Kia Seltos vs MG Hector vs Tata Harrier (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the lowest starting price (₹11.00 Lakh), 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 Tata Harrier as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | MG Hector | Tata Harrier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹14.00 Lakh – ₹23.00 Lakh | ₹15.00 Lakh – ₹26.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.5L turbo-petrol / 2.0L diesel | 2.0L Kryotec turbo-diesel |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 168 bhp | 168 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol, Diesel | Diesel |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, CVT | Manual, Torque Converter AT |
| Mileage (claimed) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 13.9 kmpl (petrol CVT) / 17.4 kmpl (diesel), ARAI | 14.6 kmpl (AT), 16.8 kmpl (MT) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | Not tested | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 7 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 587 L | 445 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 →Tata Harrier in short
The Harrier is Tata's flagship five-seat SUV, built on the OMEGA architecture derived from Land Rover's D8 platform. The 2023 facelift added a plush new cabin with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Level 2 ADAS and a 5-star Bharat NCAP score. Powered solely by the punchy 170 PS Kryotec diesel, it battles the Mahindra XUV700, MG Hector and Jeep Compass on road presence and ride sophistication.
Full Harrier prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Hector vs Harrier — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the lowest starting price (₹11.00 Lakh), 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 Tata Harrier as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere. Test-drive at least two before deciding — ride and dealer experience differ by city.
Which is the cheapest among Seltos, Hector, Harrier?
The Kia Seltos starts lowest at ₹11.00 Lakh, against ₹14.00 Lakh for the Hector and ₹15.00 Lakh for the Harrier (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; MG Hector: not yet NCAP-tested; Tata Harrier: 5 stars.