Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs MG Hector (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 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.77 Lakh).
- Pick the MG Hector if you want the most power (168 bhp), the biggest boot (587 L).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara | MG Hector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹10.77 Lakh – ₹19.70 Lakh | ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L K15C mild hybrid Petrol / 1.5L TNGA Strong Hybrid | 1.5L turbo-petrol / 2.0L diesel |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 115 bhp | 168 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Strong Hybrid, CNG | Petrol, Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, e-CVT | Manual, CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 21.11–27.97 kmpl (strong hybrid), 26.6 km/kg (CNG) | 13.9 kmpl (petrol CVT) / 17.4 kmpl (diesel), ARAI |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 373 L | 587 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 →Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in short
The Grand Vitara is Maruti's Nexa flagship midsize SUV, co-developed with Toyota (which sells it as the Urban Cruiser Hyryder). Its headline act is the 1.5L strong-hybrid powertrain claiming 27.97 kmpl, unique in the segment alongside its Toyota twin, and it also offers mild-hybrid petrol, CNG and an AllGrip AWD manual. It takes on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Honda Elevate and VW Taigun.
Full Grand Vitara prices & variants →MG Hector in short
The MG Hector, the car that launched MG in India, received a major facelift in 2023 with a chrome-heavy grille and a huge 14-inch portrait touchscreen. It offers limousine-grade space at prices that undercut the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700 and Jeep Compass. Comfort, not corner-carving, remains its calling card.
Full Hector prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Grand Vitara vs Hector — 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 Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.77 Lakh). Pick the MG Hector if you want the most power (168 bhp), the biggest boot (587 L). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Grand Vitara, Hector?
The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara starts lowest at ₹10.77 Lakh, against ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos and ₹14.00 Lakh for the Hector (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara: not yet NCAP-tested; MG Hector: not yet NCAP-tested.