The mid-size SUV segment in India is highly competitive, with the Tata Sierra, Kia Seltos, Renault Duster, and Skoda Kushaq among the most popular SUVs. The Sierra offers more cabin space with modern features, while the Seltos focuses on comfort, advanced technology, and features that make life easier. The Duster offers greater height for better ground clearance, and the Kushaq is focused on driving experience.
However, which mid-size SUV is better in terms of size and space, performance, equipment, safety and overall value? The following comparison between the Sierra, Seltos, Duster, and Kushaq features the differences between the four SUVs to help you choose the best purchase option.
Table of Contents
Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Dimensions
| Dimension | Tata Sierra | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Length | 4,340 mm | 4,460 mm | 4,343 mm | 4,229 mm |
| Width | 1,841 mm | 1,830 mm | 1,813 mm (1,815 mm opt) | 1,760 mm |
| Height | 1,715 mm (up to 1,751 mm) | 1,635 mm | 1,659 mm | 1,612 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,730 mm | 2,690 mm | 2,657 mm | 2,651 mm |
| Boot Space | 622 litres | 447 litres | 518 litres | 385 litres |
| Ground Clearance | 205 mm | 200 mm | 212 mm | 188 mm |
The four cars have noticeably different proportions, which is especially evident from the inside of the vehicle. The Tata Sierra offers the most space for the rear-seat passengers due to the long wheelbase of the vehicle. It is perfect for families who often have to commute with two adults in the car.
The Kia Seltos also offers good space for the occupants of the vehicle and is built in such a way that allows the driver to feel that the car is not as big on the outside as it seems on the inside. The long body of the car makes it perfect for commuting on both highways and in the city, while the width allows for enough space for the occupants of the vehicle.
The Renault Duster takes the ruggedness and spaciousness to a whole new level, providing excellent space inside the vehicle. The high ground clearance is a major benefit for those who want to take their cars off-road and navigate through rocky terrain, speed bumps, and uneven roads. The Duster is also perfect for people who need a car with enough space to carry luggage but do not want to sacrifice the capability of driving on uneven surfaces.
The Skoda Kushaq has the smallest dimensions of the four vehicles, which could be a benefit for drivers who have to navigate through city traffic and need to find a place to park their vehicle. However, the smaller size also means there is less space for the rear seat occupants and for stowing cargo compared to the Sierra and the Seltos.
Each of the four cars could be taken to a whole new level of utility by offering the split-fold function for the rear seats. This way, the owners of the vehicles could maximize the storage space of their cars and put the folded seats to good use whenever they have an opportunity to do so.
Section summary: The Sierra has the most substantial dimensions and the longest wheelbase, while the Duster stands out with its ground clearance and practical boot.
Also Read: Ultimate Guide to Selling Your Kia Seltos
Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Engine & Transmission
| Parameter | Tata Sierra | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Engine options | Petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel | Petrol, turbo-petrol, diesel | Turbo-petrol options | Turbo-petrol options |
| Transmission (Tested) | Torque converter automatic | DCT automatic | DCT automatic | DSG automatic |
| Power | 160 hp (variant dependent) | 160 hp | 163 hp (161 bhp) | 150 hp |
| Torque | 280 Nm (Diesel/Turbo) | 253 Nm (1.5 Turbo) | 280 Nm | 250 Nm (1.5 TSI) |
| Tested City Mileage | 7.00 kpl | 9.27 kpl | 7.47 kpl | 9.55 kpl |
| Tested Highway Mileage | 13.70 kpl | 14.76 kpl | 13.47 kpl | 15.29 kpl |
The four cars have different approaches to performance, resulting in the driving experience being quite dissimilar. The Tata Sierra is more focused on comfort and easy driving. Its automatic gearbox is very good in everyday driving, and the petrol engine is potent enough on the highway.
The Kia Seltos offers more excitement by having an engine that revs higher in RPM, but delivers the power smoothly. As a result, the car is easy to drive in city traffic as well as on the highway. However, the dual-clutch gearbox has a torque converter that makes it less grippy in slow traffic.
The Renault Duster has a more powerful engine and is geared towards more demanding terrain. However, there is a lag before it starts accelerating due to turbo lag. The automatic gearbox is smooth but only performs adequately when the engine is idling.
The Skoda Kushaq is the most exciting vehicle to drive. Its engine and DSG gearbox deliver a great balance of performance and drivability. It is light but powerful and has excellent power-to-weight performance. It is also very agile on winding roads.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the cars are also different, with the Kushaq delivering the best results in our tests, and the Seltos delivering comparable performance in some cases. The Sierra and Duster had a worse fuel consumption rate, especially in city traffic.
Section summary: The Duster has the highest output, the Kushaq combines performance with the best tested fuel economy, while the Sierra stands out for smooth everyday power delivery.
Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Features & Comfort
| Feature | Tata Sierra | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Infotainment system | 12.3-inch touchscreen (Three-screen setup) | 10.25 / 12.3-inch touchscreen | 10.1 / 10.25-inch Google Built-In | 10-inch touchscreen |
| Music system | 12-speaker JBL Black system (Dolby Atmos) | Bose premium sound system | Arkamys / Premium audio system | Canton / Premium sound system |
| Climate control | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic | Dual-zone automatic | Single-zone (Climatronic) |
| Ventilated seats | Yes (Front) | Yes (Front) | Yes (Front) | Yes (Front) |
| Adjustable steering | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic | Tilt & Telescopic |
| Drive modes | Yes (Normal, Wet, Rough) | Yes (Eco, Normal, Sport) | Yes (Multi-Sense: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Snow) | Yes (Via transmission/engine mapping) |
| Instrument cluster | 10.25-inch digital | 12.3-inch digital | 10.25 / 26.03 cm digital TFT | 8-inch digital cockpit |
| Sunroof | Panoramic | Panoramic | Panoramic | Panoramic |
| Adjustable seats | Powered driver’s seat with memory | Powered driver’s seat with memory | Power-adjustable front seats (6-way) | Power-adjustable front seats |
| Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 60:40 rear seat split | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cruise control | Adaptive Cruise Control (with ADAS) | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go) | Adaptive Cruise Control / Standard |
The Tata Sierra boasts a roomy, modern cabin, which is well-equipped with technology and aimed at comfort. The car’s high seating position provides an excellent view of the road, and the large seats and well-developed rear bench ensure that all occupants are comfortable during long journeys. In addition, the cabin is light, airy, and offers ample space for the backseat passengers.
The Kia Seltos’ cabin is attractively styled and finished with a premium feel. The car features easy-to-use controls together with a simple infotainment system. Its seats are designed for comfort on long drives, while the rear seat offers plenty of legroom. However, the car’s height can be a problem for tall passengers. Ideally, this SUV is suited for both city and highway driving.
The Renault Duster’s cabin has been given a modern update, which is neatly styled. Combined with the comfort of the seats, the front cabin is spacious enough to allow two occupants to stretch their legs comfortably. The car seats three passengers in the rear, which is adequate for most family needs. Furthermore, the panoramic sunroof enhances the perceived spaciousness of the cabin. On the downside, the Duster offers fewer storage options than some of its rivals.
The Skoda Kushaq’s cabin is relatively compact, but the driver’s front seat is comfortably appointed. The vehicle is easy to maneuver and offers a straightforward seating position for the driver. This cabin also features a refreshed interior that provides greater comfort on longer excursions. Moreover, the rear seat is roomier for two people, but it cannot compare to the space in the Sierra and Seltos.
Section summary: The Sierra focuses on space and technology, the Seltos on cabin quality and usability, the Duster on comfort and ambience, and the Kushaq on a compact yet well-equipped cabin.
Also Read: How to Improve Tata Sierra Reliability: Maintenance Tips
Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Safety Features
| Safety Feature | Tata Sierra | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| GNCAP / BNCAP Safety Rating | 5-star Bharat NCAP | 5-star Bharat NCAP | 5-star Bharat NCAP | 5-star Global NCAP |
| Airbags | 6 standard (up to 7) | 6 standard | 6 standard | 6 standard |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ESC | Yes (ESP with 20+ functions) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Traction control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic headlamps | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill hold assist | Yes (HAC) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hill descent control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear sensors | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear parking camera | Yes (360-degree HD available) | Yes (360-degree) | Yes (360-degree) | Yes (360-degree on facelift) |
| ISOFIX child-seat mounts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS | Yes (Level 2+) | Yes (Level 2) | Yes (Level 2) | Yes (Level 2 on 2026 facelift) |
The four SUVs offer a robust safety package, which includes a five-star crash-test rating for all of them. The Sierra, Seltos and Duster have five-star Bharat NCAP ratings, while the Kushaq has a five-star Global NCAP rating.
Apart from the crash-test ratings, all four SUVs come with necessary safety systems including ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold assist and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. These features provide the driver with confidence on the road and help in maintaining stability during sudden braking, slippery surfaces and other challenging conditions.
The biggest difference is found in the ADAS. The Sierra, Seltos and Duster come with advanced driver assistance features that utilise cameras and radar to help keep the car in check. This includes autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance. The Kushaq does not get ADAS, relying instead on conventional electronic safety features.
The comparison also found differences in emergency braking performance, with the Skoda Kushaq stopping on the shortest distance during the 80-0kph braking test. However, crash-test ratings as well as the overall safety equipment should both be taken into account when comparing the SUVs.
Section summary: All four offer strong crash-test credentials and six airbags, while the Sierra, Seltos and Duster add ADAS to their safety packages.
Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq: Price Comparison
| Price Category | Tata Sierra | Kia Seltos | Renault Duster | Skoda Kushaq |
| Base price range | ₹11.49 lakh onwards | ₹11.00 lakh onwards | ₹10.49 lakh onwards | ₹10.69 lakh onwards |
| Mid variants | ₹13.14 lakh – ₹14.99 lakh | ₹13.20 lakh – ₹15.50 lakh | ₹12.99 lakh – ₹14.69 lakh | ₹13.19 lakh – ₹15.00 lakh |
| Upper-mid variants | ₹15.29 lakh – ₹17.74 lakh | ₹15.80 lakh – ₹18.50 lakh | ₹15.29 lakh – ₹16.89 lakh | ₹15.50 lakh – ₹17.50 lakh |
| Top price range | ₹21.59 lakh | ₹21.82 lakh | ₹18.69 lakh | ₹18.99 lakh |
All prices are ex-showroom. The source’s overall listed ranges differ from the specific automatic variants used in its comparison.
The four SUVs have a significantly different price range, which allows the buyer to choose a vehicle that best suits their budget and desired level of equipment. The Renault Duster has the lowest starting price of the four, and the others have higher starting prices and are generally more expensive for the same level of equipment.
For the automatic transmissions noted in the comparison, the Duster offers the 1.3 petrol turbo and DCT engine, which is available in several levels of equipment. The Seltos, in turn, has a similar petrol turbo DCT engine, but it is also available in more variations of equipment. Thus, the buyer has more choice when selecting the desired trim. The Sierra has a petrol turbo automatic transmission, but it is higher up the range. The Kushaq’s 1.5 TSI DSG engine is only available in the highest trim.
Therefore, when choosing a vehicle, the buyer should not only consider the starting price but also the level of trim and engine characteristics. The Duster offers better value for money, as it has the most affordable starting price and a wide range of trim levels. The Seltos has a similar engine but offers more variation in trim levels. The Sierra and Kushaq, in turn, have engines that are higher up the range for the specified powertrain.
Section summary: The Duster has the lowest price for the tested turbo-DCT combination, while the Seltos offers the widest choice and the Sierra sits towards the premium end of this comparison.
Also Read: Why Renault Duster Stands Out in Its Segment
Summary
The Tata Sierra is focused on space and comfort, but sacrifices fuel economy. The Kia Seltos delivers on interior comfort, infotainment tech, and overall value. The Renault Duster excels at off-road performance but falls short on fuel efficiency and low-end torque. The Skoda Kushaq offers the best blend of performance, refinement, and economy in its class.
Tata Sierra is an SUV that features a big cabin for rear-seat passengers, a smooth automatic gearbox, and space to spare. The fuel efficiency was below average compared to the other three SUVs in the comparison.
The Kia Seltos offers the best combination of a well-equipped cabin, good tech specs, rear-seat room, and overall value for the money. It also offers a broad range of powertrain options and the highest level of driver-assistance technology called ADAS as standard equipment.
The Renault Duster offers the best combination of ground clearance and a turbo petrol engine for the money, but its fuel efficiency and low-reverse ratio were below the competition.
The Skoda Kushaq is the smallest vehicle in the comparison, which makes it more maneuverable in city traffic. The 1.5 TSI engine and DSG gearbox offer the best performance, the highest fuel efficiency in the tests, and the most engaging driving dynamics of the four.
Also Read: Skoda Kushaq Variants Guide: Choose the Best Variant
FAQ About Sierra vs Seltos vs Duster vs Kushaq
Q. Which is the largest SUV among Sierra, Seltos, Duster and Kushaq?
The Kia Seltos is the longest at 4,460mm, while the Tata Sierra is the widest and tallest. The Sierra also has the longest 2,730mm wheelbase.
Q. Which SUV has the highest ground clearance?
The Renault Duster has the highest ground clearance among the four at 212mm. The Sierra has 205mm, the Seltos has 200mm and the Kushaq has 188mm.
Q. Which SUV has the biggest boot?
The Sierra has a 622-litre boot when measured up to the roof. However, its measurement method differs from the other SUVs. When measured up to the parcel shelf, the Duster has 518 litres and offers the largest boot among the figures measured on that basis.
Q. Which SUV is the quickest?
Among the tested turbo-petrol automatic versions, the Skoda Kushaq recorded the quickest 0-100kph time at 9.62 seconds. The Sierra followed at 9.85 seconds, the Seltos at 9.87 seconds and the Duster at 11.33 seconds.
Q. Which SUV has the best tested fuel efficiency?
The Skoda Kushaq returned 9.55kpl in the city and 15.29kpl on the highway in the comparison, making it the most fuel-efficient of the four in the tested conditions.
