The Tata Sierra makes a powerful comeback — and in a recent real-world test drive, it delivers a mix of bold style, good dynamics and generous features. But like many freshly launched vehicles, it also brings a few compromises buyers should note. In this review, we explore how the Sierra performs on road, what stands out, and where it asks for patience.
Quick Snapshot — Tata Sierra Key Highlights & Low Points
| Category | What Works | What Could Be Better |
|---|---|---|
| Design & Road Presence | Striking exterior, eye-catching LED DRLs, 19″ wheels, commanding road presence. | Some panel-gap and shut-line inconsistencies around tailgate & doors. |
| Interior & Features | Spacious cabin, triple-screen dashboard, 622-litre boot, good storage, panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, premium audio. | Hard plastics, inconsistent fit & finish, some cheap-feeling materials. |
| Drive & Performance (Turbo-Petrol / Diesel) | Smooth AT drive, strong turbo-petrol punch, diesel tractability, good ride & handling, stable at speed, compliant suspension. | Diesel lacks excitement; turbo-petrol & diesel only in higher trims; ride may filter large potholes (rear beam suspension). |
| Safety & Practicality | 6-airbags, ESP, 360° camera, ADAS, electronic parking brake, good space & comfort for 5 adults. | New platform & electronics — long-term reliability yet to be proven; dual-clutch / Aisin-AT history in India raises concern. |
Exterior & First Impressions
From the moment the Sierra rolled out for the test drive, its design drew attention. The 2025 Tata Sierra combines a boxy, bold stance with modern touches: a glossy black grille, “Light Saber” full-width LED DRL, slim bi-LED headlamps, flush door handles, and 19-inch alloys. Its dimensions — long wheelbase, short overhangs, thick B-pillars, and blacked-out roof edges — give it a tough yet premium SUV silhouette.
On the move, the car feels substantial and planted. The heavy-duty doors and firm bonnet contribute to a sense of solid build, though closer inspection reveals some inconsistency in panel gaps and tailgate alignment.
Overall — in streets, city stop-go, or parking — Sierra stands out. For buyers wanting presence and personality, Sierra earns high marks.
Inside the Cabin — Space, Features & Quality Check
Inside, the 2025 Tata Sierra offers a modern, feature-rich cabin. The dashboard gets a triple-screen setup: a 10.25″ digital cluster for driver info, and two 12.3″ screens for infotainment and front-passenger entertainment — a rare setup in mid-size SUVs of this price band.
Comfort and utility are addressed well: ventilated front seats with extendable thigh support, electrically adjustable driver seat, reclining rear seatbacks, generous headspace and leg-room, and a massive 622-litre boot — among the largest in its class. Six adults fit reasonably well front + rear, while rear seat comfort remains good for long rides.
On the features front — panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, automatic LED headlamps, 360° camera, a 12-speaker Dolby Atmos sound system, ADAS suite (lane assist, crash mitigation, adaptive cruise etc.), wireless charging, digital instrument cluster, and many comforts make Sierra feel like a premium SUV.
That said, realism hits when you look closely: many interior surfaces are hard plastic, some components feel cheap (sun-visor assemblies, door pocket edges, piano-black plastic panels), and several testers noted inconsistent build quality across units — loose bits like bag hooks or belt covers, sticky switches, or rough finishing around edges.
In short: Sierra’s cabin is feature-packed and roomy — but buyers should inspect their unit carefully (PDI recommended) before accepting delivery.
On the Road — Engines, Transmission & Dynamics
Turbo-Petrol Automatic (Top Variant)
The 1.5-litre TGDi turbo-petrol paired with a 6-speed Aisin torque-converter automatic delivers 158 BHP and 255 Nm— enough for quick overtakes, highway cruising, and decent city driveability.
In city traffic, the AT is smooth, with almost creep-mode convenience (crawls at 8 km/h with brake only), and throttle response is predictable. On open roads, the Sierra GLIDES — 100 km/h at modest revs, stable at triple-digit speeds, with minimal harshness.
Selectable drive modes — City / Sport — let you adjust throttle response and steering weight. Sport adds some punch at the cost of fuel efficiency; City mode is best for daily commuting. Paddle shifters offer manual control for those who prefer it.
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Diesel (Manual & Automatic)
The 1.5-litre diesel — available with 6-MT or 6-AT — is competent: good low-end torque, easy crawling in traffic (9 km/h without throttle), and satisfactory highway cruise manners.
However, it lacks the zest of the turbo-petrol. Power delivery is linear but feels sedate for spirited driving, and engine noise is more audible. Combined with a slight rough edge in NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), the diesel feels more utilitarian than premium.
For long journeys, though, the diesel’s fuel efficiency and torque make it a reasonable option — provided one’s expectations are modest.
Ride Comfort & Handling
Sierra uses MacPherson struts up front and a semi-independent twist-beam rear — with some variants getting frequency-dependent damping (FDD). On broken roads and city bumps, the ride is compliant; smaller potholes are absorbed well.
At highway speeds, even with 19-inch wheels and low-profile tyres, the SUV remains stable and planted. Steering is light in city driving, yet gains weight at higher speeds, giving a confident feel. The suspension-soak and road-feedback balance is good overall.
On twisty roads, you’ll notice some body roll — typical of tall SUVs — but it is manageable. Braking with disc brakes on all wheels (with ABS & EBD) is effective and predictable.
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Safety & Practicality — What Works, What to Note
Tata has loaded the Sierra with a full suite of safety and convenience: 6 airbags, ESP with full-featured electronics (ASE, hill-hold, etc.), 360° camera, tyre-pressure monitoring, electronic parking brake with auto-engage if seatbelt not fastened, ABS/EBD, ISOFIX mounts — along with driver aids like Level-2 ADAS as standard in higher trims.
Practical aspects like a large boot, good under-thigh support, reclining rear seats, ample head & leg room, and large glass roof add to usability for families or frequent travellers.
Yet, being a freshly launched model with a complex electronics-and-feature package, long-term reliability remains unproven. Fit-and-finish variability across units, and the heavy reliance on electronic systems (paddle shifters, electronic parking brake, ADAS, digital screens) mean that maintenance and after-sales support quality will matter a lot. Extended warranty is recommended for peace of mind.
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Verdict — Who Should Buy 2025 Tata Sierra & Who Might Wait
Ideal Buyer:
- Someone who wants a bold, standout SUV with modern features, good comfort & space, and flexible engine/gearbox options.
- Families needing a spacious boot + roomy cabin for daily use and long drives.
- Buyers who prioritise features and value over perfect finish or long-term reliability at launch.
Cautious Buyer (might wait or opt for higher trim):
- Those sensitive to fit & finish, or who expect spotless build quality.
- Buyers who regularly travel long distances and demand refined NVH at all times — diesel’s roughness and petrol’s noise at high revs may disappoint.
- Those wary of new-gen electronics or unproven AT/diesel combos.