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Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Scorpio Classic vs Tata Curvv (2026)

The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (October 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).
  • Pick the Mahindra Scorpio Classic if you want the most seats (7).
  • Pick the Tata Curvv if you want the lowest starting price (₹9.99 Lakh), the biggest boot (500 L).

Three-Way Specification Comparison

SpecKia SeltosMahindra Scorpio ClassicTata Curvv
Ex-showroom price₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh₹13.37 Lakh – ₹17.40 Lakh₹9.99 Lakh – ₹18.99 Lakh
Engine / Motor1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel2.2L mHawk diesel1.2L turbo-petrol / 1.2L GDI turbo-petrol / 1.5L turbo-diesel
Max power158 bhp132 bhp123 bhp
Fuel optionsPetrol, DieselDieselPetrol, Diesel
TransmissionsManual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter ATManualManual, DCT
Mileage (claimed)ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over)15 kmpl (approx, real world)15.0-18.4 kmpl depending on engine and gearbox
Seating575
Safety rating5 starsNot tested5 stars
Airbags (max)626
Boot space447 L—500 L

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 →

Tata Curvv in short

The Curvv is India's first mainstream coupe SUV, slotting between the Nexon and Harrier to fight the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara and Kia Seltos with a style-first pitch. It offers two turbo-petrols including Tata's new 1.2L GDI Hyperion unit, a 1.5L diesel, and a 500-litre boot with a powered tailgate. Bharat NCAP awarded it a full 5-star rating.

Full Curvv prices & variants →

Head-to-head pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

Seltos vs Scorpio Classic vs Curvv — 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). Pick the Mahindra Scorpio Classic if you want the most seats (7). Pick the Tata Curvv if you want the lowest starting price (₹9.99 Lakh), the biggest boot (500 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.

Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Scorpio Classic, Curvv?

The Tata Curvv starts lowest at ₹9.99 Lakh, against ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos and ₹13.37 Lakh for the Scorpio Classic (ex-showroom, October 2026).

Which is the safest of the three?

Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Mahindra Scorpio Classic: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Curvv: 5 stars.