Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Scorpio-N (2026)
Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) and Mahindra Scorpio-N (₹13.49 Lakh – ₹24.95 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹2.49 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 20.7 kmpl vs 16 kmpl.
- The Mahindra Scorpio-N has the better crash-test score: 5 stars vs 3.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Mahindra Scorpio-N |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹13.49 Lakh – ₹24.95 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) | 17.0-20.7 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 12-16 kmpl (real world, engine dependent) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 |
| Safety rating | 3 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 433 L | — |
Kia Seltos in short
The Kia Seltos is the brand's midsize SUV workhorse in India and one of the Hyundai Creta's fiercest rivals, refreshed comprehensively in 2023 with sharper styling and Level 2 ADAS. Its trump card is choice: three engines and five gearbox options spread across sporty GT Line and classy Tech Line trims. The 158bhp turbo-petrol makes it one of the quickest mainstream SUVs in the class.
Full Seltosprices & variants →Mahindra Scorpio-N in short
The Scorpio-N, or 'Big Daddy of SUVs' as Mahindra bills it, reinvents the Scorpio with a stiffer ladder frame, sophisticated rear suspension and genuinely powerful engines including a 200 bhp turbo-petrol. It scored 5 stars for adult protection in Global NCAP testing and offers a 4x4 option rare in its class. Rivals span the Tata Safari, MG Hector Plus and XUV700.
Full Scorpio-Nprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Seltos or Scorpio-N?
The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹2.49 Lakh lower than the Mahindra Scorpio-N. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Seltos vs Scorpio-N — which is safer?
The Kia Seltos scores 3 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 ₹2.49 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 20.7 kmpl vs 16 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.