an icon in a fitting manner, and with the respect it deserves. It’s pushing the envelope in terms of what’s possible in the segment, especially in terms of design and space. Add the features and multiple powertrain options, and we’ve got a Sierra for every wallet. 

Tata’s marketing teams have done more than enough to capture the attention of the masses. The hype is very real, and I’m glad it’s backed by a product that has substance. All the Sierra needs to do is deliver the experience it promises on the brochure: no glitches, no niggles, no breakdowns. Tata claims to have learnt from its previous mistakes in after-sales service, and proving that with the Sierra is critical. 

Bottom line: even if this SUV wasn’t called the Sierra, it’d still get a recommendation from our end. That it wears an iconic badge is a bonus.

Other Cars To Consider

Maruti Victoris

Reasons To Consider

• Strong hybrid powertrain has better mileage

• Availability of CNG

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as spacious

Both these SUVs are quite closely matched in terms of features, check this out.

Hyundai Creta

Reasons To Consider

• Better diesel engine option

Reasons To Ignore

• Smaller boot space

Can the new Tata Sierra topple the leader of the segment? Here’s how the two stack up: Sierra vs Creta.

Kia Seltos

Reasons To Consider

• Better diesel engine option

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as spacious  
• Smaller boot space

Check out how both these SUV stack up here: Sierra vs Seltos

Maruti Grand Vitara

Reasons To Consider

• Better mileage in strong hybrid version

• Proven record of reliability

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as premium or feature-loaded

Tata Curvv

Reasons To Consider

• Sleek SUV-coupe design

Reasons To Ignore

• Not as spacious

• Ergonomic issues

To see how the two Tata’s compete with each other, check this: Tata Sierra vs Tata Curvv.

Volkswagen Taigun / Skoda Kushaq

Reasons To Consider

• More fun to drive

Reasons To Ignore

• Looks like a smaller SUV

Renault Duster 

Reasons To Consider 

• More driver focused
• Strong hybrid option

Reasons To Ignore

• No diesel engine
• Rear seats width is best for two occupants

Check out our comparison of both the iconic nameplates to see which one comes on top!