Sierra vs Seltos 2026 – Engine, Features & Specs Comparison [Report]

The mid-size SUV segment is about to witness a clash of titans. On one side, we have the global favorite, the all-new 2026 Kia Seltos, which has just debuted with a sharper design and updated cabin. On the other, the iconic Tata Sierra has returned as a feature-loaded, tech-savvy SUV ready to reclaim its legacy.

If you are torn between these two, you are not alone. The Sierra vs Seltos battle is close, with each SUV offering distinct advantages. Here is a detailed breakdown of how they stack up in terms of engines, features, and technology.

Engine Performance: Power vs Torque

When it comes to what’s under the hood, both SUVs offer a trio of engine options: a naturally aspirated (NA) petrol, a turbo-petrol, and a diesel. However, the tuning makes all the difference.

1. 1.5L NA Petrol

• Kia Seltos: 115 hp / 144 Nm
• Tata Sierra: 106 hp / 145 Nm
• Winner: The Seltos takes the lead here with significantly more horsepower, making it the peppier choice for city driving.

2. 1.5L Turbo-Petrol

• Kia Seltos: 160 hp / 253 Nm
• Tata Sierra: 160 hp / 255 Nm
• Winner: It’s a tie on horsepower, but the Sierra edges ahead slightly with 2 Nm more torque.

3. 1.5L Diesel

• Kia Seltos: 116 hp / 250 Nm
• Tata Sierra: 118 hp / 260–280 Nm
• Winner: The Sierra is clearly stronger here, offering better pulling power which is crucial for highway cruising and heavy loads.

Verdict: While the Seltos wins on the base petrol engine, the Sierra dominates in the Turbo and Diesel categories.

Exterior Design & Dimensions

Both SUVs feature modern, all-LED lighting setups, but there are key differences in their stance and equipment.

• Wheels: The Tata Sierra rides on massive 19-inch alloys, giving it a more imposing road presence compared to the Seltos’ 18-inch rims.
• Lighting: The Sierra offers practical touches like rear fog lamps and puddle lamps on all doors, which the Seltos lacks.
• Mirrors: The Seltos scores a point with ORVMs that have a memory function synchronized with the driver’s seat, a premium convenience feature missing in the Sierra.

Interior Features: The Tech War

This is where the Sierra vs Seltos battle gets intense. Both cars feature a triple-screen setup, but the execution differs.

• Screens: The Seltos uses a 5-inch climate control screen sandwiched between two 12.3-inch displays. The Sierra goes bigger with a dedicated 12.3-inch passenger display for entertainment, a segment-first feature.
• Audio: The Sierra boasts a 12-speaker JBL system with Dolby Atmos, outclassing the Seltos’ 8-speaker Bose setup.
• Comfort: The Seltos offers a 10-way powered driver seat with lumbar support, whereas the Sierra has a 6-way powered seat. However, the Sierra fights back with a powered tailgate, boss mode (manual), and an air purifier, which the Seltos misses.

Safety and Drive Tech

Safety is a priority for both, offering 6 airbags, 360-degree cameras, and Level 2 ADAS suites.

• Seltos Advantage: It offers a Head-Up Display (HUD) on the top trim, allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
• Sierra Advantage: It includes practical features like a cooled glovebox and specialized terrain modes (Normal, Wet, Rough) suited for Indian conditions.

Conclusion

In the Sierra vs Seltos showdown, the winner depends on what you value most. The Kia Seltos shines with its powerful base petrol engine, refined driver ergonomics, and premium touches like memory ORVMs.

However, the Tata Sierra currently holds the edge on paper. With its superior diesel torque, larger 19-inch wheels, dedicated passenger display, and a better sound system, it offers a more comprehensive luxury package. Until the final prices are revealed, the Sierra looks like the more compelling option for tech-loving buyers.

Also Read –New Kia Seltos 2026 Price in India – Expected Cost, Variants and Features [Report]

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