Comparison: Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra

While the new Renault Duster has many cars to contend with, its rivalry with the Tata Sierra will be an interesting one, given that there is a common thread between the two. Both ‘Renault Duster’ and ‘Tata Sierra’ have been iconic nameplates in the history of the Indian car industry, and both have returned in their new avatars to cater to modern demands. Both are imperative cars for their brands, and have been loaded with everything their brands could offer with them. To choose between the two easily, here is a comparison of the Renault Duster and the Tata Sierra that compares all their key aspects and determines which one is better for your needs.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Dimensions & Design

While the Renault Duster is 3 mm longer than the Tata Sierra, the Sierra is 28 mm wider, 56 mm taller, and has a 73 mm longer wheelbase compared to the Duster. Moreover, the Sierra offers a much larger 622-litre boot compared to the 518-litre boot of the Duster. Overall, the Sierra is far more spacious than the Duster, and notably, the Sierra’s rear seat can comfortably accommodate three adults, while the Duster’s rear seat is best-suited for two adults and a child or teenager.

As far as road presence is concerned, both Renault Duster and Tata Sierra are among the most attractive cars in their segment. The Duster is more aggressive and macho, though, thanks to its aggressive blacked-out bumper with silver housing, the bold gloss black grille with Duster lettering, and an aggressively sculped bonnet with a couple of deep aerodynamic scoops. Over to the side, the Duster highlights a raked rear windshield, muscular protrusions over the angular wheel arches, unique C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, chic 18-inch alloy wheels, and rugged black cladding covering the SUV’s bottom. At the rear, the Duster gets interesting arrow-shaped tail lamps linked by a light bar and a blacked-out bumper with silver surrounds.

The Sierra is boxier and more sophisticated than the Duster. Up front, the Sierra gets a rather high-set flat bonnet and upright bumper. Although like the Renault Duster, the Sierra features a gloss black grille with SIERRA lettering embossed on it, and a large blacked-out bumper with a silver scuff plate. A full-width light bar is placed on the top of the grille, and slim LED headlamps are integrated below it. LED fog lights are placed on the bumper’s edges. Its side profile is reminiscent of the original Tata Sierra from 1991, thanks to the boxy profile and large rear window and quarter glass that, along with the black roof, mimic the ‘Alpine Window,’ which was there on the original Sierra. Other elements of note on the side are the flush-fitting door handles, squared-off wheel arches housing 19-inch alloy wheels, and gloss black cladding covering the SUV’s bottom. At the rear, the Sierra features connected taillights, a rather upright tailgate, and a dual-tone bumper with sliver scuff plate.

The Tata Sierra is significantly larger and more spacious than the Renault Duster. Both are good-looking SUVs; however, the Duster looks more muscular and macho, while the Sierra has a sophisticated air about it.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Engine & Transmission

The Renault Duster’s entry-level 1-litre turbo petrol engine is slightly weaker than the Tata Sierra’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. Moreover, the Sierra’s 1.5-litre NA engine is available with both manual and automatic transmissions, while the Duster’s 1-litre turbo engine is only available with a manual transmission.

The Duster’s 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is slightly more powerful than the Sierra’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. While the difference between power figures is not much, the Duster’s 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is far more enjoyable to drive, because of the punchy power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Moreover, thanks to the Duster’s well-acclaimed driving dynamics, the French SUV is a treat to drive. On the other hand, while the Sierra’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is impressively refined and produces a lot of power, its power delivery is rather linear, and it does not deliver the peppiness required for an exciting drive. Another one of Duster’s advantages is that its 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine is available with both manual and automatic transmission, while the Sierra’s 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine is available with only a 6-speed torque converter automatic.

As far as ride comfort is concerned, both Duster and Sierra are among the best offerings in the segment.

The Renault Duster is more powerful and more enjoyable to drive than the Tata Sierra.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Features & Comfort

Both Renault Duster and Tata Sierra come with premium interiors; however, the Sierra’s interior feels a notch above in terms of quality.

In the front section, interestingly, the Sierra gets two different screen setups. The top Accomplished Plus variant gets a triple-screen panel, which consists of a 12.3-inch main touchscreen infotainment, a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Whereas the other variants get a separate touchscreen infotainment and digital instrument cluster, and no screen for the front passenger. Moreover, second to the top variant, Accomplished, gets an Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, which is missing on the top variant with a triple-screen panel.

While the Sierra is already a spacious SUV, the light interior theme makes it feel even more spacious and family- friendly. Moreover, the quality of the material used across the cabin is one of the best in the segment. All the same, the gloss black panel on the steering is easy to soil, and the gloss black touch-sensitive panel for HVAC controls is not as easy to operate as traditional physical buttons.

On the other hand, the Duster feels sporty on the inside with some sporty elements such as the all-black interior theme, stitching on the seats’ borders, and carbon fibre finish on the clean dashboard. The touchscreen and centre console are slightly angled towards the driver’s seat for the ease of the driver, and the chunky, squarish steering adds to the sporty ambience. Moreover, the availability of old-school, easy-to-use physical buttons for most controls gives the Duster a key advantage over the Sierra.

As for the features, both Renault Duster and Tata Sierra are packed to the brim. Both offer plenty of upmarket features, including a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, a powered driver seat, and more. Although the Duster does have the advantage of offering a powered front passenger seat, the Sierra offers the advantages of extendable thigh support, a head-up display, and an extra screen for the front passenger.

On the inside, both Renault Duster and Tata Sierra look and feel premium. However, the Sierra is more family-friendly, while the Duster is sportier in its overall interior layout.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Safety Features

Both Renault Duster and Tata Sierra are robust SUVs. While the Tata Sierra has already scored a 5-star rating in the Bharat NCAP, the Renault Duster is also aimed to bag a 5-star rating in the safety test. As far as safety features are concerned, both Duster and Sierra are equipped with plenty of safety features to offer maximum safety to passengers.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Price comparison

So far, Renault has not announced the price of the new Renault Duster, but it is expected to be Rs. 10 – 20 lakh (ex-showroom). For these prices, the Renault Duster will be as valuable an offering as the Tata Sierra.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: Which one should you buy

Between the Renault Duster and Tata Sierra, if you are looking for an SUV for your family, the Sierra should be the better choice, primarily because it offers ample space for five adults and great ride comfort. Moreover, it offers the option of both petrol and diesel powertrains, and to a degree, it can offer a fun-to-drive element with its power-packed turbo petrol engine.

At the same time, if you want your next SUV more for the driver in you and less for family travelling purposes, then the Renault Duster should be the better choice. Its 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, complemented with its legendary driving dynamics, makes the Duster driving pleasure more than anything else.

All the same, for an option of a diesel engine, the choice is limited to the Tata Sierra, and for a strong-hybrid powertrain, the Duster is the only pick.

Renault Duster vs Tata Sierra: FAQs