The Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta is one of the most frequent comparisons on the minds of Indian SUV buyers in the ₹11-22 lakh bracket. The two SUVs are closely related: They’re based on the same basic platform, share engines and many parts. Still, the Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta argument rages on to this day because the design, features, pricing and brand image pull slightly different buyers into each model.
The Seltos 2026 is a new-generation vehicle which takes its foundation from the updated K3 architecture. It was introduced on December 2025 and published its official prices on January 2, 2026. This segment topper Hyundai Creta (received a facelift in 2024), comes with robust reliability and wide range of choice, stands as one of the best-selling SUVs in its segment.
Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta Comparison: As for this Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta comparison, the information above is valid until December 2025 and include price, dimensions, engines, features, safety equipment and ownership experience to assist buyers in making a better decision.
Pricing: Creta Offers Better Entry-Level Value
At the budget end of the spectrum, it’s cheaper than a Hyundai Creta. * The petrol manual variant of Hector starts at ₹10.73 lakh (ex-showroom), which suggests that it becomes relatively simpler for budget conscious customers to enter mid-size SUV space. Price The Kia Seltos 2026 will be priced at around ₹11.20 lakh (expected) – slightly more expensive as expected for the new platform and updated features.
The difference too is evident at the top end in the Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta comparison. So the Hyundai Creta SX(O) Knight Edition diesel automatic is priced at approximately ₹20.20 lakh, and we’re expecting the Kia Seltos 2026 X-Line turbo DCT to be priced at around ₹20.80-21 lakh.
On-road prices of mid-level automatic petrol variants are typically between ₹18-20 lakh for Creta and ₹19-21 lakh for Seltos in cities such as Delhi. Kia positions the Seltos as a slightly premium SUV, while Hyundai focuses more on value pricing and wider accessibility.
Dimensions and Space: Seltos 2026 Gains a Size Advantage
In terms of dimensions, the Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta comparison also shows a minor lead for the Seltos. The Seltos’ length stands at around 4,365 mm that is more than Creta’s length of 4,330 mm. It is also a little wider at 1800 mm than the Creta’s 1790 mm. The two SUVs also get the same wheelbase of 2,610 mm.
And thanks to that extra whitespace for people and stuff, the Seltos has a small advantage in rear-seat space and trunk size. Luggage ba y is rated at 447 litres for the Seltos and 433 litres for the Creta. The ground clearance of both the SUVs again is placed at 190 mm, which proves to be decent for our Indian roads speed breakers and mild off-roading.
Engine Configurations and Performance: Shared Powertrains with Slight Differences
The two SUVs are offered with the same engines from Hyundai-Kia, which is why both have largely similar performance in this Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta article. Customers can opt from a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel unit.
Fuel efficiency figures are also very close. While petrol manuals will offer around 17-18 kmpl and turbo-petrol automatic about 16-17 kmpl, diesel-automatics will give out roughly about 19-20 kmpl as per ARAI figures. In actual driving, most drivers experience 14-17 kmpl for petrol and 16-19 kmpl for diesel.
Performance is more or less a wash, with either SUV hitting 0–100 km/h in approximatively 9-11 seconds man function of engine. The Seltos has a clutchless iMT option with the turbo-petrol engine; on the other hand, Creta offers more options in diesel automatic trims.
Design and Styling
The Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta comparison tends to be more of a subjective matter at least as far as design is concerned. The Seltos 2026 The face of the new car looks aggressive and upright with large grille, vertical LED headlamps, connected tail lamps and modern alloy wheels. Some trims even come with flush door handles for a bit of a futuristic look.
The Hyundai Creta, meanwhile is a cleaner and more balanced design. Its facelift brought with it new grille, horizontal LED lighting and a more grown-up appearance. Those wanting a sportier and aggressive look might veer towards Seltos while those looking for simplistic yet familiar design may go in with the Creta.
Interior and Features
Both SUVs provide more of a premium experience on the inside. In the Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta comparison, It’s the Seltos’s curved dual-screen arrangement with two 12.3-inch screens catering to infotainment duties and driver information that makes it look distinct inside out. It even has advanced connected car tech on its higher trims.
As far features are concerned, it has the 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bose sound system and so on along with ventilated seats and a panoramic sunroof as well as 360-degree camera and Level 2 ADAS.The Seltos matches most of these features and adds a passenger-side display in select trims. Comfort and material quality are high in both vehicles.
Safety Ratings
Both of the SUVs are also strong when it comes to safety. When it comes to the safety of kia seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta, both cars come with six airbags, ABS system, ESP and advanced driver assistance features in its top trims. The Hyundai Creta has already won a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating. I’d imagine the Kia Seltos 2026 should be able to get the same or better since it’s on a newer chassis and improved safety shell.
Ownership and Verdict
From an ownership point of view, Hyundai has a wider service network across India, which is helpful for buyers in smaller towns. Kia’s service costs are competitive, and customer satisfaction levels are also strong. Resale value is good for both SUVs, although the Creta has a slight advantage because of higher overall sales.
Finally, it all comes down to the Kia Seltos 2026 vs Hyundai Creta choice is left for the buyer. The Hyundai Creta fits those who need proven reliability, have lesser starting price points and find the replacement/service parts easily. Why anyone would be better off with a 2021 Kia Seltos: The 2026 Seltos is going to work best for those who want the newest design, just a touch more room and some brand-new technology. With both SUVs being rather similar from a mechanics point of view, price, equipment and personal preference are those that will culminate in chosing the better investment.
