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 (July 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 20.7 kmpl vs 17.4 kmpl.
- Only the Kia Seltos has a published NCAP crash-test rating (3 stars).
- The MG Hector has the bigger boot: 587 litres vs 433 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) | 17.0-20.7 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 13.9 kmpl (petrol CVT) / 17.4 kmpl (diesel), ARAI |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 3 stars | Not tested |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 433 L | 587 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 →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 Hectorprices & 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, July 2026.)
Seltos vs Hector — which is safer?
NCAP ratings: Kia Seltos — 3 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 20.7 kmpl vs 17.4 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.