By Khan Tabrez | May 3, 2026
AutoWise India
The new Tata Sierra has been one of the most anticipated car launches of the year. After several concept cars, spy shots, and teasers, it has finally entered the fiercely competitive midsize SUV segment, currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta. We drove two powertrain options to find out if it truly lives up to its legendary name.
Exterior Design — Striking and Nostalgic
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| Tata Sierra 2025 front quarter driving shot in green colour. |
The headlamps are among the slimmest ever fitted to an Indian-manufactured vehicle, featuring bi-LED projectors that measure just 17mm. Despite initial concerns about brightness, they perform very well in real-world conditions.
Unlike the original, the spare tyre is no longer mounted on the tailgate. Instead, it sits underneath the SUV and can be lowered via a bolt in the boot floor. Six paint shades are available, with Munnar Mist and Andaman Adventure standing out as the most eye-catching choices.
Underneath, the Sierra rides on Tata's new ARGOS (All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable) platform, which is compatible with petrol, diesel, CNG, hybrid, and both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive setups. Currently, the Sierra is available only in FWD. At 4.3m long, 1.8m wide, and 1.7m tall with a 2.7m wheelbase, it is the tallest and widest SUV in its segment with the longest wheelbase.
Interior — Tata's Best Cabin Yet
The cabin is the best interior Tata Motors has produced so far. The design feels modern, the materials are premium, and the fit and finish are well executed. The light-coloured dual-tone upholstery elevates the overall feel, though keeping it clean will require effort.
The most prominent feature is the triple-screen setup — a 10.25-inch driver's display, a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch passenger screen — which spans the dashboard in an impressive fashion. Thankfully, Tata has retained physical toggles for the climate controls.
Front seats are comfortable with extendable under-thigh support — a segment-first feature. The rear offers ample knee room, shoulder room, and headroom for three adults. Rear passengers are well looked after, with window blinds, dedicated AC vents, USB ports, a reclining backrest, and a fold-down armrest with cup holders.
Boot space stands at 622 litres to the roof (450 litres to the parcel shelf), expanding to 1,257 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Features and Safety
The 12-speaker JBL Black audio system with Dolby Atmos and a dashboard-mounted soundbar is a standout feature.
Safety features include 6 airbags as standard, Level 2 ADAS with adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The Sierra has since been crash-tested by Bharat NCAP, earning a perfect 5-star rating for both adult and child occupant safety.
Performance — Turbo-Petrol Leads the Way
The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine feels refined from the moment you start it, with minimal vibrations and smooth power delivery. It does not deliver a dramatic mid-range surge, but it responds quickly to throttle inputs and feels at ease in both city traffic and on open highways. It completes the 0–100 kph sprint in 10.09 seconds in Sport mode, making it quicker than the Hyundai Creta N Line turbo-petrol DCT.
The 6-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic prioritises smooth, well-timed shifts over aggressive changes, keeping the SUV relaxed in everyday driving. You rarely feel the need to use the paddle shifters.
The diesel, however, is a different story. Engine vibrations are noticeable at idle and under acceleration, making the cabin feel less refined. That said, the 6-speed torque-converter automatic helps smooth out gear changes and keeps the engine in the right rev range.
One area where the Sierra needs improvement is NVH — road and tyre noise filter into the cabin, especially at higher speeds. This is more pronounced in the diesel variant, but even the turbo-petrol is not completely immune.
Ride and Handling.
The Sierra offers a comfortable ride that absorbs most road imperfections without feeling overly soft or unsettled. Low-speed bumps are handled cleanly, and the experience improves further at higher speeds. Body roll is well controlled around corners, and the 205mm of ground clearance makes light off-road use manageable. Three terrain modes — Normal, Wet, and Rough — add versatility.
Price and Verdict
The Tata Sierra is priced from ₹11.49 lakh to ₹21.29 lakh (ex-showroom), with 24 variants on offer. It positions itself as a premium offering in the midsize SUV space, sitting above rivals like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara, and Honda Elevate.
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| 2025 Tata Sierra front three-quarter view in Munnar Mist green colour driving on the road during the first drive review |
With the revival of the Sierra nameplate, Tata Motors is clearly playing the nostalgia card — but the new Sierra appears to have the substance to back it up. It brings a distinctive design, a tech-rich interior, and a capable new turbo-petrol engine to a very competitive segment. The noisy diesel and cabin NVH are the main weak points, but for most buyers, the Sierra's many strengths are likely to outweigh those concerns.
Verdict: A well-rounded, premium midsize SUV that earns its iconic name.
If you’re looking for SUVs available right now, you can compare options like the Tata Nexon and Maruti Brezza.
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