Soon, the mid-sized SUV segment could get fiercely competitive. Tata’s reintroduction of the iconic Sierra in India and other manufacturers’ plans for significant revisions to their SUVs have given customers a plethora of options. Furthermore, Mahindra has tried to keep the development of its upcoming mid-sized SUV, the XUV 5XO, behind closed doors, but its filing for trademark rights to the 5XO name gave away its plans.
Read more: Journey Of Tata Sierra’s Comeback Explained!
Both Mahindra and Tata have goals to dethrone the Creta as the segment leader, and these cars will be their first steps towards that goal. Today, we will take a look at how these two cars fare against each other and get you up to date on all the latest developments.
Powertrain
1. Tata Sierra; 2. Mahindra Vision S. (from left to right)
With the Sierra, you can expect to be overwhelmed with powertrain options. Reports suggest that the Sierra will be available with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5L turbo-petrol, a 1.5L diesel, a 1.5L naturally aspirated Petrol-CNG, and an all-electric variant. It would use the same 1.5L turbo-diesel from the Curvv and Nexon. Whilst the petrol options will make their debuts with the Sierra. Additionally, the CNG variant could feature Tata’s innovative dual-cylinder layout to maximise boot space.
Mahindra unveiled the Vision X (and two other concepts) on Independence Day. The Vision X will be available as a pure EV (under the XEV brand) and as an ICE-powered model (speculated to be under the 5XO brand). Mahindra may decide to pair the 5XO with the engine options from the 3XO or the XUV700. These options would include a 1.2L TGDi and a 1.5L turbo-diesel, or a 2.0L diesel and a 2.2L TGDi. The 5XO would get a slight power boost over the 3XO if Mahindra decides to use its engine. It is unlikely that Mahindra will use the larger XUV700 engines, but you cannot rule out this possibility.
Read more: 4 Upcoming Mahindra SUVs Fully Revealed!
Platform
The Sierra will be based on the ATLAS program, short for Adaptive Tech Forward Lifestyle. Tata unveiled this platform with Curvv. They aim to utilise this platform for their upcoming MPVs, sedans, and SUVs. For the electric vehicles, Tata will implement the same Acti.EV architecture from the Punch EV and the Curvv EV.
Mahindra recently unveiled the NU_IQ platform. This is an adaptable platform, with Mahindra planning to use it across many upcoming SUVs. The platform can accommodate a vehicle ranging from 3,990mm to 4,320mm in length, suggesting the 5XO could be 4.3 metres long and fit right in with the likes of the Creta and the Sierra. Surprisingly, its flexibility does not stop there; this platform will also be used in Mahindra’s ICE and EV vehicles.
Read more: New Mahindra XUV 5XO – Perfect Tata Sierra Rival?
Interiors
1. Tata Sierra Cabin; 2. Mahindra Vision S Cabin (from left to right)
From the preliminary glimpses, we can notice a few vital features of the Sierra. The features include a 360-degree parking camera, Level 2 ADAS, Electronic Parking Brake, a 12-speaker JBL Black Sound System with Dolby Atmos, and a three-screen cockpit layout. Tata has gone guns blazing with the Sierra in terms of features. The feature list is about to get more enticing, as some features will be revealed after its official launch.
Mahindra displayed the Vision X cabin, and it could closely resemble the one in the upcoming 5XO. Some notable things from the first glimpses were a 3-spoke steering wheel, rectangular AC vents, and a joint infotainment and driver’s display. The production model will feature an extensive list of options, rivalling the Sierra’s. As for the expectations for the 5XO, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, etc, would be the bare minimums.
Both manufacturers will aim to load the SUVs with features. Hence, the key differentiator between these two cars will be the features offered on the lower variants.
Looks
Evidently, Tata has not held back with the Sierra. It may have minimal similarities with the original Sierra, but it still looks menacing. The noteworthy similarity is the subtle rear-window silhouette that mimics the original Sierra’s enormous rear windows. The boxy stance, slim headlights and taillights, and sharp cuts and creases give the Sierra a strong road presence.
Mahindra’s new and complex nomenclature takes some time to get used to. The 5XO, as the name suggests, could be the successor to the XUV500, but the XUV700 has been deemed its heir. This would mean that the 5XO sits between the XUV700 and the XUV 3XO. As a result, it will primarily be a 5-seater. The Vision X sports a sharp and rugged design language, and the 5XO is expected to look identical to it.
Read more: Tata Sierra Design & Features Revealed Ahead Of Launch!
Expected Launch And Pricing
Tata showcased the Sierra to the public on 15 November. They have planned its launch for 25 November. The introductory price will be attractive at around 15 lakh rupees (on-road, Mumbai), and the top models could touch the 25 lakh rupee mark. The EV-variant will be launched shortly after its ICE counterpart, and the price is expected to start at 18 lakh rupees.
The Mahindra XUV 5XO will sit below the XUV700 price bracket and could cost upwards of 13 lakh rupees, and the higher variants could set you back by 22 lakhs. Unlike the Sierra, there is no scheduled launch or reveal date, but speculations indicate a mid-2026 launch.
On paper, both these cars seem like a fantastic deal. While we have yet to catch a glimpse of the 5XO’s production model, we can expect Mahindra to do a good job, as they have with many of their recent cars. Tata’s decision to name it Sierra could be a masterstroke. The nametag could attract many customers on its own. The Sierra is set to be an instant seller, and it is up to Mahindra to deliver a product of the highest quality to match the Sierra’s sales.
