Kia Seltos vs MG Hector vs Nissan Tekton (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 MG Hector if you want the most power (168 bhp), the biggest boot (587 L).
- Pick the Nissan Tekton if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.49 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Nissan Tekton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh | ₹10.49 Lakh – ₹18.59 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L turbo-petrol / 2.0L diesel | 1.0L turbo-petrol (T160) / 1.3L turbo-petrol (T280) |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 168 bhp | 160 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT | Manual, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 13.9 kmpl (petrol CVT) / 17.4 kmpl (diesel), ARAI | 17.8-19.4 kmpl (ARAI, powertrain dependent) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 587 L | 518 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 →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 →Nissan Tekton in short
Launched on 9 July 2026 at introductory ex-showroom prices, the Tekton is Nissan India's long-awaited return to the midsize SUV segment, sharing its platform and turbo-petrol engines with the Renault Duster while squaring up to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Tata Curvv. It leads the class on outright practicality with a segment-best 518-litre boot and arrives with a 5-star Bharat NCAP rating, six standard airbags and Level 2 ADAS on higher trims. The Patrol-inspired styling and a 12-variant lineup spanning Rs 10.49 lakh to Rs 18.59 lakh give it unusually broad coverage of the segment.
Full Tekton prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Hector vs Tekton — 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 MG Hector if you want the most power (168 bhp), the biggest boot (587 L). Pick the Nissan Tekton if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.49 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Hector, Tekton?
The Nissan Tekton starts lowest at ₹10.49 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; MG Hector: not yet NCAP-tested; Nissan Tekton: 5 stars.