I want an automatic transmission petrol SUV with a budget of ₹20 lakh. I am confused between the new Kia Seltos HTX (A) and the Tata Sierra Accomplished. The Seltos fits within my budget and offers…

For you, we would recommend the Kia Seltos. You only seem not like the Kia for the front end look, and we think you should not override the other bits you like about it. Also, as you have pointed out, it makes more rational sense, since as you go higher up the variants, you get similar features on the Seltos at a lower price point than the Tata Sierra. 

Moreover, concerning your other worry about service quality and reliability, given the two brands’ past track record, the Kia would be the safer bet.