The Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos are among the few mid-size SUVs available with a diesel engine option. We have already compared their fuel efficiency figures, but this time we are looking at how the two perform in terms of acceleration. It should be noted that the Seltos diesel AT was tested in slightly wet conditions at a temperature of 27deg C. Here is how the two SUVs compare.
Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos diesel AT: Specifications
The Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos use four-cylinder diesel engines with nearly the same displacement, at 1,497cc and 1,493cc, respectively. The Sierra makes 118hp, which is 2hp more than the Seltos' 116hp. Its bigger advantage is torque, with 280Nm compared with 250Nm for the Seltos. Notably, the Sierra AT diesel makes 20Nm more torque than the manual version.
Both SUVs get a six-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and are also equipped with a variable-geometry turbocharger, which helps improve power delivery and reduce turbo lag. In terms of wheel size, the Sierra gets 19-inch tyres, while the Seltos is equipped with 18-inch units.
Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos diesel AT: 0-100kph sprint
In our tests, the Kia Seltos is quicker than the Tata Sierra in accelerating from a standstill to the 100kph mark, despite being tested in damp conditions and producing relatively lower power and torque outputs. This can be attributed to the Seltos' lower kerb weight compared to the Sierra equivalent. For reference, the Sierra turbo-petrol automatic weighs 1,467kg, 85kg less than the 1,552kg Sierra turbo-petrol automatic.
Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos diesel AT: Rolling acceleration
In the 20-80kph run, with the cars in third gear and using kickdown, the Seltos is quicker than the Sierra. It takes 7.72 seconds to complete the run, compared with 7.97 seconds for the Sierra, giving it a 0.25 second advantage.
The result reverses in the 40-100kph fourth-gear kickdown test, and Sierra's higher power and torque outputs come to the fore. Here, the Sierra takes 9.42 seconds, making it 0.62 seconds quicker than the Seltos, which completes the run in 10.04 seconds.
What community is saying on the Seltos?
Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos diesel AT: Prices
The Kia Seltos has a lower starting price at Rs 15.32 lakh, compared with Rs 15.99 lakh for the Tata Sierra, making it Rs 67,000 cheaper at the base end. However, the Sierra has a lower top-spec price of Rs 21.29 lakh, while the Seltos goes up to Rs 21.82 lakh, making the Sierra Rs 53,000 cheaper at the top end.
Autocar India's performance 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.
Ex-showroom prices are as of August 11, 2026.
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
