Tata Sierra vs Mahindra Thar Which Beast Should You Really Buy?

The name Sierra instantly drags me back to the 90s. That boxy silhouette, windows wide like a picture frame, hand resting on the sill pure filmy freedom. Tata bringing it back today feels like someone revived an old vinyl track. And guess who it’s being thrown against first? Thar. Straight into the ring, no warm-up rounds.

Thar has a reputation you drive it on the road and people pull out phones like it’s a celebrity walking. Presence spec sheet. Sierra, in contrast, walks quietly. Doesn’t scream for attention, but if your eyes lock onto it for even two seconds, you stop. Calm charisma.

Key Specification | Tata Sierra (Expected) | Mahindra Thar
Powertrain | Electric Motor | 2.0L Turbo Petrol / 2.2L Diesel

Power Output

180–200+ hp (estimated)

Petrol: ~150 hp
Diesel: ~130 hp

Torque

Around 300–350 Nm (expected)

Petrol: ~320 Nm
Diesel: ~300 Nm

Range (EV) | 450–500 km claimed (real-world may vary) | —
Transmission | Single-speed automatic (EV) | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic
Drive Type | RWD + possible AWD variant | 4x4 (selectable) + RWD variant available
Ground Clearance | Expected 200mm+ (not confirmed) | 226 mm (approx)
Seating Capacity | 5-Seater | 4-Seater (5-door coming soon)
Ideal Use | City Comfort + Highway Touring | Off-Road + Adventure Terrain

Design Thar shouts, Sierra speaks

I still remember last year at a Pune media drive one young guy saw the Thar and his eyes literally lit up. He said, “Bhai, this feels like I’m holding adventure by the collar.” Fair enough. Thar is raw, rugged, unapologetic. Jimny arrived, Gurkha exists, but Thar’s body language has dominance carved into it.

Sierra is the opposite. Doesn’t need to roar, it just looks sorted. Clean surfaces, EV aura, a little nostalgia floating around like old perfume. For the first time I felt an Indian EV design reach European maturity. Big glass areas, coupe-ish roof, future mixed with retro neat cocktail.

Also read : Tata Sierra 2025 The Iconic SUV With 5 Unmatched Design Features

Power & behaviour Thar growls, Sierra breathes slowly

Thar diesel or turbo petrol take it up a trail and it feels alive. That low-end torque, that mild chaos on the steering but fun hides exactly there. Switch to off-road mode, dirt spitting under tyres like it's talking back to you. I once took a Thar to Lonavala forest trails got stuck thrice, scraped the bumper once, but the way it crawled out in the end I grinned like a fool.

Tata might claim 450–500 km range for Sierra, but instantly Nexon EV memories hit me claimed 450, real-world ~350-370 at best. Could be better this time, could be another brochure-myth. Sierra feels more highway-glider than mud-slinger. Like an FM host with a deep voice not aggressive, but smooth enough to make you listen.

Inside the cabin One bruised-knuckle, one velvet-touch

Sit inside the Thar and luxury is not what greets you. It feels tough, utilitarian, almost truck-like. But that’s the charm. Beach trail, roof off, three friends hanging from the roll bars priceless.

Sierra’s cabin is like someone dimmed the lights and played soft jazz. Plush, airy, panoramic. Imagine slow cruising at Marine Drive at 11PM, moonroof open, lo-fi running. Not adrenaline emotion. A different kind of high.

Also read : Mahindra Thar 4x4 Review: King of Off-Road or City Roads?

Who wins?

If you’re hot-blooded, weekends smell like mud and petrol, and you love saying Bro I own a jeep, Thar is your machine. It’s not a car you drive, it’s a personality you wear. If nostalgia runs in your bloodstream, if you see future in EVs, and you drive more with reflection than rage Sierra will pull you in. Not perfect, range claims shaky maybe, but the vibe stays in your head for long.

The fun twist? Each SUV beats the other on its own playground. Thar crushes Sierra off-road without mercy. Sierra outclasses Thar on design, comfort, and everyday grace. My conclusion is simple choose what you want your heartbeat to do. Fast and wild? Thar. Slow, deep and warm? Sierra.