Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos: AC performance compared

The midsize SUV segment has seen some interesting launches in 2026, including the Tata Sierra and Kia Seltos. We have already compared the real-world performance and fuel efficiency of both SUVs, and to take it a step further, we tested the AC performance of both models on a day when the ambient temperature was 42.2deg C to find out which climate control unit provides better cooling amid the Indian summer torture.

Explore full specs, features and a price breakdown in our Sierra vs Seltos comparison.

Autocar India’s testing methodology

In preparation for the test, each car is parked under direct sunlight for two hours with its engine switched off and windows rolled up. Sunroof shades are kept closed, but rear window shades are rolled away. Once a car is ‘soaked’, a two-member team enters the vehicle quickly to minimise heat loss – our job is to simulate a worst-case scenario. Each car is equipped with sophisticated test gear provided by Zen Microsystems. Five thermocouple sensors read ambient temperature, cabin temperature, vent temperature (capturing how cold the air is), front-seat temperature (measured near the driver’s ear) and rear-seat temperature (measured at the rear centre armrest).

Each car was equipped with five thermocouple sensors.

Front vents are directed at the driver’s face, while rear vents are aimed at the rear-seat centre occupant. As the car is switched on, climate control is set to recirculation mode, maximum blower speed and the lowest possible temperature. Temperature readings are recorded after a minute of idling and then at five-minute intervals (up to 15 minutes) while driving on a fixed route at 50-60kph. A final reading is taken after another minute of idling.

A key disclaimer: Ambient temperatures and humidity significantly affect cooling. Therefore, we tested the vehicles on the same day for this comparison, and performance may vary for you.

Tata Sierra vs Kia Seltos: AC test

Tata Sierra front and rear AC performance

Tata Sierra temperatures during AC tests (in degrees Celsius)
	Front seat temperature	Rear seat temperature
Start	50.2	45
End of 1 min idle	41	38.7
5 min driving	34.5	33.8
10 min driving	33.2	32
15 min driving	32	31.5
End of 1 min idle	33	33

At the start of the test, the temperature around the Tata Sierra’s front seats was 5deg C higher than that around the rear seats. After a minute of idling, the temperature near the front seats fell faster than around the rear seats, but it always remained higher compared to the second row. After 15 minutes of driving, the difference between the front and rear seats was 0.5deg C. However, after a minute of idling, the temperature around the front and rear seats was the same.

During our time with the Sierra, we found that its AC performance was aided by good blower strength and a wide airflow spread. However, the rate of temperature drop slows down as the Sierra builds up speed, distancing it from best-in-class standards.

Kia Seltos front and rear AC performance

Kia Seltos temperatures during AC tests (in degrees Celsius)
	Front seat temperature	Rear seat temperature
Start	50	47.7
End of 1 min idle	40.7	39.7
5 min driving	31.5	29.7
10 min driving	31	28.7
15 min driving	29.7	29
End of 1 min idle	31.5	33

The temperature was 50deg C around the front passenger seat at the start of the test, and after a minute of idling, it dropped faster than the temperature around the rear seats. The temperature difference between the front and rear seats continued to reduce after 5, 10 and 15 minutes of driving. Interestingly, after a minute of idling, the temperature around the front seats was 1.5deg C lower than around the rear seats. 

from Autocar India https://ift.tt/GJTlVS2