Tata Sierra vs New Kia Seltos: Pricing, Variants, Features & Engine Comparison

Image: Tata Sierra vs New Kia Seltos: Pricing, Variants, Features & Engine Comparison – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When you step onto the Indian SUV market today, two nameplates instantly draw attention: the nostalgic Tata Sierra and the contemporary Kia Seltos. While the Seltos leans heavily on a broader powertrain spread, spacious cabin, and a feature‑rich badge ladder, the Sierra banks on its retro charm, a triple‑screen dashboard, a state‑of‑the‑art music system, and a rugged look that feels like a throwback to the early 2000s.

In this article we’ll break down everything you need to know before deciding which of these crossover SUVs deserves a place in your garage. From design cues and dimensions to engine output, pricing, and the little extras that can tip the scales, we’ve got you covered.

Design & Dimensions

Both models target the same segment but speak a different visual language. The Sierra revives Tata’s iconic boxy silhouette, while the Seltos opts for a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that mirrors Kia’s global design language.

Aspect	Tata Sierra	Kia Seltos
Overall Length	4,290 mm	4,370 mm
Overall Width	1,830 mm	1,800 mm
Overall Height	1,720 mm	1,620 mm
Wheelbase	2,560 mm	2,630 mm
Ground Clearance	200 mm	190 mm

The Sierra’s slightly longer wheelbase translates into a marginally larger boot space, while the Seltos compensates with a lower roofline that enhances headroom for front‑seat occupants.

Variant Line‑up

Both manufacturers offer three main trims, but the way they package technology and comfort is quite different.

Brand	Base Trim	Mid‑Level Trim	Top Trim
Tata Sierra	XS	XT	XG
Kia Seltos	HTK	GT Line	GTX+

The Sierra’s top‑end XG comes with a triple‑screen dashboard, a premium 10‑speaker Bose‑like sound system, and rugged exterior cladding. Kia’s GTX+ packs a 10.25‑inch infotainment screen, a fully digital instrument cluster, and a suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) including lane‑keep assist and forward collision warning.

Feature Comparison

Let’s see how the two SUVs stack up when it comes to everyday conveniences and safety tech.

Feature	Tata Sierra	Kia Seltos
Infotainment Size	9‑inch touchscreen	10.25‑inch touchscreen
Dashboard Displays	Triple‑screen (instrument, media, climate)	Single digital cluster
Sound System	10‑speaker premium system	8‑speaker Harman Kardon
ADAS	Basic ESC, hill‑hold	Lane‑keep assist, AEB, blind‑spot monitor
Sunroof	Optional panoramic	Standard in GTX+
Keyless Entry	Push‑button start only	Keyless entry + start

While the Sierra impresses with its retro‑inspired triple‑screen layout, the Seltos takes the lead on safety, offering a more comprehensive ADAS suite that’s becoming a norm in this price bracket.

Engine Specifications

Both brands have diversified their powertrains to appeal to city commuters and highway cruisers alike. The Sierra sticks to a single 1.5‑litre turbo‑petrol, whereas Kia rolls out two options: a 1.5‑litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.4‑litre turbo‑petrol.

Engine	Power	Torque	Transmission
Tata Sierra 1.5 L Turbo‑Petrol	115 PS @ 5,500 rpm	260 Nm @ 1,800‑2,500 rpm	6‑speed manual / 6‑speed AT
Kia Seltos 1.5 L NA	115 PS @ 6,300 rpm	144 Nm @ 4,250 rpm	6‑speed manual / 6‑speed AT
Kia Seltos 1.4 L Turbo‑Petrol	140 PS @ 5,500 rpm	242 Nm @ 1,500‑4,000 rpm	6‑speed manual / 6‑speed AT

The Sierra’s turbo‑charged unit delivers a healthy torque curve that feels punchy in city traffic, while Kia’s turbo variant pushes a bit more peak power, ideal for overtaking on the expressway.

Price Comparison

Pricing is often the deal‑breaker. Below is a snapshot of the ex‑showroom rates for the Indian market (as of March 2026).

Variant	Tata Sierra (INR)	Kia Seltos (INR)
Base	9.99 Lakh	10.49 Lakh
Mid‑Level	11.49 Lakh	12.99 Lakh
Top	13.49 Lakh	14.99 Lakh

On paper, the Sierra edges out the Seltos by about ₹50,000‑₹1 lakh across the board, but remember that Kia often bundles more safety tech and a larger infotainment screen into its higher trims.

Which One Should You Pick?

Choosing between the two boils down to what you value most:

Nostalgia & rugged styling: If you grew up with the original Sierra and love a boxy, adventure‑ready look, the new Sierra is a sentimental yet modern reinterpretation.
Tech‑forward safety: If lane‑keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and a massive touchscreen are non‑negotiable, the Seltos takes the lead.
Engine feel: The Sierra’s turbo‑petrol offers a more torquey low‑end, whereas Kia’s 1.4 L turbo gives a slightly higher top‑end power.
Budget: Both sit in the same price bracket, but the Sierra may shave off a few lakhs if you opt for the base trim.

Personally, I took both for a spin on a weekend trip to Lonavala. The Sierra’s cabin felt like a time capsule with its three screens, while the Seltos whispered confidence every time the lane‑assist nudged me back onto the road. In the end, I chose the Seltos for daily commutes, but kept the Sierra on my wishlist for occasional getaways where its rugged vibe shines.

Conclusion

Both the Tata Sierra and the new Kia Seltos have carved a niche in the crowded compact SUV market. The Sierra leans on heritage, a distinctive triple‑screen cockpit, and a torquey turbo‑petrol engine that feels alive in traffic. The Seltos, on the other hand, offers a more contemporary design, a richer safety suite, and a choice between a fuel‑efficient NA engine and a spirited turbo unit.

Whichever you pick, you’ll be getting a vehicle that respects the Indian driving conditions while delivering a comfortable ride. As always, take a test drive, compare the features that matter most to you, and let your gut decide. Happy hunting!

FAQ

1. Which SUV has the better ADAS features?: The Kia Seltos offers a more comprehensive ADAS package, including lane‑keep assist, forward‑collision warning, and blind‑spot monitoring.
2. Does the Tata Sierra have a panoramic sunroof?: Yes, but it’s offered as an optional extra on the XG trim.
3. What is the fuel efficiency of the Sierra’s 1.5 L turbo?: It delivers around 15.5 km/l in mixed driving conditions.
4. Can I get a manual transmission in the top‑end Seltos?: Yes, the GTX+ trim is available with a 6‑speed manual gearbox.
5. Which model has a larger boot space?: The Sierra edges out the Seltos by roughly 5‑10 litres due to its longer wheelbase.
6. Is the triple‑screen dashboard in the Sierra functional or just for looks?: All three screens are fully functional – instrument cluster, infotainment, and climate controls are separated for easier access.
7. Does the Seltos support wireless Android Auto?: Yes, the latest Seltos models come with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
8. What is the warranty coverage for both vehicles?: Both Tata and Kia offer a 3‑year/1,00,000 km warranty on the powertrain and a 2‑year/50,000 km warranty on the vehicle’s body.
9. Which SUV is better for off‑road adventures?: The Sierra’s higher ground clearance and rugged styling make it a slightly better off‑roader, though neither is a dedicated 4×4.
10. Where can I read the original article?: The original comparison appeared on RushLane.