Choosing the right mid-sized SUV, especially the base variant, is no longer as easy as it used to be. Buyers in 2026 expect a solid mix of space, safety, and essential features, especially at the entry point. The Kia Seltos HTE and the Tata Sierra Smart reflect two very different approaches to this idea.
While Kia focuses on convenience and infotainment-led features, Tata prioritises space, comfort, and a more premium driving feel. This comparison breaks down how the two stack up in terms of specifications, features, and pricing to help buyers understand which SUV better suits their priorities.
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Kia Seltos HTE Vs. Tata Sierra Smart: Key Specifications
Kia Seltos HTE Vs. Tata Sierra Smart: Takeaways
- Between the two cars, the Seltos is longer (by 120mm), but the Sierra is wider (by 11mm) and taller (by 80mm).
- When it comes to boot capacity, the Sierra’s rated capacity is 622 liters, while the Seltos’ is 447 liters. However, it has more to do with how these companies measure boot space than with the actual capacity. So, check out the boot space in person; don’t go on the numbers alone.
- The Sierra offers a longer wheelbase (by 40 mm).
- Regarding the engine, both cars feature a 1.5L NA petrol engine that produces similar power and torque. However, while the Seltos’ peak torque (144 Nm) kicks in at 4500 rpm, the Sierra’s peak torque (145 Nm) kicks in at 2100 rpm. Hence, expect the Sierra to feel more expensive in the lower rpm range, something that isn’t very common in petrol engines.
- Both cars offer a six-speed manual transmission and sport a 50-liter fuel tank.
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Kia Seltos HTE Vs. Tata Sierra Smart: Key Features
| Seltos HTE | Sierra Smart+ | |
| DRLs | Star Map LED DRLs | Light Saber LED DRLs |
| Headlamps | Ice Cube MFR LED headlamps | Bi-LED projector headlamps |
| Tail Lamps | Star Map LED tail lamps | Light Saber LED tail lamps |
| Wheels | 16-inch steel wheels with cover | 17-inch steel wheels |
| Brakes | All disk brakes | All disk brakes |
| Door Handles | Flush door handles (manual) | Flush door handles with welcome lights |
| Design Elements | Front/rear skid plates with silver finish, integrated rear spoiler, smoky black and gray two-tone interiors | Front/rear skid plates with silver finish, integrated rear spoiler, dual-tone interiors |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | Yes; manual | No |
| Adjustable Headrest | Yes | No |
| Height Adjustable Seatbelts | No | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Armrest (Front & Rear) | Front | Front (sliding) |
| 60:40 Rear Split Seats | No | No |
| Air Conditioning | Manual with rear AC vents | Automatic climate control with rear AC vents |
| Rear Window Sunshades | No | Yes |
| Rear defogger | No | No |
| Rear wiper | No | No |
| Steering Wheel | Double D-cut steering with audio controls | Four-spoke steering wheel with illuminated Tata logo |
| Steering Wheel Adjustment | No | Tilt and telescopic |
| Instrument Cluster | 12-inch LCD cluster with 4.20-inch Color TFT MID | Part-digital gauge cluster with 4-inch MID |
| Infotainment Screen | 10.25-inch HD touchscreen; wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay | No |
| Speakers | 6 speakers | No |
| USB Ports | 4 (2 Front + 2 Rear) | 2 Front + 12V socket in boot |
| Rear Parking Sensors | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Parking Brake | No | Yes, with auto-hold |
| Cruise Control | Yes (manual speed limit assist) | No |
| Keyless Entry | Yes | Yes |
| Push-Button Engine Start/Stop | No | Yes |
| Central Locking | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Outside Mirrors | Yes | Yes |
| Aero Wiper Blades | Yes | Yes |
| Electric Tailgate | No | Yes |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Electronic Stability Program | Yes | Yes |
| Traction Control | No | Yes |
| ABS with EBD | Yes | Yes |
| Hill-hold assist | Yes | Yes |
| ISOFIX anchors | Yes | Yes |
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Kia Seltos HTE Vs. Tata Sierra Smart: Key Takeaways
Both the Seltos and Sierra offer many features, especially on their base variants. However, there are many differences between them, especially in a few key areas.
The Seltos HTE stands out for its driver seat height adjustment, adjustable driver headrest, 10.25-inch HD touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, six speakers, and four USB ports. Further, the HTE variant offers cruise control with a manual speed limiter, a feature that could be very useful for highway commuters.
On the other hand, the Sierra offers larger wheels (17-inch vs. 16-inch), height-adjustable seatbelts, automatic climate control, and rear-window sunshades, features that are uncommon on base models. The list goes on: tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, electronic parking brakes, push-button engine start/stop, and an electric tailgate.
However, in pursuit of uniqueness, the Tata Sierra omits two fundamental features of cars, especially in 2026: an infotainment screen and speakers. This could be a deal-breaker for buyers who don’t want to retrofit their new vehicle, especially within the warranty period.
Kia Seltos HTE Vs. Tata Sierra Smart: Pricing
| Seltos HTE | Sierra Smart | |
| Ex-Showroom Price | Rs. 10.99 lakhs | Rs. 11.49 lakhs |
Based on the pricing, the Seltos HTE could be a better choice for buyers, especially if the presence of an infotainment screen (costs around Rs. 10,000 to 20,000 aftermarket) and speakers (around Rs. 10,000) matters. However, if a wider car that provides more space for three people on the rear seat, higher headroom, and a more responsive engine are the priorities, the Sierra Smart offers almost all the features you could get for the price (some of them are available in higher segments as well).
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