Kia Seltos vs MG Astor (2026)
Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) and MG Astor (₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.50 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (August 2026).
- The MG Astor is more affordable — it starts ₹1.00 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos.
- The Kia Seltos is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 138 bhp.
- The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 14.8 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Seltos has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
- The MG Astor has the bigger boot: 488 litres vs 447 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | MG Astor |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹17.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L petrol / 1.3L turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 138 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 13.2-14.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 488 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 →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 →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Seltos or Astor?
The MG Astor is more affordable — it starts ₹1.00 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos. (Ex-showroom prices, August 2026.)
Seltos vs Astor — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Seltos — 5 stars; MG Astor — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Astor?
The MG Astor is more affordable — it starts ₹1.00 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 138 bhp. The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 14.8 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.