Hyundai Creta vs Kia Seltos: A Closer Look in 2025
When it comes to midsize SUVs in India, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos stand out as stalwarts, both sharing a similar platform but catering to slightly different tastes and preferences. This comparison digs deep into their pricing, design, engineering, performance, comfort, and features to help prospective buyers decide which SUV aligns better with their needs.
Price and Variants
Both SUVs are closely priced, with Hyundai Creta starting roughly at Rs. 11.11 lakh ex-showroom, and Kia Seltos starting slightly higher around Rs. 11.19 lakh ex-showroom. The top-end variants for both hover around the Rs. 20 lakh mark, with slight variations depending on features and trims. This close margin means choosing between them often boils down to personal preference rather than price alone.
Exterior and Design Appeal
Kia Seltos boasts a sportier, modern design with sharp LED DRLs that merge elegantly into its grille, and alloy wheels ranging up to 18 inches in the X-Line variant showcasing a dynamic stance. In contrast, Hyundai Creta offers a more mature, elegant design with vertical LED DRLs inspired by international styles and a less aggressive but sophisticated wheel design mainly in the 17-inch category. The Seltos's color palette includes vibrant and dual-tone options, while Creta opts for more subdued, classy shades.
Interior Styling and Space
Inside, the Creta presents a flowing wrap-around dashboard layout with horizontal air vents, providing a calming, lounge-like ambiance with neutral beige and pastel tones. The Seltos, meanwhile, leans towards a youthful, tech-focused cabin with an upright dashboard and sportier dual-tone interiors with contrasting trims that appeal to younger buyers. Both offer 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreens, with recent Seltos models featuring curved displays for a modern touch. Rear seat comfort is generous in both, with the Creta providing slightly better thigh support, while Seltos offers firmer cushioning.
Performance and Driving Experience
Both SUVs share a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 115 PS and 144 Nm, paired with options for a 6-speed manual or an automatic transmission. In turbo petrol variants, the Seltos’s 1.5L turbocharged engine slightly edges out in sportiness and smoothness with 160 PS and 253 Nm, promising a more spirited drive. The diesel variants, both 1.5L CRDi with 116 PS, deliver similar performance, though Creta’s diesel engine feels a bit more refined, prioritizing comfort, while Seltos offers better throttle response and a sportier driving feel.
Ride comfort favors the Creta with softer suspension and lighter steering for relaxed urban cruising. In contrast, the Seltos’s stiffer suspension and tighter steering tuning cater to those who prefer a more engaging drive, especially on winding roads.
Fuel Efficiency
Hyundai Creta generally scores a bit higher on mileage, especially in diesel variants, offering around 21.8 kmpl per ARAI figures, while Seltos diesel delivers slightly less but compensates with better spirited driving fuel economy in turbo petrol versions. Petrol mileage is roughly comparable between the two in real-world conditions, though Creta's comfort-oriented tuning slightly enhances efficiency.
Safety and Build Quality
Both SUVs are built on the Hyundai-Kia K2 platform, optimized for Indian conditions and adhering to global safety standards. They come equipped with advanced safety features and good cabin insulation for NVH reduction. Build quality and panel fitment are closely matched; however, the Seltos may offer a marginally more premium tactile feel in higher trims with contrasting interior trims.
Feature Set and Technology
Both share a rich feature set, including LED lighting, connected car tech, wireless charging, ventilated seats in higher trims, and robust infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos differentiates with sleeker, sportier design cues inside and out, while Creta appeals with a more understated refinement and mature luxury feel.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos in 2025 largely depends on the buyer’s taste and priorities. Those seeking a sophisticated, comfortable ride with elegant styling and slightly better fuel efficiency may gravitate towards the Creta. Conversely, enthusiasts wanting a sportier design and sharper driving dynamics might find the Seltos more enticing. Both vehicles are reliable, feature-rich, and well poised to serve the Indian SUV market effectively.