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
Both SUVs use 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engines, but the Sierra produces 10hp and 5Nm more than the Kushaq. However, the Tata is also significantly heavier, weighing 230kg more than the Skoda, giving the Kushaq a better power-to-weight ratio. 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
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 builds 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
The Kushaq is comfortably quicker in rolling acceleration tests. From 20-80kph, it is 0.57 seconds faster, while in the 40-100kph run 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
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
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. The Sierra offers a lower entry price, although the Kushaq remains the more affordable option at the top end.
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 recommendation 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.
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
Saptarshi Mondal
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Rivan RS 
