The new Tata Sierra targets the best-selling Hyundai Creta with concept styling and multiple powertrain options
Tata has shaken up the SUV segment in India with the debut of the reborn Sierra. The nameplate returns after a 23 year hiatus on a brand-new SUV that promises concept styling and high-tech features at a relatively affordable price.
The new Tata Sierra was shown in concept form in 2023, and the production version looks almost identical. The boxy stance and the off-road proportions send Land Rover vibes, which is not that surprising since Tata actually owns JLR.
Premium Looks
The strong B-pillar and the wraparound rear glass are references to the original three-door Sierra that was introduced in 1991 and remained in production until 2003. The new model blends those features with glossy black cladding, aluminum-style skid plates, toned rear shoulders and an upright tail with full-width LEDs.
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The base version of the Sierra will ride on 17-inch steelies, with high-spec trims getting flashier 19-inch alloys. Overall, this design wouldn’t look out of place in a modern-day Freelander or even a baby Defender. Tata has also given us a glimpse of the upcoming Sierra EV that stands out thanks to a Tesla-like full-width LED bar and a grille-less look for the redesigned front bumper.
The Sierra measures 4,340 mm (170.9 inches) long, 1,841 mm (72.5 inches) wide, and 1,715 mm (67.5 inches) tall, with a 2,730 mm (107.5-inch) wheelbase and a 205 mm (8.1-inch) ground clearance. This footprint places it right against rival SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate, Suzuki Grand Vitara / Victoris, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and VW Taigun.
High-Tech Interior
Moving inside, the highlight is the triple screen layout comprising a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment, and a 12.3-inch passenger display. Equipment can also include a 12-speaker JBL audio system with a sound bar integrated on the dashboard, ambient lighting, dual-zone A/C, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and what is described as the largest panoramic sunroof in the segment.
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Tata promises a spacious and comfortable five-seater cabin, with soft-touch materials and a 622 lt (22 cubic feet) boot. The automaker has also put a great emphasis on safety, with a crash test demonstration replicating a vehicle-to-vehicle collision scenario. The safety kit includes six airbags an ADAS suite with Level 2+ autonomous capabilities.
Flexible Underpinnings
The SUV rides on the new ARGOS platform (All-Terrain Ready, Omni-Energy and Geometry Scalable architecture) which is compatible with a variety of powertrains.
At launch, the Sierra will be available with a naturally-aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS), a turbocharged 1.5-liter with 158 hp (118 kW / 160 PS), and a 1.5-liter turbodiesel with 116 hp (87 kW / 118 PS).
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Depending on the configuration, buyers will have a choice between a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch, or a six-speed automatic gearbox. Power is transmitted to the front wheels with selectable terrain modes, although AWD variants will follow. In the future, the powertrain lineup is expected to grow with the addition of fully electric, hybrid, and CNG options.
Priced To Sell
And that leads us to pricing, which is the most surprising feature of the new Tata Sierra. The company has announced an ex-showroom starting price of ₹11.49 lakh ($12,800) which sounds like a bargain. Still, the Indian-built SUV is slightly more expensive than the rival Hyundai Creta that currently starts at ₹10.72 lakh ($12,100) and remains India’s best-selling SUV.
Tata will start accepting orders on December 16, with deliveries starting from January 16. Despite its appeal, the Sierra is not expected to be exported to other markets outside India.
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Thanos Pappas, a product design engineer by trade, has been wading through automotive journalism for… Read full bio

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