The iconic Tata Sierra is back after three decades, and this time it is not just riding on nostalgia. The new Sierra enters one of the hottest battlegrounds in India, the mid-size SUV space dominated by
Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara. We headed to Chandigarh to drive both the 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre diesel automatic variants back to back and find out if the reborn legend has what it takes to lead the pack in everyday usability, family comfort, and sheer road presence.
Design & Features: Iconic Looks Meet Modern Tech
From the moment you set eyes on it, the Sierra announces its arrival boldly. The unmistakable boxy shape, upright stance, flat rear, and that classic Sierra silhouette has been brilliantly modernized with sharp LED headlights, full width connected LED tail lamps, and aggressive piano black cladding all around. Bigger than the Creta in every dimension, it commands attention on the road. Depending on the variant, you get 17 to 19 inch alloys, a powered tailgate, 360 degree camera, ADAS radar, and multiple terrain response modes that actually let you venture beyond tarmac without fear.
One glance and you know this isn’t just another soft-roader. The boxy silhouette, flat rear, signature upright stance, and that unmistakable OG vibe is all there, yet wrapped in sharp LED lighting, connected tail lamps and generous piano black cladding. The side profile screams presence; it is longer, taller and wider than a Creta, and the road simply notices. You get 17 to 19 inch alloys depending on variant, a powered tailgate, 360 degree camera, radar, and even terrain modes for light off road duty.
Inside, the cabin feels genuinely premium for the segment. The triple screen layout, 12.3 inch infotainment plus 12.3 inch passenger display plus 10.3 inch driver’s display is a segment first and grabs attention instantly. There’s a soundbar in the centre of the dash, leather stitched surfaces, a massive panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, adjustable rear headrests, rear AC vents, and a very usable 622 litre boot that swells past 1200 litres with seats folded. Second row space is genuinely generous; knee room, head room and thigh support are all sorted even for six footers.
A few niggles though: the piano black exterior bits attract dust and scratches like a magnet, the steering wheel buttons get accidentally pressed while manoeuvring in certain situations, and some lower dashboard plastics still feel hard.
Performance & Driving Experience: Punchy Engines, Comfortable Ride
Under the bonnet sit two familiar yet improved powertrains. The 1.5 litre TGDi petrol (157 bhp, 255 Nm) feels lively right from idle; strong low-end kick, minimal turbo lag and linear power delivery. Tata has clearly worked on the tuning since we last drove this engine; it feels smoother and more responsive.
The 1.5 litre Kryotec diesel is calmer off the line but wakes up beautifully in the mid-range, making highway cruising effortless. Both engines pair well with the automatic gearbox and deliver strong real world performance.
Ride comfort is excellent, the suspension absorbs potholes and broken patches without drama, and the cabin stays remarkably quiet. Steering feedback is confident in city and highway conditions alike. However, the brake pedal feels spongy and needs time to build muscle memory; stopping power is adequate but pedal feel could be sharper. Body roll is noticeable on twisty hill roads, the tall stance and soft ish suspension prioritise comfort over corner carving sharpness.
Verdict:
A Strong Contender with Minor Polish Needed Starting at just 11.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tata Sierra delivers far more than it disappoints. It looks striking, feels spacious and premium inside, offers punchy engines, excellent ride comfort. Yes, brake feel, body roll and those dust loving piano black surfaces need final polishing, and long term software reliability is yet to be proven.
Yet, if you want a mid-size SUV that turns heads, pampers everyone on board, carries massive road presence and brings back the soul of a true Indian automotive icon, the Sierra is an extremely compelling proposition. It may not be perfect yet, but it is easily one of the most exciting SUVs Tata has ever built.
