The Skoda Kushaq and Tata Sierra are two midsize SUVs with very different dimensions and packaging. Both are available with 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines and automatic gearboxes, although the Kushaq uses a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission while the Sierra gets a 6-speed torque converter. The Sierra has a slight advantage in power and torque on paper, but which one is quicker in real-world conditions? We put both SUVs through our performance tests to find out.
Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic specifications
Sierra has a slight power and torque advantage
Specifications | Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG | Tata Sierra 1.5 Turbo AT |
Engine | 4 cyls, turbo-petrol | 4 cyls, turbo-petrol |
Displacement | 1,498cc | 1,498cc |
Power | 150hp | 160hp |
Torque | 250Nm | 255Nm |
Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch | 6-speed torque converter |
Kerb weight | 1,322kg | 1,552kg |
Power-to-weight (hp per tonne) | 113.46 | 103.1 |
Price range (Rs lakh) | 18.79-18.99 | 17.99-20.99 |
Both SUVs use 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, but the Sierra produces 10hp and 5Nm more than the Kushaq. However, the Kushaq has a better power-to-weight ratio, as the Sierra is significantly heavier, weighing a substantial 230kg more. The Kushaq uses a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, while the Sierra gets a 6-speed torque-converter automatic.
Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic 0-100kph sprint test
Sierra is faster at launch but loses steam compared to Kushaq once speeds increase
Acceleration (seconds) | Kushaq | Sierra |
20kph | 1.73 | 1.19 |
40kph | 3.02 | 2.54 |
60kph | 4.79 | 4.51 |
80kph | 7.04 | 6.77 |
100kph | 9.62 | 9.85 |
120kph | 13.16 | 13.72 |
The two SUVs are closely matched in a straight-line sprint. While the Sierra builds speed more quickly in the initial stages, the Kushaq closes the gap as speeds rise. In our tests, the Kushaq reached 100kph in 9.62 seconds, making it 0.23 seconds quicker than the Sierra. By the time both cars hit 120kph, the difference between the two widened to 0.56 seconds, still in the Kushaq’s favour.
Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic rolling acceleration tests
Kushaq’s DSG gearbox makes the difference
Rolling acceleration (seconds) | Kushaq | Sierra |
20-80kph | 5.18 | 5.75 |
40-100kph | 6.37 | 7.44 |
The Kushaq is comfortably quicker in rolling acceleration tests. In the 20-80kph run, it is 0.57 seconds faster, while in the 40-100kph test, the gap grows to more than a second. A major reason is the Kushaq’s DSG gearbox, which responds quickly to throttle inputs and downshifts. The Sierra’s torque-converter transmission prioritises smoothness and feels more relaxed in comparison.
Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic braking test
The Kushaq stops faster and covers less distance under hard braking
Braking test | Kushaq | Sierra |
80-0kph distance | 26.05m | 26.79m |
80-0kph time | 2.34s | 2.60s |
Under hard braking from 80kph, the Kushaq again comes out ahead. It stops 0.74 metres shorter than the Sierra and also takes less time to come to a halt. Both SUVs get disc brakes on all four wheels.
Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic prices
Sierra undercuts the Kushaq at the entry point but costs more at the top end
| Skoda Kushaq vs Tata Sierra: Turbo-petrol automatic prices | ||
Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG | Tata Sierra 1.5 Turbo AT | |
Price range (Rs lakh) | 18.79-18.99 | 17.99-20.99 |
The Tata Sierra’s turbo-petrol automatic range starts at Rs 17.99 lakh, making it Rs 80,000 more affordable than the entry-level Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG. However, the Sierra’s range extends to Rs 20.99 lakh, while the Kushaq tops out at Rs 18.99 lakh.
On the performance front, although the Tata Sierra has a slight advantage in power and torque, the Skoda Kushaq delivers better overall performance in our tests. It is quicker to 100kph, significantly faster in rolling acceleration and also posts shorter braking distances.
Autocar India’s testing standards
Before we conduct our performance tests, we check and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and ensure the car has a full tank of fuel. The car is then tested in a controlled environment with two people on board, and the data is collected via highly accurate GPS-based timing equipment.