Tata Motors’ latest effort Tata Sierra was meant to do just that - disrupt. And if one is to go by the numerical comparisons made against its closest rivals in the past week by multiple media outlets the newly-launched Tata Sierra certainly succeeds on its dimension - and by a significant margin at that.

Dimensions and Cabin Space: Sierra roars away from pack

The Sierra is 4340 mm long 1841 mm wide and 1715 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2730 mm.

Not only is it one of the longest but it’s also one of the widest and the tallest amongst its closest rivals – factors that automatically translate to significant advantages in terms of cabin space and road presence. A case in point: its 622-litre boot which offers significantly more luggage space than many of its nearest rivals.

On the flip side well-established SUVs like the Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq are relatively more compact. The Creta for instance measures 4330 mm in length 1790 mm in width and 1635 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2610 mm and a boot that measures 433 litres in volume.

The Seltos on the other hand is 4365 mm long 1800 mm wide 1645 mm tall - with the same 2610 mm wheelbase - but its boot is also just 433 litres.

The Skoda Kushaq meanwhile is even more compact with dimensions of approximately 4225 mm in length 1760 mm in width and 1612 mm in height. It is also on a 2651 mm wheelbase and offers a relatively smaller 385 litres of boot space.

Powertrains and Variants

Tata Motors has not held back on engine options either. The Sierra in fact is available with the choice of three powertrains. There’s a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine (106 bhp/145 Nm) a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (160 bhp/255 Nm) and a 1.5-litre diesel engine (118 bhp/280 Nm) - with the option of a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission or even a 7-speed DCT (Continuously Variable Transmission) in the petrol variants.

This gives one the flexibility to choose as per one’s driving and usage preferences.

For its part the other popular SUVs have similar powertrain offerings with Creta and Seltos for instance offering variants powered by 1.5-litre turbo petrol NA petrol and diesel engines with a mix of MT CVT / DCT / AT transmission depending on the trim.

What Tata’s latest does though is take things to the next level with its “Life Space” cabin philosophy that prioritises spaciousness and a lounge-like cabin ambience over what is typically cramped confines in an SUV.

One key element in this endeavour: “TheatrePro” triple-screen arrangement – with an infotainment screen passenger display and instrument cluster bunched under one uninterrupted glass panel - with the screens measuring 12.3 inches 12.3 inches and 10.25 inches respectively.

Coupled with features like powered and ventilated and front seats with memory and of course the large 622-litre boot and the Sierra presents itself as a strong contender for buyers looking for long-distance cruising comfort and practicality – and in a way is more or less a step up from the existing Tata Harrier.

Contrast this with the lesser number of screens and more compact offerings from its nearest competitors and the picture is clear: while these have their own advantages in terms of features and cabin equipment they are inherently compromised on cabin space or boot space – both of which could be deciding factors for those that put a premium on usability over badge appeal or styling.

Takeaway for the buyers and industry

Overall then the Tesla Motors seems to be doubling down on its focus on practicality and value with the dimensions larger boot space and range of engine options combining to make it a worthy alternative to other more established SUVs in the segment. This is in a sense refreshing in a space where midsize SUVs increasingly force the buyers to make a choice between size feature-set and engine/fuel options. In the case of Sierra the vehicle almost presents a more “well-rounded” package.

That being said space and boot capacity alone aren’t everything. After all there will still be buyers that make their choice based on engine preference fuel type or feature preferences or other concerns like after-sales support or service network or simply different driving needs and requirements. But there’s no denying that for those that are looking for maximum space comfort and flexibility of choice the Sierra is one heck of an offering.

As more and more of it start rolling off the production line in the coming weeks and months it will be interesting to see if it lives up to its expectations and goes on to change the segment dynamic and reshape buyers’ expectations from it – or even nudge other players to rethink how they pack size and utility in their SUVs.

Weve made a simple table to compare six popular SUVs: Tata Sierra Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos Honda Elevate Maruti Suzuki Victoris and Skoda Kushaq. Youll find quick facts about their sizes trunk room and engine types using the most recent public information available.



SUV / Spec
Length (mm)
Width (mm)
Height (mm)
Wheelbase (mm)
Boot Space (litres)
Engine / Drivetrain options* / Notes




Tata Sierra
4340
1841
1715
2730
622
1.5 L NA petrol (106 bhp / 145 Nm) 1.5 L turbo-petrol (160 bhp / ~255 Nm) 1.5 L diesel (118 bhp / ~280 Nm) - MT or AT/DCT depending on variant


Hyundai Creta
4330
1790
1635
2610
433
1.5 L MPi petrol (115 bhp) 1.5 L turbo-petrol (160 bhp) 1.5 L diesel (116 bhp) - MT CVT or 7-speed DCT depending on trim


Kia Seltos
4365
1800
1645
2610
433
1.5 L MPi petrol 1.5 L turbo-petrol (160 bhp) 1.5 L diesel - MT CVT / DCT / AT depending on variant


Maruti Suzuki Victoris
4360
1795
1655
2600
446 (some sources say ~446–450 L; note: CNG under-floor tank may affect usable space)
1.5 L petrol (103 bhp / 139 Nm) 1.5 L “strong-hybrid” petrol (≈116 bhp e-CVT) optionally S-CNG (87 bhp) - MT / AT / e-CVT / AWD (on select trims)


Honda Elevate
4312
1790
1650
2650
458
1.5 L i-VTEC petrol (121 PS / 145 Nm) - 6-speed MT or CVT automatic


Skoda Kushaq
4225
1760
1612
2651
385
1.0 L turbo-petrol (115 bhp) 1.5 L turbo-petrol (150 bhp) - MT or AT / DSG depending on variant



Whats Special in This Car Comparison:



Tata Sierra - Best for Space: The Tata Sierra is the biggest car in every way (length width height and space between wheels). It also has the largest trunk (622 liters). So if you need lots of room inside and for your bags the Sierra is your top pick.


Hyundai Creta & Kia Seltos - Good All-Rounders: The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are still solid choices that do many things well. They have a good size reliable engines and lots of features. However they arent as big as the Sierra and their trunks are smaller.


Skoda Kushaq - Best for City & Fuel Economy: The Skoda Kushaq is smaller and has a smaller trunk but its great if you want a car thats easy to drive in the city uses less fuel with its turbo petrol engine and generally takes up less space.