Tata Motors has resurrected the Sierra nameplate 22 years after the original 3-door SUV was discontinued in 2003. The new Sierra is Tata’s second attempt at the midsize SUV segment after the Curvv, and arguably is the more competent product to take on the segment leader, the Hyundai Creta. More than just reviving an iconic nameplate in Tata’s portfolio, the new Sierra also unapologetically takes design inspiration from the original SUV which first came out in 1991. Here, we are taking a close look at how the new Sierra’s design has been influenced by the original, while thoroughly incorporating contemporary bits inside out.
Tata Sierra design: new vs old
The most distinguishing feature of the original Sierra was its curved-over rear windows. While it is not technically possible to replicate that design detail due to modern safety requirements, Tata Motors has imitated that detail by clever use of colours – the roof over the rear window gets a contrasting black finish, which in essence, creates a similar visual effect. The squarish wheel arches and the high-set bonnet are also nods to the original design. The rectangular motif seen in the design of headlamps and grille have also been replicated by the rectangular black trim that spans the entire fascia. Yet another nod to the original is the thick B-pillar design, this time also incorporating a kink in the window line. The new Sierra, however, does not have the functional roof rails of the original.
2025 Tata Sierra vs old Tata Sierra rear quarter
The new Sierra also has a much sharper rake for the windscreen, the front and rear overhangs are much shorter, and it also rides on large 19-inch wheels with an aero-optimised design. And as with most modern cars, the 2025 Sierra also gets a split headlamp arrangement with full-width LED light bars both at the front and back.
Tata Sierra interior and features: new vs old
While the exterior does hark back to the Sierra from yester years, the interior is unsurprisingly far removed, apart from perhaps the four-spoke steering wheel. Keeping up with modern trends, a massive triple-screen setup now spans the dashboard, replacing the analog dials and some of the physical buttons and knobs. Thankfully, the new Sierra does retain some physical switchgear in the form of the toggle switches for the HVAC controls.
2025 Tata Sierra vs old Tata Sierra interior
This also has to be one of the best interiors we have seen in a Tata vehicle so far, with tasteful use colours, trims and material choices. For instance, the slim asymmetrical band just below the steering wheel with a fabric-like finish actually hides a sound bar. The triple-screen setup and the JBL Dolby Atmos sound system are also segment-first features.
In a similar vein, the original Sierra also got many unique features, some of which even qualified it to be a premium SUV at the time. The interior may seem utilitarian today, but things like air-conditioning, power windows and a tachometer were quite the rarity in the 1990s. In fact, the Sierra was often considered to be ahead of its time.
Tata Sierra powertrain options: new vs old
Originally, the Sierra came with a naturally aspirated diesel engine, but a few years later, the SUV got a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel unit making 91hp and 186Nm of peak torque. A 5-speed manual was standard, and Tata even offered a 4×4 version.
2025 Tata Sierra vs old Tata Sierra front quarter
While the new Sierra only comes in a front-wheel drive configuration, customers will now have a much more diverse powertrain lineup to choose from. Although not officially confirmed, the Sierra is expected to get a 120hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 170hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol unit and a 116hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine (carried over from the Curvv). All three engines will get their own manual and automatic gearbox options, and there will be an electric version joining the lineup later this year as well.
With the revival of the Seirra nameplate, Tata Motors is certainly playing the nostalgia card to take the competition up to the Hyundai Creta. This is one of most fiercely competitive and populated segment in the Indian market, and the nameplate aside, the new Sierra does seem to have what it takes to finally give Tata Motors a proper crack at the midsize SUV segment.
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2025 Tata Sierra unofficial bookings commence at select dealerships