Kia Seltos vs MG Hector vs Skoda Kushaq (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 Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh).
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Skoda Kushaq |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L turbo-petrol / 2.0L diesel | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 168 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, 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 | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 587 L | 385 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 →Skoda Kushaq in short
The Kushaq was the first product of Skoda's India 2.0 programme and remains the keen driver's alternative to the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. Its European-tuned chassis and strong TSI engines set the segment's dynamic benchmark, and a five-star Global NCAP score underlines its solid build. It counters feature-heavy rivals with substance over gadget count.
Full Kushaq prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Hector vs Kushaq — 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 Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh). Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Hector, Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq starts lowest at ₹10.50 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; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars.