Kia India has recently unveiled the second-gen Seltos ahead of its launch on January 2nd, 2026. Compared to its previous iteration, the SUV has undergone a complete design overhaul and receives a host of new features that promise to elevate the overall experience. Diving deeper, here we have compared the new-gen Seltos with the segment-leader Hyundai Creta to see which of these mid-size SUVs offers more value.
2026 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Dimensions
| Parameters | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta |
| Length | 4,460mm | 4,330mm |
| Width | 1,830mm | 1,790mm |
| Height | 1,635mm | 1,635mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,610mm |
| Boot Space | 447 litres | ≈ 433 litres |
The Kia Seltos was the longest SUV in its class, and with the new generation, it has become even longer than the Creta. Its wheelbase has also gone up by 80mm, which should translate into slightly more cabin space inside the cabin.
While the boot space has also increased by roughly 15 litres, it won’t make much difference in your day-to-day usage.
2026 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Engine Specifications
| Model | Kia Seltos | Hyundai Creta | ||||
| Engine | 1.5-litre N.A. Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-litre diesel | 1.5-litre N.A. Petrol | 1.5-litre Turbo-Petrol | 1.5-litre diesel |
| No of Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Max Power | 115PS | 160PS | 116PS | 115PS | 160PS | 116PS |
| Max Torque | 144Nm | 253Nm | 250Nm | 144Nm | 253Nm | 250Nm |
| Gearbox Options | 6-speed Manual / CVT | 6-speed iMT / 7-speed DCT | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed torque converter automatic | 6-speed Manual / CVT | 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic | 6-speed Manual / 6-speed torque converter automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | ||||
Both the Seltos and Creta share the same set of engines, comprising a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol, a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel mill. The only difference between the two is the option of a 6-speed iMT (clutchless manual transmission) available with the Seltos’ turbo-petrol unit. This enables users to have the fun of a manual gearbox without the need to operate the clutch pedal.
Also See: Battle of the New SUVs: 2026 Kia Seltos vs Tata Sierra
2026 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Features
| Common Features | Additional Features in Kia Seltos | Additional Features in Hyundai Creta |
| – Automatic multi-beam LED headlamps – Rain-sensing wipers – 18-inch Alloy wheels – Roof rails – Panoramic sunroof – Leatherette upholstery – Wireless charger – Ambient lighting – Dual-zone climate control – Rear AC vents – Ventilated front seats – Powered driver seat with memory function – Rear sunshades – Recline function for 60:40-split rear seats – OTA updates support – Type C USB charging ports – Push button start/stop – Remote engine start – Multiple drive modes – Multiple terrain modes – Paddle shifters – Connected display setup for infotainment and digital cluster – Connected car tech – Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – BOSE sound system – 360-degree camera – Rear defogger – Rear wiper & washer – Front & rear parking sensors – ESC – Traction control – Hill assist – Tyre pressure monitoring system – ISOFIX anchors – 360-degree camera with blind-spot monitoring – Electronic parking brake with auto-hold – Level 2 ADAS suite | – Dynamic welcome function for headlamps – Front & rear fog lamps – Flush door handles – Hidden rear wiper – More adjustment options for the driver’s seat with lumbar support (Creta has an 8-way powered seat) – Memory function for side mirrors – Relaxation power driver seat (one-touch with memory function) – Auto reverse ORVMs – Bigger display size for infotainment and driver’s display (12.3-inch units against Creta’s 10.25-inch display setup) – 5-inch HVAC screen – 64-colour ambient lighting – Front, side and rear parking sensors (Creta has front & rear parking sensors) – Parking assistance (Kia DriveWise Technology) – More connected car features – More features in the ADAS suite | – Puddle lamps – Sequential indicators – 8-way powered co-driver seat – Electric BOSS mode – Foldable backseat tray table – Rear wireless charger – Front & rear dashcam |
Both the new-gen Kia Seltos and Creta are well-loaded. However, while the Seltos offers more feel-good features, and barring lumbar support and auto-reversing ORVMs, none of them really add much value in day-to-day usage. In contrast, the additional features offered in the Creta are more practical and useful.
Related: New 2026 Kia Seltos: All Variants Explained
2026 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Price Range
Kia has yet to announce the prices of the new Seltos. However, sources suggest that the 2026 Seltos will be slightly cheaper than the outgoing model, which retails between Rs 10.79 – 19.81 lakh (ex-showroom). On the other side, the Creta is priced from Rs 10.73 lakh to Rs 20.20 lakh (ex-showroom). However, Hyundai is expected to increase its prices from January 2026.
2026 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta: Which Is A Better Bet?
The Hyundai Creta is one of the most sought-after SUVs in the mid-size SUV segment. Although the Seltos share its powertrain options with the Creta, it has never enjoyed the same level of popularity as its sibling. That said, it offers a similar sense of sophistication and peace of mind as the Hyundai offering. And personally, I find the Seltos to be more premium than the Creta, and with the latest generation update, it has spiced the game further. Now, it will be interesting to see whether the Seltos manages to attract more buyers.
Also Read: Kia Seltos Gets Discounts of Up To Rs 1.6 Lakh
