Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Scorpio-N (2026)
Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) and Mahindra Scorpio-N (₹13.69 Lakh – ₹25.49 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (August 2026).
- The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹2.69 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Scorpio-N.
- The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the more powerful car, with 200 bhp against 158 bhp.
- The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 16 kmpl.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹13.69 Lakh – ₹25.49 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol / 2.2L mHawk diesel |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 200 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 12-16 kmpl (real world, engine dependent) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | — |
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way 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-N in short
Facelifted in August 2026, the Scorpio-N remains Mahindra's ladder-frame bestseller — now with a redesigned dashboard hosting a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS, over unchanged mechanicals: the 2.0L turbo-petrol and 2.2L diesel with manual or automatic gearboxes and optional 4WD on top diesel trims. New Z6, Z8S and Z8T trims fill out a 27-variant lineup from Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh. It fights the Tata Harrier, XUV 7XO and Hyundai Creta on price while offering body-on-frame toughness none of them match.
Full Scorpio-N prices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Seltos or Scorpio-N?
The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹2.69 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Scorpio-N. (Ex-showroom prices, August 2026.)
Seltos vs Scorpio-N — which is safer?
The Kia Seltos scores 5 stars and the Mahindra Scorpio-N scores 5 stars in NCAP crash tests.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Scorpio-N?
The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹2.69 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Scorpio-N. The Mahindra Scorpio-N is the more powerful car, with 200 bhp against 158 bhp. The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 16 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.