Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos: The Indian SUV market is buzzing right now. With the debut of the second-generation Kia Seltos, everyone is talking about how it stacks up against the upcoming Tata Sierra. If you are in the market for a mid-size SUV, you are probably torn between these two. They are both gunning for the top spot currently held by the Hyundai Creta, making this a comparison you can’t ignore.
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While we are all waiting for the official price announcement for the Kia Seltos on January 2—and with Tata keeping the Sierra prices under wraps for now—we can’t talk money yet. But we can talk specs. We have dug into the numbers to see which SUV actually gives you more value in terms of space, size, and raw power.
Which SUV is Bigger? Real-World Dimensions and Space
Size isn’t just about road presence; it’s about how comfortable your family feels inside. On paper, the Kia Seltos is longer, but the Tata Sierra takes the lead in almost every other measurement that matters for comfort.
Here is a quick look at how they compare side-by-side:
| Feature | Tata Sierra (2026) | Kia Seltos (2026) | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,460 mm | Kia Seltos (+120 mm) |
| Width | 1,841 mm | 1,830 mm | Tata Sierra (+11 mm) |
| Height | 1,715 mm | 1,635 mm | Tata Sierra (+80 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm | 2,690 mm | Tata Sierra (+40 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm | < 200 mm | Tata Sierra |
| Boot Space | 450 Liters | 447 Liters | Tata Sierra |
What does this mean for you?
- Back Seat Comfort: The Sierra has a longer wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels). In the real world, this usually means more legroom. Since it is also wider, squeezing three adults in the back seat will be much more comfortable in the Sierra than in the Seltos.
- Road Presence: With 19-inch wheel options and a taller stance, the Sierra looks more like a rugged, traditional SUV. The Seltos, sitting lower on smaller wheels (maximum 18-inch), feels more like a sporty city crossover.
- Rough Roads: If you drive on bad roads often, the Sierra’s 205mm ground clearance gives you that extra peace of mind.
Engine Battles: Petrol Power vs Diesel Torque

This is where things get really interesting. Both companies know what Indian buyers want, so they have mirrored each other’s lineups. Both SUVs offer a standard petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel engine. But the tuning is very different.
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Here is how the performance breaks down:
- 1.5L Naturally Aspirated (NA) Petrol
- Kia Seltos: 115 PS Power / 144 Nm Torque
- Tata Sierra: 106 PS Power / 145 Nm Torque
The Verdict: If you are buying the entry-level petrol model for city driving, the Kia Seltos is the clear winner. It has significantly more horsepower, which will make it feel peppier in traffic.
- 1.5L Turbo-Petrol
- Kia Seltos: ~160 PS Power / 253 Nm Torque
- Tata Sierra: 160 PS Power / 255 Nm Torque
The Verdict: It is a Tie. Both cars are beasts in this segment. If you want speed and thrill, you can’t go wrong with either one.
- 1.5L Diesel Engine
- Kia Seltos: 116 PS Power / 250 Nm Torque
- Tata Sierra: 118 PS Power / 280 Nm Torque
The Verdict: The Tata Sierra takes the crown here. While the horsepower is similar, the Sierra has much more torque (pulling power). This makes a huge difference when you are overtaking on the highway or carrying a full load of passengers and luggage.
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Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Wait For?
If you are trying to decide right now, ask yourself what you need your SUV to do.
- Choose the Kia Seltos if: You want a stylish, longer car that is great for the city, especially if you are looking at the standard petrol model.
- Choose the Tata Sierra if: You need a spacious family car that can handle three people in the back, tackle rough roads easily, and offers strong diesel performance for long highway trips.









