Tata Motors has revived one of its most iconic nameplates — the Sierra — more than two decades after the original three-door SUV was discontinued in 2003. The 2025 Sierra marks Tata’s second major entry into the midsize SUV segment after the Curvv, and arrives with the right blend of nostalgia and modernity to take on segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta.
While the old Sierra from 1991 enjoys cult status for its unique design and premium positioning of its time, the new model pays homage to the classic while adopting contemporary styling, technology and powertrains. Here’s a detailed look at how the Sierra has transformed across generations.
Design Evolution: 2025 Sierra vs Classic Sierra
The most recognisable hallmark of the original Sierra was its sweeping, curved rear glass area — a feature that instantly set it apart on Indian roads. Recreating that exact styling isn’t feasible today due to modern safety norms, but Tata has cleverly reinterpreted it by giving the roof section above the rear windows a contrasting black finish, creating a similar floating-glass visual.
Other classic Sierra cues retained include:
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Squared-off wheel arches
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High bonnet line
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Strong, upright stance
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Pronounced B-pillar (now with a stylistic kink)
Modern reinterpretations, however, give the 2025 Sierra an entirely new character. It now gets:
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A sharply raked windscreen
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Shorter front and rear overhangs
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Aero-optimised 19-inch alloy wheels
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Sleek LED lighting, including split headlamps and full-width LED light bars
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A cleaner, more futuristic fascia with a continuous black panel connecting the lights
One thing missing from the past is the functional roof rails that many owners adored on the old model.
Interior and Features: A Leap Across Eras
Step inside, and the generational gap becomes unmistakable.
Where the original Sierra offered a utilitarian but comfortable cabin for its time — complete with features like air-conditioning, power windows and a tachometer, all considered premium in the 1990s — the 2025 Sierra jumps to the opposite end of the spectrum.
The new model features:
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A three-screen widescreen layout spanning the dashboard
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A contemporary four-spoke steering wheel
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High-quality textures, dual-tone materials and soft touch points
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Clever elements like a fabric-finished bar beneath the steering wheel that houses a sound bar
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Segment-leading features such as a JBL Dolby Atmos audio system
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Physical toggle switches for HVAC — a welcome ergonomic touch in a touchscreen-heavy world
This is easily one of the most premium cabins ever seen in a Tata vehicle.
Powertrains: From Simple Diesel to a Wide Engine Lineup
The original Sierra started with a naturally aspirated diesel and later received a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 91hp and 186Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual. Tata even offered a 4×4 variant, which boosted its appeal among enthusiasts.
The 2025 Sierra, in contrast, will offer a significantly wider and more modern range of powertrains. Although final specifications are awaited, the expected lineup includes:
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1.5-litre NA petrol – around 120hp
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1.5-litre turbo-petrol – around 170hp
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1.5-litre diesel – around 116hp (shared with Curvv)
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Manual and automatic gearbox options for each engine
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An all-electric Sierra EV joining later in the year
Unlike the original, the new model will be front-wheel drive only, at least initially.
Verdict: A Nostalgic Comeback with Modern Purpose
With the 2025 Sierra, Tata Motors has successfully blended heritage styling with the technology and features expected in today’s midsize SUV segment. While the nameplate taps into nostalgia, the product itself appears modern, competitive and well-equipped to challenge established rivals.
In a segment as crowded and competitive as the midsize SUV space, the new Sierra finally gives Tata a serious contender — one that proudly carries forward an Indian automotive icon’s legacy.
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