Kia Seltos vs Skoda Kushaq (2026)
Kia Seltos (₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh) and Skoda Kushaq (₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh) go head-to-head in the midsize suv space. Here is how they compare on the numbers (July 2026).
- The Skoda Kushaq is more affordable — it starts ₹0.50 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos.
- The Kia Seltos is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 148 bhp.
- The Skoda Kushaq has the better crash-test score: 5 stars vs 3.
- The Kia Seltos has the bigger boot: 433 litres vs 385 litres.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Skoda Kushaq |
|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT |
| Mileage (claimed) | 17.0-20.7 km/l (ARAI, varies by engine and gearbox) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 3 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 433 L | 385 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 →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 Kushaqprices & variants →Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper: Seltos or Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq is more affordable — it starts ₹0.50 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos. (Ex-showroom prices, July 2026.)
Seltos vs Kushaq — which is safer?
The Kia Seltos scores 3 stars and the Skoda Kushaq scores 5 stars in NCAP crash tests.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Kushaq?
The Skoda Kushaq is more affordable — it starts ₹0.50 Lakh lower than the Kia Seltos. The Kia Seltos is the more powerful car, with 158 bhp against 148 bhp. The Skoda Kushaq has the better crash-test score: 5 stars vs 3. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.