In the compact SUV segment, rivalries don’t get much more intense than Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta. What makes this face-off truly fascinating is that both SUVs are built on the same platform, sharing engines and core mechanicals, yet they speak to very different buyers. One is designed to stir emotions and excitement, while the other is all about comfort, ease, and everyday usability.
Here’s a closer look at how they compare — from pricing and design to comfort, driving feel, and ownership experience.
Prices at a Glance (Ex-Showroom, India)
2026 Kia Seltos – Variant-wise Prices
| Variant | Price (₹ Ex-Showroom) |
|---|---|
| HTE (1.5L Petrol MT) | ₹10.99 L |
| HTE (O) | ₹12.09 L |
| HTK | ₹13.09 L |
| HTK (O) | ₹14.19 L |
| HTX | ₹15.59 L |
| HTX (A) | ₹16.69 L |
| GTX / X-Line | ₹18.39 L |
| GTX (A) / X-Line (A) | ₹19.49 L – ₹19.99 L |
Price range: Approximately ₹10.99 lakh to ₹19.99 lakh.
2026 Hyundai Creta – Variant Prices
| Variant | Price (₹ Ex-Showroom) |
| Creta E (Base Petrol) | ₹10.79 L |
| Creta EX | ₹11.96 L |
| Creta EX(O) | ₹12.59 L |
| Creta S | ₹13.07 L |
| Creta S(O) | ₹14.09 L |
| Creta SX | ₹14.95 L |
| Creta SX Tech | ₹15.70 L |
| Creta SX Premium | ₹15.78 L |
| Creta SX(O) | ₹16.86 L |
| Creta King | ₹17.27 L |
| Creta King Dual Tone | ₹17.42 L |
| Top Turbo / Diesel Variants | Up to ₹20.20 L |
Price range: Roughly ₹10.79 lakh to ₹20.20 lakh.
Design and Road Presence: Sporty vs Sophisticated
Styling is where the personalities clearly diverge.
The Kia Seltos embraces a bold and athletic design language. Sharp creases, a striking grille, and modern lighting elements give it a youthful, tech-forward appearance that instantly grabs attention.
The Hyundai Creta, by comparison, opts for a cleaner and more refined design. It feels premium without trying too hard, appealing to buyers who value subtlety and long-term visual appeal.
Seltos makes a statement; Creta makes sense over time.
Cabin Experience: Feature-Rich vs Family-Friendly
Inside the cabin, the Seltos feels like a tech lover’s playground. Large displays, an optional head-up display, ventilated seats, and power adjustments create a cockpit that’s clearly designed around the driver.
The Creta, meanwhile, focuses on space and comfort. The cabin feels open and calming, with noticeably better rear-seat comfort — making it a stronger choice for families and frequent passengers.
Driving Experience: Engaging vs Effortless
Although both SUVs offer similar engine options and modern gearboxes, their tuning sets them apart.
- Kia Seltos: Feels more responsive and engaging, with firmer suspension and sharper handling — perfect for drivers who enjoy an active driving style.
- Hyundai Creta: Prioritizes ride comfort with softer suspension, making it better suited for long journeys and relaxed cruising.
Practicality and Ownership
The Creta scores higher on everyday usability, thanks to its comfortable rear seat, smoother ride quality, and Hyundai’s extensive service network and strong resale value.
The Seltos remains practical but leans toward buyers who value driving pleasure and modern features over outright comfort.
Safety and Features
On the safety front, both SUVs are well equipped. Multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, and advanced driver assistance systems in higher trims ensure there’s no major compromise regardless of which one you choose.
Final Verdict: Which One Fits You Better?
Pick the Kia Seltos if:
- You’re drawn to bold styling and a sporty feel
- Advanced tech and driver-centric features matter most
- You enjoy an engaging drive
Pick the Hyundai Creta if:
- Comfort and space are top priorities
- You frequently travel with family
- You want a relaxed ownership experience with wide service support
Simply put: The Seltos appeals to the heart, while the Creta is built for the family.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Both SUVs are excellent, but they serve different needs. The Kia Seltos is better for buyers who want sporty styling, advanced tech, and an engaging drive, while the Hyundai Creta is more suitable for families who prioritize comfort, rear-seat space, and a smoother ride.
No. Both SUVs have similar pricing. The Kia Seltos starts at around ₹10.99 lakh, while the Hyundai Creta starts slightly lower at about ₹10.79 lakh (ex-showroom). Top variants of both models go up to around ₹20 lakh.
The Hyundai Creta offers better ride comfort, especially on rough roads and long highway journeys. Its suspension is tuned for smoothness, making it more comfortable for passengers.
The Kia Seltos is the better choice for driving enthusiasts. It offers sharper handling, a sportier suspension setup, and a more engaging driving feel compared to the Creta.
The Hyundai Creta has better rear-seat space and overall passenger comfort, making it a stronger option for families and frequent back-seat occupants.
Yes. Since both SUVs share the same platform, they also share similar petrol and diesel engine options, along with manual and automatic transmission choices.
The Kia Seltos generally feels more tech-loaded, especially in higher variants, offering features like larger screens, head-up display, and a more driver-focused cabin layout.
Both SUVs offer strong safety packages, including multiple airbags, ABS, ESC, and advanced driver-assistance features in higher variants. Safety levels are comparable between the two.
The Hyundai Creta typically enjoys better resale value and a wider service network, giving it an edge in long-term ownership peace of mind.
For family use, the Hyundai Creta is the better choice due to its comfort-oriented ride, spacious rear seats, and reliable after-sales support.