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 (August 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 Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 19.8 kmpl.
- The Kia Seltos has the bigger boot: 447 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) | ARAI figures for the 2026 gen not announced yet (engines carried over) | 17.7-19.8 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 385 L |
Shortlisting a third car? See the full three-way comparison →
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 →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 →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, August 2026.)
Seltos vs Kushaq — which is safer?
The Kia Seltos scores 5 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 Kia Seltos is more efficient on paper — up to 2026 kmpl vs 19.8 kmpl. Beyond the numbers, shortlist by test-driving both — ride quality and dealer experience differ by city.