The Tata Harrier and Sierra are underpinned by different platforms, but both are powered by Tata Motors’ new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. While the Harrier develops more power and torque, the Sierra is significantly lighter. We put both SUVs through our instrumented performance tests to find out which one is quicker in real-world conditions.

Tata Harrier vs Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic: specifications

Harrier has more power; Sierra is significantly lighter

Although both SUVs use Tata’s 1.5-litre TGDi ‘Hyperion’ turbo-petrol engine and a 6-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, the Harrier develops 10hp and 25Nm more than the Sierra. However, it is also 186kg heavier, giving the Sierra a significant weight advantage.

Tata Harrier vs Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic: 0-100kph sprint test

Sierra is quicker despite lower power output

The Sierra gets off the line much quicker than the Harrier and builds a clear lead in the early stages of the acceleration run. It reaches 20kph 0.32 seconds sooner, with the gap widening to nearly a second by 40kph. As speeds rise, the Harrier begins to claw back some time, but not enough to overturn the Sierra’s advantage. The Sierra reaches 100kph in 9.85 seconds, making it 0.66 seconds quicker than the Harrier. Even at 120kph, it remains ahead by 2.07 seconds.

Tata Harrier vs Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic: rolling acceleration tests

Sierra also leads in kickdown acceleration

The Sierra is also quicker in the rolling acceleration tests. It completes the 20-80kph kickdown run 0.62 seconds faster than the Harrier, while the gap narrows slightly to 0.57 seconds in the 40-100kph test. Although both SUVs use the same gearbox, the Sierra’s lower kerb weight is reflected in the results.

Tata Harrier vs Tata Sierra turbo-petrol automatic: prices

Harrier has a lower entry price; Sierra range tops out lower

The Harrier’s turbo-petrol automatic range starts at Rs 17.69 lakh, undercutting the Sierra by Rs 30,000 at the entry point. However, the Sierra’s range tops out at Rs 20.99 lakh, while the Harrier extends to Rs 24.79 lakh.

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.