The Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra have turned out to be extremely compelling choices for buyers searching for a balance between performance, utility, and the convenience of an automatic transmission. Both cars offer drivers a chance to enjoy a spirited drive, though each one has its own approach.
But which one is actually quick? In this comparison, we focus on the turbo-petrol automatic powertrains of the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra and analyse their performance characteristics in detail, including acceleration, overtaking, and braking. We will also look at the results of a performance test to see which of these two cars can deliver the best driving experience.
Powertrain and Specifications Comparison
Both of the vehicles are equipped with a turbo petrol engine of 1.5-litres with a power output of 160 hp. However, the Tata Sierra has a higher torque.
| Specification | Kia Seltos Turbo-Petrol AT | Tata Sierra Turbo-Petrol AT |
| Engine | 1.5L Smartstream T-GDi Petrol | 1.5L TGDi Hyperion Petrol |
| Power | 160 hp (158 bhp @ 5,500 rpm) | 160 hp (158 bhp @ 5,000 rpm) |
| Torque | 253 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | 255 Nm @ 1,750–4,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (DCT) | 6-speed Torque Converter Automatic |
Transmission is one of the major differences between the two SUVs. 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is used by the Kia Seltos, and 6-speed torque-converter automatic is what Tata Sierra is equipped with.
Also Read: Complete Buying Guide: Kia Seltos
Performance Test Results
0–100 km/h Acceleration
The benchmark 0–100 km/h test highlights just how closely matched these two SUVs are.
| Test | Kia Seltos | Tata Sierra |
| 0–100 km/h | 9.87 sec | 9.85 sec |
The Tata Sierra accomplishes the task in 9.85 seconds, while the Kia Seltos manages it in 9.87 seconds.
Therefore, the Tata Sierra is slightly faster than the Kia Seltos in a standing start. Although the difference is minimal, being 0.02 seconds, it is enough to give the Tata Sierra an advantage over the Kia Seltos.
Rolling Acceleration
Standing-acceleration tests rate how long the SUV will take to accelerate from 0 to higher speeds on a standing start, while the rolling acceleration test shows how much speed the car can gain while rolling.
In this test, the Kia Seltos performs significantly better than the Tata Sierra. It scores 0.14 seconds better on the 20-80 km/h and 0.37 seconds better on the 40-100 km/h test.
Thus, overall, it can be concluded that the Seltos has a more powerful acceleration in the overtake scenario and, therefore, has a better chance to perform an overtake when the situation arises.
Braking Performance
The braking performance between the two SUVs is almost the same. In the 80–0 km/h braking test:
| Test | Kia Seltos | Tata Sierra |
| 80–0 km/h Braking Distance | 26.78 m | 26.79 m |
| Braking Time | 2.4 sec | 2.6 sec |
The Kia Seltos stops just 0.01 metres shorter than the Tata Sierra, making the difference negligible in practical driving conditions.
Also Read: Tata Sierra Variants Guide: Choose the Best Variant
Verdict: Which SUV Performs Better?
Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos are extremely similar cars in terms of functionality and characteristics, with the winner being subjective to the type of performance one wishes to achieve.
The Tata Sierra has a slight edge over the Kia Seltos when it comes to racing from 0-100 kmph, though it barely surpasses the competitor in this metric. Thus, the Sierra is slightly quicker on acceleration than the Seltos but barely by a measurable amount. When it comes to rolling acceleration, the Seltos then has an advantage over the Sierra, managing to quickly accelerate within a gear. This makes the Kia slightly more competitive in terms of overtaking other cars on highways and reaching higher speeds.
In terms of braking characteristics, both cars have comparable results, with them practically tying each other at most of the tests. This highlights their overall similar power characteristics.
It is impossible to say that one car is better than the other at every metric, as each car has a small number of advantages that highlight its qualities over the competitor. In particular, the Tata Sierra has a slight edge over the Kia Seltos in terms of accelerating from 0-100kmph, while the Kia Seltos is quicker at rolling acceleration. These differences are barely measurable, but they exist nonetheless and are enough to highlight that both cars have their own strengths and weaknesses. The differences between the two are small, which means that one can easily pick any of these cars and be satisfied with their purchase.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Kia Seltos
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which SUV is quicker from 0–100 km/h?
The Tata Sierra completes the 0–100 km/h sprint in 9.85 seconds, making it marginally quicker than the Kia Seltos, which records 9.87 seconds.
Q. Which SUV performs better in rolling acceleration tests?
The Kia Seltos is quicker in both the 20–80 km/h and 40–100 km/h acceleration tests.
Q. What transmission does the Kia Seltos turbo-petrol automatic use?
The Kia Seltos turbo-petrol automatic is equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Q. What transmission does the Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic use?
The Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic uses a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Q. Which SUV has better braking performance?
Both SUVs deliver nearly identical braking performance, with the Kia Seltos stopping marginally shorter in the 80–0 km/h braking test.
