The mid-size SUV space has been heated again with the arrival of the new-gen 2026 Kia Seltos and the much-awaited Tata Sierra. Both SUVs bring fresh designs, bigger proportions and a more premium appeal. But which one has an edge on paper? Here’s a quick look at how the new Seltos stack up against the recently launched Tata Sierra in terms of dimensions, engine specifications and features.
2026 Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Dimensions
| New Kia Seltos | Tata Sierra | |
| Length | 4460mm | 4340mm |
| Width | 1830mm | 1841mm |
| Height | 1635mm | 1715mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm | 2730mm |
| Boot | 447 litres | ≈ 440 litres (622 litres from top to bottom) |
- The new-gen Kia Seltos is 120mm bigger than the Sierra, which will offer a more substantial road presence.
- The Sierra is 11mm wider and 80mm taller than the Seltos. Additionally, it has a 40mm longer wheelbase. All of this should translate into better space inside the cabin.
2026 Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Key Features
| Common | Additional Features in Kia Seltos | Additional Features in Tata Sierra |
| – Automatic LED headlamps – Rain-sensing wipers – Hidden rear wiper – Flush fitting door handles – Alloy wheels – Digital driver display – Floating touchscreen infotainment – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Connected car tech with OTA updates support – Wireless charger – Powered driver seat with memory function – Front ventilated seats – Heads-up display – Panoramic sunroof – Recline function for rear seats – Ambient lighting – Rear sunshades – Electric parking brake with auto hold – Traction control modes – Drive modes – Paddle shifters – 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring – Front & rear parking sensors – Six airbags – ESC – Traction control – ISOFIX anchors – TPMS – Level-2 ADAS suite | – Proximity smart lock – Neon brake calipers (in GT-Line variants) – Auto-retractable door handles – Power lumbar support for the driver – Memory function for side mirrors – 5-inch climate control panel – 8-speaker BOSE sound system – Dual-zone climate control – Relaxation power driver seat (One Touch with Memory) – Auto reverse ORVM – Side parking sensors – One-touch up/down function for all windows – Hydraulic struts for the bonnet – Dashcam | – Larger 19-inch alloys – Co-passenger entertainment screen – 12-speaker JBL sound system with Dolby Atmos support – BOSS mode for the co-passenger seat – Extendable sunvisors – Powered tailgate with gesture control |
Both the Seltos and Sierra are well loaded; however, it is the Seltos that has a slight edge in terms of overall convenience features.
Related: 2025 Tata Sierra Variant-wise Features and Engine Options Detailed
2026 Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra: Engine Specifications
| New Kia Seltos | Tata Sierra | |||||
| Engine | 1.5-litre NA Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-petrol | 1.5-litre diesel | 1.5-litre NA Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| Max Power | 115PS | 160PS | 116PS | 106PS | 160PS | 118PS |
| Peak Torque | 144 Nm | 253 Nm | 250Nm | 145Nm | 255Nm | 260Nm (MT) 280Nm (AT) |
| Transmission | 6-speed MT and CVT | 6-speed iMT and 7-speed DCT | 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT and 7-speed DCA | 6-speed AT | 6-speed MT and 6-speed AT |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel-drive (FWD) | Front-wheel-drive (FWD) | ||||
- Both the Kia Seltos and Tata Sierra come with three engine options, including a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, all powering the front wheels of their respective SUV.
- The engine specifications of both models are on par with each other. However, the Sierra’s diesel mill is slightly more torquey, especially with the automatic transmission.
- While Sierra’s turbo-petrol engine is available only with an automatic transmission, the Seltos’ turbo-gasoline also benefits from an intelligent clutchless manual transmission, offering the fun of a manual transmission without the need to operate a clutch pedal.
Also Read: Tata Confirms Adventure-ready AWD Variant for New Sierra In 2027
Verdict
With the new-gen update, the Kia Seltos has emerged as a more mature and tech-packed product than the outgoing model, strengthening its position in the segment, including against the Tata Sierra. While the Sierra’s unique design, spacious cabin and huge craze among audiences are hard to match, the Seltos has the upper hand in terms of features and enjoys a more reliable brand image – an area where Tata has often struggled.
