The “Sierra” nameplate isn’t just a model name in India; it’s an emotion. After decades of anticipation, Tata Motors has finally brought back its most iconic SUV in a modern, 5-door avatar that aims to disrupt the mid-size SUV segment. This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; with a starting Ex-showroom price of ₹11.49 Lakh, the 2025 Tata Sierra is aiming straight for the throat of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
From the signature “Alpine” windows to a triple-screen dashboard that looks like it belongs in a German luxury car, the new Sierra is a bold statement. But does it have the “punch” to back up the hype? We took it through city traffic and open highways to find out.
A cinematic front-angle shot of the 2025 Tata Sierra SUV in ‘Munnar Mist’ green
The Sierra’s design is a masterclass in modern-retro styling. It retains the tall, boxy silhouette of the 90s original but adds “Night Saber” Bi-LED projector headlamps and a sleek, connected DRL bar that does a cool “welcome” animation.
The 19-inch alloy wheels on the top-spec ‘Accomplished+’ variant give it a massive stance, making the Creta look small in comparison. The flush door handles are a premium touch usually reserved for cars twice its price. The “Alpine Windows”—the glass area that wraps into the roof—is the highlight, flooding the cabin with light.
Tata Sierra parked on a clean asphalt road near a modern glass building
INTERIOR, COMFORT & FEATURES
Step inside, and you’ll realize Tata has gone “all out.” The Triple-Screen Dashboard is the star:
10.25-inch Digital Cluster for the driver.
12.3-inch Central Infotainment screen.
12.3-inch Dedicated Screen for the front passenger (to watch movies or control music).
Space & Comfort: The wheelbase of 2,730 mm is best-in-class, meaning three adults can sit at the back without rubbing shoulders. The “Lounge” feel is enhanced by the panoramic sunroof, which is one of the largest in the segment.
Cooling: Dual-zone climate control and ventilated front seats are a godsend in Indian summers.
Audio: A 12-speaker JBL sound system with a dashboard-mounted soundbar and Dolby Atmos support.
Missing Features: While it’s loaded, we missed having powered seats for the passenger (only the driver gets it).
Tata Sierra dashboard featuring three digital screens, leather-wrapped steering wheel with an illuminated logo, and premium whitegrey upholstery.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE & DRIVING DYNAMICS
City Drive: We tested the 1.5L Diesel AT. The steering is light, and the 5.3m turning radius makes it surprisingly easy to park. The Electronic Parking Brake with Auto-Hold is a lifesaver in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Highway Drive: The 1.5L Turbo Petrol (160 BHP) is the one to pick for enthusiasts. It feels punchy and can hit 100 km/h effortlessly. Even at 120 km/h, the Sierra feels planted, with very little “body roll” for an SUV of this height.
Suspension: Tata’s “Frequency Dependent Damping” (FDD) suspension is brilliant. It absorbs those sharp-edged Indian potholes with a muted thud. You don’t feel the “jars” in your spine.
SAFETY (The Gold Standard)
Tata Motors usually doesn’t play around with safety. The Sierra is built on the same DNA that earned the Safari and Harrier 5 stars in Bharat NCAP.
Standard Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS, EBD, and All-Wheel Disc Brakes from the base variant.
ADAS Level 2: Includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking.
Build Quality: The “Thud” when you close the door is reassuringly heavy.
REAL WORLD MILEAGE (The Truth)
While there have been headlines of the Sierra touching 29.9 km/l in specific fuel-run tests, here is what you should expect in the real world:
Engine
ARAI Claimed
Real World (City)
Real World (Highway)
1.5L NA Petrol
16.5 km/l
10-11 km/l
14-15 km/l
1.5L Turbo Petrol
15.8 km/l
9-10 km/l
13-14 km/l
1.5L Diesel
22.4 km/l
16-17 km/l
20-21 km/l
THE COMPETITION (The Battle of Mid-Size SUVs)
Model
Tata Sierra
Hyundai Creta
Maruti Grand Vitara
Starting Price
₹11.49 Lakh
₹11.00 Lakh
₹10.99 Lakh
Top-End Price
₹21.29 Lakh
₹20.15 Lakh
₹20.09 Lakh
Strongest Engine
160 BHP Turbo
160 BHP Turbo
115 BHP Hybrid
Boot Space
622 L
433 L
373 L
Safety
5-Star (Expected)
5-Star (BNCAP)
4-Star (Expected)
Winner: If you want Road Presence and Space, the Sierra wins. If you want Resale Value, the Creta stays ahead. For Pure Mileage, the Grand Vitara Hybrid is still the king.
FINAL VERDICT
Buy it if:
You want the best road presence and a “Big SUV” feel.
Safety is your top priority for your family.
You need a massive boot and legroom for long road trips.
Skip it if:
You are looking for a compact SUV that is very easy to zip through narrow lanes.
You want the highest possible resale value (Maruti/Hyundai still lead here).
You prefer a simple, physical-button-heavy interior (Sierra is very screen-heavy).
FAQs (People Also Ask)
What is the on-road price of Tata Sierra in Bangalore?
While the ex-showroom starts at ₹11.49 Lakh, the on-road price in Bangalore (including 18-20% RTO) will start around ₹14.2 Lakh for the base variant.
Is there a Tata Sierra EV?
Yes, the Sierra EV is expected to launch by February 2026 with a range of over 500 km.
Does it come with a CNG option?
Currently, no. However, Tata might introduce a twin-cylinder iCNG version later in 2026.
What is the waiting period for the 2025 Sierra?
Due to high demand, expect a waiting period of 3 to 5 months depending on the city and variant.
Garima Thakur is the founder of Udaan eBike and an automobile/EV content writer. He shares simple, research-based insights on electric bikes, scooters, motorcycles, and cars to help Indian buyers choose the right vehicle with confidence.