The Old OG vs The New Icon! We Compare The Tata Sierra In Its Two Generations In 10 Images

The Tata Sierra has made an appearance at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in its near-production concept form, marking the revival of an iconic nameplate. It has been over three decades since the Sierra first debuted in 1991, earning legendary status on Indian roads. As India’s first off-road SUV designed for private transport, the original Sierra captured the hearts of enthusiasts with its distinctive three-door design and rugged appeal. In this article, we compare the two generations of the Tata Sierra, exploring the notable differences that set them apart.

A Closer Look At The Tata Sierra

The original Sierra had a simple, boxy front design, characterized by a flat nose with basic rectangular halogen headlights flanked by indicators.

The large Tata logo took center stage on the horizontal slats of the front grille, while a thick black bumper below housed the number plate in the center.

The new Sierra, on the other hand, adopts a modern design language. The gloss-black nose hides the grille, giving it a sleek and futuristic look, while the "Sierra" lettering sits prominently below the connected LED light bar. The addition of a silver skid plate at the bottom enhances the contrast and adds a rugged yet premium feel.

The old Sierra featured simple halogen headlights in a rectangular shape. The new Sierra replaces these with sleek LED headlights integrated along with the connected light bar.

At the rear, the original Sierra had basic rectangular taillights, positioned vertically on either side of the tailgate. The design was straightforward, focusing on functionality. In the new Sierra, the taillights have transformed into sleek, full-width LED units. These tail lamps are complemented by intricate detailing, making the rear stand out even more.

The fenders on the old Sierra were simple and minimal, blending seamlessly with the flat, boxy bodywork. The new Sierra features pronounced fenders. A thick black gloss body cladding integrates with the aggressive wheel arches.

The side profile of the old Sierra was defined by its iconic three-door configuration, a rarity in its time. The large, uninterrupted glass panel stretching from the B-pillar to the C-pillar was a standout feature, adding to its unique identity.

The new Sierra adopts a more practical five-door layout while retaining some of the charm of the original. It recreates the large glass area with a split rear window design, paying homage to the original’s signature look. Flush door handles add a minimalism and sophistication.

The rear of the original Sierra was as simple as its front, with a flat tailgate design and the spare wheel mounted on it, a feature loved by off-road enthusiasts. The new Sierra ditches the tailgate-mounted spare wheel for a cleaner, more contemporary rear. A connected LED light bar dominates the tailgate, while a silver skid plate at the bottom enhances its rugged appeal.

The large, uninterrupted rectangular rear windows were a defining feature of the old Sierra, giving it a distinctive and airy cabin feel. The new Sierra incorporates a split rear window design, maintaining the visual essence of the original while adapting it to the five-door layout. This design pays homage to its predecessor while embracing modern practicality.

The old Sierra rode on basic steel wheels, which were functional and suitable for its utilitarian nature. The new Sierra, in contrast, features sporty multi-spoke alloy wheels, adding a premium and dynamic touch. The larger wheel arches and black cladding further enhance the rugged stance.

The original Sierra had simple, manually adjustable ORVMs, reflecting the technology available at the time. The new Sierra comes with sleek, body-colored ORVMs that are electronically adjustable and foldable, featuring integrated turn indicators for added convenience and safety.

The design of the Tata Sierra has evolved significantly, blending its iconic elements with modern aesthetics and practicality. The original Sierra’s boxy and utilitarian charm has been transformed into a futuristic and sophisticated SUV while retaining subtle nods to its legendary predecessor.