The SUV segment has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, with car enthusiasts flocking to embrace the combination of versatility, comfort, and performance that these vehicles offer. Among the standout contenders in this fiercely competitive market are the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos – two formidable SUVs that have captured the hearts of many.
Whether you seek a balanced and smooth drive or crave a more spirited and dynamic performance, the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are sure to leave a lasting mark on your automotive journey. Let’s dive in and see which of these two contenders score better across price, performance, features, and safety parameters.
The starting prices of these two SUVs are fairly similar. Creta’s base model starts at ₹10.87 Lakh whereas the Seltos base model is priced at ₹10.90 Lakh. The Creta and Seltos top models are priced at ₹22.75 Lakh and ₹23.66 Lakh respectively. These SUVs come in several variants, with 19 options in the Hyundai Creta and 18 in Kia Seltos.
Both these SUVs are powered by 1497 cc engines and come in 1.4L turbocharged petrol and 1.5L diesel variants, making it a breeze to choose depending on your specific needs.
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| Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta | |
| Engine | 1.5L Gamma 4-cylinder petrol engine, 1.5L Gamma 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 1.5L U2 CRDi 4-cylinder diesel engine | 1.5L MPi Petrol, 1.5L U2 CRDi Diesel |
| Maximum Power | 144 Nm (petrol)253 Nm (turbo petrol)250 Nm (diesel) | 113 bhp (1.5L P)115 bhp (1.5L D) |
| Peak Torque | 144 Nm (Petrol)253 Nm (Turbo Petrol)250 Nm (Diesel) | 143.8 Nm (Petrol)250 Nm (Diesel) |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual6-Speed Automatic7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic (turbo petrol) | 6-Speed MT, IVT (1.5L P)6-Speed MT, 6-Speed AT (1.5L D) |
| Mileage | 16.5-19.1 kmpl (petrol)20.7-21.0 kmpl (diesel) | 16.76 km/l (P MT), 16.76 km/l (P AMT)21.35 km/l (D MT),18.46 km/l (D AT) |
| Fuel Tank | 50L | 50L |
The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos share a common lineup of engine and gearbox choices. Both models are equipped with three engine options: a 1.5L petrol engine, a 1.5L diesel engine, and a 1.4L turbo-petrol engine. The 1.5L petrol engine is a four-cylinder powerplant delivering 115 PS of power and 144 Nm of torque. It can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed CVT transmission.
Similarly, the 1.5L diesel engine is a four-cylinder unit, generating 115 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. This engine can be mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. For those seeking more power, the 1.4L turbo-petrol engine is available. This four-cylinder engine produces 140 PS of power and 242 Nm of torque, and it’s paired with a 7-speed DCT transmission.
When it comes to performance, both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos exhibit similar acceleration and top speed characteristics. The 1.5L petrol engine enables these vehicles to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 11 seconds, while the 1.5L diesel engine achieves this feat in around 10 seconds. The 1.4L turbo-petrol engine stands out as the quickest option, with a 0-100 km/h time of roughly 7 seconds.
Regarding handling, the Kia Seltos boasts slightly sharper and more enjoyable driving dynamics compared to the Hyundai Creta. Additionally, the Seltos offers an improved ride quality, particularly on uneven or rough road surfaces.
This might have you think, if these SUVs sound almost like twins, what exactly differentiates these two? It’s the features and overall styling.
While on the road, the Creta is exceptionally refined, with the engine barely making any sound when you’re driving within the city. It is equally fast and zesty on highways and pleases petrol-heads with its smooth handling. The Seltos is equally impressive at high speeds. Although you might experience some body roll when doing triple-digit speeds, the car remains well in control and can push through sharp corners with ease.
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The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos stand as two of India’s most sought-after subcompact SUVs, each offering its unique charm and characteristics. While both vehicles are known for their style and thoughtful design, there are notable distinctions that set them apart.
The Hyundai Creta boasts a design characterised by its rounded and curvaceous lines, setting it apart from the Seltos. Its front end is marked by a cascading grille, complemented by elegantly swept-back LED headlights. The Creta’s profile also features a prominent shoulder line and a rear windshield with a steeper incline.
In contrast, the Kia Seltos adopts a more angular and boxy design compared to the Creta. Its front fascia showcases a distinctive tiger-nose grille, flanked by LED headlights that incorporate integrated DRLs. The Seltos exudes a more muscular stance and a rear windshield with a more upright orientation.
Both the Creta and Seltos impress with well-designed and spacious interiors. However, the Seltos elevates the experience with a premium touch, thanks to its use of high-quality materials and finishes. The Seltos also boasts a modern and tech-savvy interior, featuring a larger touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.
| Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta | |
| Length | 4,365 mm | 4,300 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,790 mm |
| Height | 1,620-1,645 mm | 1,635 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,610 mm |
| Boot Space | 433L | 433L |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
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Both the Creta and Seltos come loaded with features to ensure a fun driving experience. While you’ll spot a bunch of similar features like a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, there are some visible differences.
Despite the fantastic handling and overall performance of the Creta, Hyundai has missed out on rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera, all of which are standard fixtures in latest SUV models. Earlier Seltos models missed out on the panoramic sunroof, but with the 2023 model, Kia has managed to equal its rival with a stylish dual-pane panoramic sunroof so you can capture your town’s dreamy sunsets from within your car.
The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have distinct exterior features and styling. The Creta has a modern design with a large cascading grille with chrome accents and sleek LED headlights. It sports a sculpted hood and bold shoulder lines giving it an aerodynamic look.
The Kia Seltos features a more aggressive design with its signature “Tiger Nose” grille that commands attention. Equipped with sleek LED headlamps, the Seltos has an impressive front face and an athletic stance.
While both SUVs exude a contemporary and sophisticated vibe, the Creta leans towards a refined and elegant look, appealing to those seeking a timeless design. On the other hand, the Seltos takes a bolder and more adventurous approach, catering to individuals who crave a futuristic and expressive design. The ultimate choice depends on individual preferences, as both SUVs promise to make a striking impression on the road.
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The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have well-designed cabins with user-friendly technology and comfortable seating. Creta’s design blends functionality and elegance with its practical dashboard, intuitive infotainment system and seamless controls. The Hyundai Creta is generously equipped with premium features like auto headlamps, auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated front seats, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and an air purifier.
The Seltos offers a more driver-centric interior design with a well-integrated infotainment system with a touchscreen display and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. It also has other exciting features like a customisable 3-pod display, ambient lighting, ventilated front seats, and a premium sound system.
Overall, the Kia Seltos incorporates cutting-edge technology and luxurious features that create a sense of modernity and sophistication. On the other hand, the Hyundai Creta focuses on providing a comfortable and practical interior, with attention to convenience and versatility.
| Feature | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta |
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projectors |
| Keyless Entry & Push Button Start/Stop | Yes | Yes |
| Driving Modes | Yes – Eco, Normal, Sport | Yes – Eco, Normal, Sport |
| Infotainment System | 26.03 cm HD touchscreeninfotainment with Kia | 26.03 cm HD touchscreeninfotainment with BlueLink |
| Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | Yes, Wireless | Yes, Wireless |
| Audio System | 6-speaker sound system | 6-speaker sound system |
| In-Built Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Instrument Console | Yes | Yes |
| Driver Seat Adjustment | 8-way power adjust | 8-way power adjust |
| Seat Ventilation | Yes (top-spec variant) | No |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Smart Sunroof | Panoramic Smart Sunroof |
| Automatic Headlamps & Wipers | Yes | Yes |
| Surround View Camera | No | No |
| Rear-View Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Electronically Adjustable ORVMs | Adjustable & foldable | Adjustable & foldable |
| Auto-dimming IRVMs | Yes | Yes |
| Connected Car Tech | Kia Connect | BlueLink |
| Voice Recognition & Commands | Yes | Yes |
| Air Purifier | Yes (top-spec variant) | No |
| Front Armrest | Yes | Yes |
| Cooled Storage | Yes (top-spec variant) | No |
| Foldable Rear Seat | 60:40 split folding | 60:40 split folding |
| Ambient Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Climate Control | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Pad | Yes (top-spec variant) | No |
| Cruise Control | Yes | Yes |
| Rear AC Vents | Yes | Yes |
| Paddle Shifters | Yes (turbo petrol variant) | No |
| Electric Tailgate | Yes (top-spec variant) | No |
Both the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta place paramount importance on safety, showcasing an impressive array of features designed to protect passengers and instil confidence in every journey.
The Seltos shines with its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, boasting cutting-edge technologies like forward collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning, actively assisting drivers in avoiding potential hazards on the road.
Complementing these advanced safety features, the Creta offers a comprehensive safety package, featuring Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), six airbags encompassing dual front, front side, and curtain airbags, as well as the convenience of rear parking sensors with a camera and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC). Both SUVs also ensure the safety of young passengers with ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The Creta has earned a five-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP crash test and a three-star safety rating from the Global NCAP. In the Global NCAP evaluation, the Kia Seltos achieved a three-star rating for adult occupant protection and a two-star rating for child occupant protection. With reliable safety kits, the Seltos and Creta stand as commendable choices for safety-conscious buyers, promising a secure and confident driving experience.
| Feature | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta |
| Airbags | Up to 6 | Up to 6 |
| Traction Control, Electronic Stability Program | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Hold Control | Yes | Yes |
| Roll Over Mitigation | No | No |
| ISOFIX Mount | Yes | Yes |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System | Yes | Yes |
| ADAS Safety Suite | No | No |
| Speed Sensing Auto Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Cornering Lamps | Yes | Yes |
| Safety Ratings | 3-Star GNCAP | 3-Star GNCAP |
Also Read: Best Safety Rating SUVs in India
Hyundai offers impressive after-sales support and extended warranty plans, thus making the buyers’ ownership experience stress-free and convenient. The Creta is backed by a 3-year standard warranty. Both the SUVs offer similar long-term reliability, spare part availability, and after-sales support while it is the Creta that might offer slightly better resale value than the Seltos.
| Standard Warranty Coverage | |
| Hyundai Creta | 3 Years/ Unlimited Km Standard Warranty and Roadside Assistance (RSA), Up to 5 Years Running Repair Package, Up to 5 Years Maintenance Package, Up to 7 Years Extended Warranty |
| Kia Seltos | 3 Years/ Unlimited Km Standard Warranty and Roadside Assistance (RSA), Up to 5 Years Running Repair Package, Up to 5 Years Maintenance Package, Up to 7 Years Extended Warranty |
If you desire a modern, futuristic design with advanced safety technologies, the Kia Seltos could be your perfect match. Its driver-centric approach and bold exterior design offer cutting-edge features and a distinct appearance.
Alternatively, if you prioritise a refined and comfortable interior, practicality, and a well-balanced driving experience, the Hyundai Creta may be the ideal choice. Its user-friendly infotainment system, ample cabin space, and reliable safety features make it a compelling option for those seeking comfort and convenience.
To make the final decision, consider test-driving both models to find the one that best suits your lifestyle and driving needs. Regardless of your choice, both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos promise exceptionally reliable rides over the long run.
Q. Which one has better mileage: Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos?
The Seltos is more fuel efficient and offers better mileage.
Q. Which SUV offers better safety features?
Both the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are equipped with robust safety features, including multiple airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and rearview cameras. However, the Seltos gains an edge with its ADAS suite, which includes features like forward collision avoidance assist and blind-spot collision warning for enhanced safety.
Q. Which is more spacious: Hyundai Creta or Kia Seltos?
While both these cars offer similar cabin space, the Creta has an extra shoulder room of 40 mm compared to the Seltos.
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