Tata Sierra First Drive Review: The OG Returns - But Is It Ready to Rule the Mid-Size Jungle?

Is the new Tata Sierra just a nostalgia trip on four wheels, or has Tata finally built a mid-size SUV that can genuinely live with you every day. Also, the big question on everyone’s mind: is it just a stylish tribute, or a proper family car you can rely on? We flew down to Chandigarh to get behind the wheel of both petrol and diesel versions to find out.

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One glance and you know this isn’t just another soft-roader. The boxy silhouette, flat rear, signature upright stance, and that unmistakable OG vibe are all there, yet wrapped in sharp LED lighting, connected tail-lamps and generous piano-black cladding. The side profile screams presence; it is longer, taller and wider than a Creta, and the road simply notices. You get 17 to 19 inch alloys depending on variant, a powered tail-gate, 360-degree camera, radar, and even terrain modes for light off-road duty.

Inside, the cabin feels genuinely premium for the segment. The triple-screen layout, 12.3-inch infotainment + 12.3-inch passenger display + 10.3-inch driver’s display is a segment-first and grabs attention instantly. There’s a soundbar in the centre of the dash, leather-stitched surfaces, a massive panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, adjustable rear headrests, rear AC vents, and a very usable 622-litre boot that swells past 1,200 litres with seats folded. Second-row space is genuinely generous knee-room, head-room and thigh support are all sorted even for six-footers.

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A few niggles though: the piano-black exterior bits attract dust and scratches like a magnet, the steering-wheel buttons get accidentally pressed while manoeuvring in certain situations, and some lower dashboard plastics still feel hard.

Under the bonnet sit two familiar yet improved powertrains. The 1.5L TGDi petrol (157 bhp, 255 Nm) feels lively right from idle strong low-end kick, minimal turbo lag and linear power delivery. Tata has clearly worked on the tuning since we last drove this engine; it feels smoother and more responsive.

The 1.5L Kryotec diesel is calmer off the line but wakes up beautifully in the mid-range, making highway cruising effortless. Both engines pair well with the automatic gearbox and deliver strong real world performance.

Ride comfort is excellent, the suspension absorbs potholes and broken patches without drama, and the cabin stays remarkably quiet. Steering feedback is confident in city and highway conditions alike. However, the brake pedal feels spongy and needs time to build muscle memory; stopping power is adequate but pedal feel could be sharper. Body roll is noticeable on twisty hill roads, the tall stance and soft-ish suspension prioritise comfort over corner carving sharpness.

As an overall package, the Tata Sierra delivers far more than it disappoints. The price starts from 11.49 lakh(ex-showroom). It looks striking, feels spacious and premium inside, offers punchy engines, excellent ride comfort and a feature list that doesn't disappoint. Yes, the brake feel, body roll and those overzealous piano-black surfaces are areas Tata can still refine, and long-term software reliability remains to be seen.

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Yet, if you want a mid-size SUV that turns heads, pampers occupants, packs serious road presence and carries the soul of an iconic nameplate, the Sierra is a very compelling choice. It may not be flawless, but it’s definitely one of the most interesting SUVs Tata has built in years. Worth a serious test drive? Absolutely.