Few nameplates in India evoke nostalgia the way the Tata Sierra does. For many early SUV enthusiasts, the first-generation Sierra wasn’t just a vehicle—it was an attitude. It represented freedom, long-distance adventure and the thrill of open-road motoring at a time when such experiences were rare. In 2025, the Sierra name returns, but the landscape it re-enters is vastly different. The SUV market today is mature, crowded and ruled by polished, feature-loaded contenders. Heritage alone cannot carry a product, and Tata Motors knows this. The all-new Sierra has therefore been engineered as a contemporary SUV that nods to the past while embracing modern expectations of performance, technology and safety. The question is simple: does this reborn icon have what it takes to stand tall in an intensely competitive segment? Our first drive helps answer that.
Exteriors
The new Sierra stands out immediately because it does not resemble any other Tata SUV. It has been penned from scratch, and the design direction is unmistakably upright, bold and muscular. The blacked-out roof and extended glass panels deliberately evoke the original Sierra’s iconic glasshouse, giving it a unique profile that stands out in traffic. The flat tailgate is another subtle tribute, though the earlier model’s tail-mounted spare wheel is no longer part of the aesthetic. In terms of size, the Sierra measures 4340 mm in length, 1841 mm in width and 1715 mm in height, making it one of the tallest and widest offerings in its segment. A stretched 2730 mm wheelbase pushes the wheels to the edges, giving the SUV a planted stance with short overhangs. Wheel options vary from 17 to 19 inches; the 19-inch alloys particularly enhance visual presence, though they appear a touch oversized relative to the tall body. The lighting package is thoroughly modern. LED headlamps and tail lamps are standard across all trims, while top variants receive sequential indicators that elevate the SUV’s street presence. The LED units not only look sleek but also provide strong illumination. Overall, the Sierra manages to blend nostalgia with contemporary design cues effectively, offering a fresh identity that is unlike anything else in the mid-size SUV space.
Interiors
Open the door, and the new Sierra delivers a cabin that feels premium and airy. The dashboard adopts a clean, minimal layout with soft-touch materials in an ivory shade spanning its width. The triple-screen setup lends a futuristic feel, although a protruding centre section slightly intrudes into knee room for front occupants. The panoramic sunroof—claimed to be the largest in the class—adds to the SUV’s spacious ambience. The seats are generously cushioned, and the second row offers excellent kneeroom and headroom. Tata has thoughtfully added extendable front seat squabs to improve under-thigh support, making long journeys more comfortable.
Rear passengers get several convenience features, including window curtains, ambient lighting and multiple charging options. Practicality is another strong point: the Sierra provides a substantial 622 litres of boot space up to the roof, matching or exceeding most segment rivals. The cabin’s material quality, textures and overall ambience feel more lifestyle-oriented than utilitarian, giving the Sierra a distinctive edge.
Tech and safety
Tata has equipped the Sierra with an extensive list of features to appeal to modern buyers. Higher variants come with a 13-speaker JBL audio system with Dolby Atmos, a built-in air purifier, wireless charging, flush door handles, a 360-degree camera setup and seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Even lower variants are well specified, offering essentials such as an electronic parking brake, all-disc brakes, electronically adjustable ORVMs and rear AC vents.
The SUV is underpinned by Tata’s new ARGOS platform, designed to enhance structural rigidity and improve crash performance. While official crash test ratings are still awaited, the SUV’s build feels robust. Safety equipment includes ESC, traction control, multiple airbags, hill hold and hill descent control. ADAS features are expected in higher trims, which should further enhance the Sierra’s credentials as a modern, safety-focused SUV. Tata’s approach ensures that the Sierra appeals not just to nostalgia but to contemporary expectations as well.
Engine – Drive – Suspension
Tata offers three engine options with the Sierra, giving buyers a wide range of choices. The entry-level option is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol producing 106 hp and 145 Nm, available with a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT. This engine is suited for those seeking straightforward, efficient motoring.
The highlight of the lineup is the new 1.5-litre Hyperion turbo-petrol engine that makes 160 hp and 255 Nm. Paired exclusively with a 6-speed torque converter automatic, this engine stands out for its refinement. Idle vibrations are minimal, and once past 2000 rpm, power delivery becomes linear and confident. It feels particularly comfortable cruising at triple-digit speeds. The gearbox is smooth, with seamless upshifts, though downshifts could be slightly sharper.
The 1.5-litre diesel remains a trusted performer, now developing 118 hp with 260 Nm for the manual and 280 Nm for the automatic. Tata has reworked multiple internal components to reduce friction and enhance refinement. While there is some diesel clatter during cold starts, it settles quickly. The mid-range is strong, making highway drives and overtakes effortless. Ride comfort depends heavily on wheel selection. Variants equipped with 19-inch wheels feel firmer over sharp bumps, sending audible thuds into the cabin. The 17- and 18-inch wheel options offer better cushioning and overall comfort. Despite its size, the Sierra feels composed around long bends and remains stable at high speeds, thanks to the rigid ARGOS platform.
Verdict
The Tata Sierra makes a striking comeback, blending nostalgic cues with modern design, a premium cabin and a wide array of features and engine options. With prices ranging from Rs 11.49 lakh to Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom) and top variants expected to cross the Rs 20-lakh mark, the Sierra positions itself as a stylish, feature-loaded lifestyle SUV. Its design and cabin experience stand out, and if Tata maintains long-term quality, the Sierra has the potential to become one of the most compelling offerings in its segment—reviving the legend for a new generation.
