Kia Seltos vs MG Hector (2026)
Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) and MG Hector (₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 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 ₹3.00 Lakh lower than the MG Hector.
- The MG Hector is the more powerful car, with 168 bhp against 158 bhp.
- The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 17.4 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Seltos has a published NCAP crash-test rating (5 stars).
- The MG Hector has the bigger boot: 587 litres vs 447 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | MG Hector |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L turbo-petrol / 2.0L diesel |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 168 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 13.9 kmpl (petrol CVT) / 17.4 kmpl (diesel), ARAI |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 587 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 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 →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Seltos or Hector?
The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹3.00 Lakh lower than the MG Hector. (Ex-showroom prices, August 2026.)
Seltos vs Hector — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Seltos — 5 stars; MG Hector — not yet tested.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Hector?
The Kia Seltos is more affordable — it starts ₹3.00 Lakh lower than the MG Hector. The MG Hector is the more powerful car, with 168 bhp against 158 bhp. The Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 17.4 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.