Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Scorpio Classic vs Skoda Kushaq (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (September 2026):
- Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (447 L).
- Pick the Mahindra Scorpio Classic if you want the most seats (7).
- Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.69 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
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 →Mahindra Scorpio Classic in short
The Scorpio Classic keeps the original Scorpio's muscular ladder-frame formula alive alongside the newer Scorpio-N, with a lighter 2.2 mHawk diesel and mild styling updates. It remains a favourite in semi-urban India for its commanding stance, seven seats and proven toughness. It effectively rivals the Bolero Neo above and entry variants of the Scorpio-N itself.
Full Scorpio Classic prices & variants →Skoda Kushaq in short
The Kushaq was the first product of Skoda's India 2.0 programme and remains the keen driver's alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Its European-tuned chassis and strong TSI engines set the segment's dynamic benchmark, and a five-star Global NCAP score underlines its solid build. It counters feature-heavy rivals with substance over gadget count.
Full Kushaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Scorpio Classic vs Kushaq — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars), the biggest boot (447 L). Pick the Mahindra Scorpio Classic if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.69 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Scorpio Classic, Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq starts lowest at ₹10.69 Lakh, against ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos and ₹13.90 Lakh for the Scorpio Classic (ex-showroom, September 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Mahindra Scorpio Classic: not yet NCAP-tested; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars.