Kia Seltos vs Skoda Kushaq vs Volkswagen Taigun (2026)
The classic midsize suv shortlist, settled with numbers (August 2026):
- Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the biggest boot (447 L).
- Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh).
- Pick the Volkswagen Taigun as the balanced middle path — it wins no single spec outright but concedes little anywhere.
Three-Way Specification Comparison
| Spec | Kia Seltos | Skoda Kushaq | Volkswagen Taigun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ex-showroom price | ₹11.00 Lakh – ₹21.82 Lakh | ₹10.50 Lakh – ₹18.50 Lakh | ₹11.50 Lakh – ₹19.50 Lakh |
| Engine / Motor | 1.5L NA petrol / 1.5L turbo-petrol / 1.5L diesel | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol | 1.0L & 1.5L TSI turbo-petrol |
| Max power | 158 bhp | 148 bhp | 148 bhp |
| Fuel options | Petrol, Diesel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Transmissions | Manual, iMT, CVT, DCT, Torque Converter AT | Manual, Torque Converter AT, DCT | 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) | 17.2-19.9 kmpl (ARAI) |
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Safety rating | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Airbags (max) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Boot space | 447 L | 385 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 →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 →Volkswagen Taigun in short
The Volkswagen Taigun is the driver-focused pick among midsize SUVs, pitching German engineering against the feature-loaded Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Its GT variants with the 150 PS 1.5 TSI and DSG remain the quickest way to hustle through a set of corners in this class. Five stars at Global NCAP make it as safe as it is fun.
Full Taigun prices & variants →Head-to-head pairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Seltos vs Kushaq vs Taigun — which should I buy?
Pick the Kia Seltos if you want the most power (158 bhp), the best claimed efficiency (up to 2026 kmpl), the biggest boot (447 L). Pick the Skoda Kushaq if you want the lowest starting price (₹10.50 Lakh). Pick the Volkswagen Taigun 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, Kushaq, Taigun?
The Skoda Kushaq starts lowest at ₹10.50 Lakh, against ₹11.00 Lakh for the Seltos and ₹11.50 Lakh for the Taigun (ex-showroom, August 2026).
Which is the safest of the three?
Kia Seltos: 5 stars; Skoda Kushaq: 5 stars; Volkswagen Taigun: 5 stars.