Kia Seltos vs Mahindra Scorpio-N vs MG Astor (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars).
- Pick the Mahindra Scorpio-N if you want the most power (200 bhp), the most seats (7).
- Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Mahindra Scorpio-N | MG Astor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹13.69 Lakh – ₹25.49 Lakh | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 2.0L mStallion turbo-petrol / 2.2L mHawk diesel | 1.5L petrol / 1.3L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 200 bhp | 138 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 12-16 kmpl (real world, engine dependent) | 13.2-14.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | — | 488 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-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 →MG Astor in short
The MG Astor is the petrol sibling of the ZS EV and takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara in the fiercely contested midsize SUV space. It stands out with Level 2 ADAS, a talking AI assistant on the dashboard and a plush red-leather cabin option. Sharp pricing keeps it relevant against newer rivals.
Full Astor prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Scorpio-N vs Astor — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the best crash-test score (5 stars). Pick the Mahindra Scorpio-N if you want the most power (200 bhp), the most seats (7). Pick the MG Astor if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.00 Lakh), the biggest boot (488 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Scorpio-N, Astor?
The MG Astor starts lowest at ₹10.00 Lakh, against ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos and ₹13.69 Lakh for the Scorpio-N (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Mahindra Scorpio-N: 5 stars; MG Astor: not yet NCAP-tested.