Tata Motors is in the middle of its most aggressive SUV rollout yet. Between now (August 2025) and mid-2027, buyers in India should see a mix of all-new nameplates and full generation changes in the “compact” space (think sub-4-metre and Creta/Seltos class). Here’s a crisp, model-by-model guide so you know what to expect, when to expect it, and where each product sits.
The Shortlist (at a Glance)
- Tata Sierra (EV first, then ICE) – Iconic badge returns; EV targeted for the 2025 festive season, ICE to follow into early 2026. Positions against the Creta/Seltos class.
- Next-gen Tata Nexon (Gen-2) – Full model change with big tech and safety upgrades; timeline varies by report from H2 2026 to 2027. Sub-4-metre segment.
- New sub-4-m “Scarlet” lifestyle SUV – A fresh, boxier compact SUV positioned within Tata’s sub-4-m trio, above/beside Punch and below Nexon; timing guided by media reports around the same 2026–2027 window.
(Already launched in 2025: Curvv EV/ICE entered showrooms this year; EV even picked up a lifetime battery warranty for first owners. Great context for Tata’s direction, but not a “future arrival”.)
1) Tata Sierra: The comeback kid (EV first)
What it is: A modern, premium compact/midsize SUV that revives the classic Sierra name—now with EV and ICE branches. Expect it to sit in/around the Creta–Seltos–Grand Vitara size band.
When:
- Sierra EV: Festive season 2025 confirmed by multiple reports; dealer and investor briefings point to an EV-first launch strategy.
- Sierra ICE: Late 2025 to early 2026 window, with some outlets placing the overall Sierra rollout between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026; others tip the ICE for calendar 2026.
Powertrains & hardware (expected): Petrol and diesel for ICE (reports mention ~1.5-L petrol and 2.0-L diesel), plus the EV with long-range variants and potential AWD options in higher trims. ADAS and connected tech are a given at this price point.
Where it sits: Above Nexon, below Safari; squarely in the “compact” C-SUV sweet spot for India, with a premium EV edge.
Why it matters: Sierra gives Tata a halo product in the compact class, especially as the brand pushes upmarket EVs alongside mainstream ICE. This aligns with Tata’s broader investment plan to expand EVs/new cars over 5 years.
2) Next-Gen Tata Nexon: A clean-sheet reboot of the sub-4-m bestseller
What it is: The first true generation change for the Nexon since its 2017 debut. Expect a fresh platform approach, bigger safety envelope (think more ADAS), and design cues borrowed from newer Tata SUVs.
When:
- Several credible reports pin the launch in H2 2026, while others suggest 2027. In short, late 2026 to 2027 is the realistic window.
What to expect:
- Design & platform: Sharper exterior (Curvv-inspired elements), step-up interiors, and extensive structural updates (media chatter mentions a heavily revised base versus today’s X1).
- Powertrains: Petrol and CNG options are likely to continue (Tata already retails the Nexon iCNG today), along with expanded active safety and connected features.
Why it matters: The Nexon is Tata’s volume backbone in compact SUVs. A clean-sheet Gen-2 arriving in the second half of this two-year window keeps Tata competitive against all-new Brezza/Venue cycles.
3) New “Scarlet” sub-4-m lifestyle SUV: Boxy, upright, and niche-cool
What it is: A new sub-4-metre compact SUV that media reports identify by the internal name “Scarlet.” Think boxier, Sierra-inspired styling and a more “lifestyle” positioning (read: design-led, rugged-lite persona).
When: Guidance is early and not officially confirmed, but the same 2026–2027 timeframe appears in reporting that groups Scarlet alongside the next-gen Nexon in Tata’s product map.
What’s Already Landed in 2025 (context you should know)
- Tata Curvv (EV & ICE): On sale in 2025; the Curvv EV even received a lifetime battery warranty for first owners in July 2025—an aggressive ownership sweetener that signals Tata’s EV confidence.
- Broader EV push: Tata is investing heavily to expand and premiumise its EV portfolio (e.g., Harrier EV launch this year; Sierra EV up next), supported by a multi-year capex plan.
Price & Positioning (Educated Ranges)
- Sierra EV/ICE: Expect a spread that overlaps upper Nexon/Curvv and brushes entry Safari territory; ₹15–25 lakh band has been widely floated depending on variant/powertrain. (Final pricing will depend on battery sizes, AWD, and features.)
- Next-gen Nexon: Should retain today’s sub-4-m tax advantage and start in the current Nexon ballpark, with premiums for ADAS/high-spec tech. (Exact figures are too early to call; watch H2 2026–2027.)
- Scarlet: Likely to slot between Punch and Nexon or on par with Nexon for design-led variants—again, pending official confirmation.
FAQs
1) Is the Tata Sierra definitely coming in 2025?
Yes, the EV first. Multiple reports and briefings point to a festive-season 2025 Sierra EV launch, with ICE to follow into early 2026.
2) Will the Sierra get diesel?
Reports consistently mention 1.5-L petrol and 2.0-L diesel options for the ICE lineup alongside the EV programme. Final specs will be confirmed closer to launch.
3) How “compact” is the Sierra—sub-4-m?
No. Think Creta/Seltos class (C-SUV). In India, this size band is still commonly labelled “compact,” even though it’s not sub-4-metre.
4) When is the next-gen Nexon coming?
Expect late-2026 to 2027 based on current reporting; timelines vary across publications.
5) What’s new on the Gen-2 Nexon?
A ground-up redesign with major structural updates, more ADAS, and a tech-heavy cabin are widely expected. Styling should echo newer Tata SUVs.
6) Will the next Nexon still offer CNG?
Highly likely. Tata already sells the Nexon iCNG today; expect CNG to remain part of the value equation next gen.
7) What is Tata’s “Scarlet” SUV?
A new sub-4-m lifestyle SUV reported by the media, with a boxier, Sierra-inspired look. It’s meant to round out Tata’s sub-4-m trio with a design-centric angle. (Official details pending.)
8) Will Scarlet and the next-gen Nexon overlap?
Some overlap is possible on price and footprint, but positioning should differ (Nexon = mainstream, Scarlet = lifestyle/boxy).
9) Should I wait for Sierra or buy Curvv/Nexon now?
If you want a premium EV with a nostalgic nameplate, waiting for the Sierra EV (festive 2025) makes sense. If your need is immediate, Curvv is already on sale (with strong warranty optics on EV battery), and Nexon continues as the value-rich sub-4-m option.
10) Is Tata serious about premium EVs?
Yes. 2025 has already seen the Harrier EV launch and public commitments to invest heavily in EVs and clean vehicles over the next five years. Sierra EV is a cornerstone of that plan.
11) Will these SUVs get ADAS?
Increasingly, yes. We already see ADAS standardising across Tata’s newer SUVs (e.g., Curvv range). Expect Sierra and Gen-2 Nexon to advance the feature set.
12) Any official dates yet?
Only the broad windows are public via media/investor chatter. Final dates and variant details will be announced by Tata closer to launch. For now, bank on Sierra EV in festive 2025 and Gen-2 Nexon around late-2026/2027, with Scarlet in the same orbit.
Summary
If you’re planning a compact SUV purchase in the next two years, watch Sierra EV/ICE for a premium push this year and into early 2026, then keep an eye on the Gen-2 Nexon and Scarlet through 2026–2027. Tata’s aggressive EV and compact strategy—backed by fresh investment—means more choice and more tech at the heart of India’s favourite segment.