Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos (2026)
Hyundai Creta (₹10.91 Lakh – ₹20.11 Lakh) and Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (August 2026).
- Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other).
- The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 21 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Seltos has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
- The Kia Seltos has the bigger boot: 447 litres vs 433 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Hyundai Creta | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹10.91 Lakh – ₹20.11 Lakh | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 158 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17–21 kmpl | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 433 L | 447 L |
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
Hyundai Creta in short
The Creta is India's best-selling midsize SUV and the benchmark the Kia Seltos, Maruti Grand Vitara and VW Taigun are measured against. The 2024 facelift brought a bold new face, twin 10.25-inch screens, Level 2 ADAS and a 158 bhp turbo-petrol flagship. Its unmatched powertrain spread — petrol, turbo and diesel with multiple automatics — is central to its dominance.
Full Creta prices & variants →Kia Seltos in short
The second-generation Seltos arrived in July 2026 as Kia India's most consequential launch of the year: bolder styling, dual 12.3-inch displays, up to Level 2+ ADAS with a built-in dashcam on the new GTX(O)/X-Line(O) trims, and a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating whose 31.70/32 adult score is the highest yet for an ICE car. The three familiar engines carry over — 115bhp petrol, 158bhp turbo-petrol, 116bhp diesel — across a restructured 12-trim walk. It renews its rivalry with the Hyundai Creta, and now also the Renault Duster and Nissan Tekton.
Full Seltos prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Creta or Seltos?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). (Ex-showroom prices, August 2026.)
Creta vs Seltos — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Hyundai Creta — not yet tested; Kia Seltos — 5 stars.
Should I buy the Creta or the Seltos?
Both start at almost the same price (within ₹0.10 Lakh of each other). The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 21 kmpl. Only the Kia Seltos has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars). Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.