The Tata Sierra name carries nostalgia for thousands of Indian car lovers who grew up admiring its distinctive silhouette and go-anywhere spirit. Three decades after the original model shaped India’s SUV story, Tata Motors has brought the Sierra nameplate back in an all-new, future-ready form. But can the 2025 Sierra live up to the expectations of an SUV audience that has grown smarter, pickier and far more demanding? Here is our detailed first-drive impression.
Design and Road Presence
The new Sierra doesn’t borrow design elements from the current Tata lineup. Instead, it follows a clean, upright and near-rectangular theme. The windscreen, roof and rear glass merge into a seamless black enclosure, echoing the vibe of the original Sierra’s signature glasshouse.
At 4340 mm in length, 1841 mm in width and 1715 mm in height, the SUV stands taller and wider than most competitors. A 2730 mm wheelbase gives it a planted stance and tremendous interior space. There’s no rear-mounted spare wheel this time; instead, the flat tailgate and squared-off rear pay subtle homage to the classic Sierra.
LED headlamps and taillights come standard. Higher variants include sequential turn indicators and larger 19-inch alloys, although the wheels do feel visually oversized compared to the body.
Cabin Experience and Features
Step inside, and the Sierra feels far more premium than anything Tata has offered before in this segment. An ivory-coloured soft-touch dash runs across the cabin. A raised centre console, however, intrudes slightly into knee room for the front occupants.
The panoramic sunroof is among the largest fitted to any SUV in India and brings plenty of natural light inside. The feature list is exhaustive: triple-screen setup, JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos, wireless phone projection, air purifier, 360-degree camera, ambient lighting, front-seat extensions for extra thigh support and window curtains for second-row passengers.
Space in the second row is impressive, with good headroom and knee room. The Sierra also has a usable 622 litres of boot space (up to the roof), which matches segment standards.
Engine Options and Performance
Tata is offering multiple powertrains with the new Sierra.
1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol
Power: 106 hp
Torque: 145 Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT
1.5-litre turbo-petrol (Hyperion)
Power: 160 hp
Torque: 255 Nm
Gearbox: 6-speed torque converter
1.5-litre diesel (KryoJet)
Power: 118 hp
Torque: 260 Nm (MT) / 280 Nm (AT)
The new Hyperion turbo-petrol deserves a special mention. It is refined at idle, builds power evenly and maintains high-speed cruising effortlessly. The torque converter automatic is smooth, although a dual-clutch option would have been appreciated.
The diesel engine feels noticeably more refined than before. Tata has re-engineered key internals to reduce vibration and noise. While there is minor clatter during cold starts, it settles quickly. The mid-range punch makes it ideal for long highway journeys.
Ride and Handling
Built on Tata’s new ARGOS architecture, the Sierra feels solid and reassuring. Ride quality is slightly firm with the larger 19-inch wheels, but smaller wheel options promise better comfort. Sharp bumps translate mildly into the cabin, but stability on open roads is confidence-inspiring.
The steering is light at city speeds and weighs up progressively. Body roll is well controlled for a tall SUV.
Pricing and Final Verdict
The Sierra starts at Rs 11.49 lakh and goes up to Rs 18.49 lakh (ex-showroom), with the top-end variants likely to exceed Rs 20 lakh once announced.
The 2025 Tata Sierra is not just a comeback; it is Tata Motors’ attempt to redefine nostalgia for a new generation. It blends modern tech, spacious interiors, multiple powertrains and striking looks with the legacy of an Indian automotive icon. While the market is more competitive than ever, the new Sierra has enough personality and capability to attract both old loyalists and new-age buyers.
