Comparing the New Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta 2026 in looks, engines, interiors, and value. Which compact SUV deserves your money and attention this year
Alright let’s get straight to it The compact SUV battle in India is heating up fast On one side the New Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta is turning heads with updated looks and tech On the other the Hyundai Creta has been quietly winning hearts for years I have been test-driving these cars for over a decade and trust me this comparison is different.
Looks That Stand Out
First impressions matter Right The new Seltos looks aggressive sharper lines bigger grille LED lights everywhere Feels like it wants all eyes on it Creta is more subtle classic design Premium without trying too hard I remember last year at a dealer meet a guy passed a Seltos then turned back and said That grille though I nodded Yes it grabs attention But Creta grows on you over time Seltos wows first two years Creta wins loyalty slowly.
File Photo: Rear view comparison of the New Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta showcasing their design and styling differences
New Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta: Side by Side Comparison Table
Feature
New Kia Seltos
Hyundai Creta
Design & Looks
Aggressive, sharp lines, bigger grille, LED lights, flashy first impression
Subtle, classic design, premium look without being loud, grows on you
Diesel Engine
1.5L diesel, 115 hp, punchy, real-world mileage may vary
1.5L diesel, predictable performance, reliable for long drives
Petrol Engine
Turbo engine, sporty, fun to drive
Smoother engine, calm drive, better for everyday comfort
Interiors & Tech
Large infotainment screen, connected car features, AR, occasional software glitches
Simple and functional, comfortable seats, strong AC, reliable features
Pricing & Value
Aggressive pricing, feature-heavy, targets young buyers
Steady pricing, high resale value, better ROI over time
Comfort & Usability
Fun weekend drives, tech-savvy experience, minor bugs possible
Good, but minor tech issues may require frequent visits
Smoother after-sales, less hassle with small issues
Engine And Drive Experience
Kia claims the new Seltos diesel gives 1.5L 115 hp But I am skeptical I have seen models promise a lot and deliver less in city traffic Creta’s 1.5L diesel behaves predictably Long drives feel safer Remember a trip from Ghaziabad to Jaipur in a Seltos Full tank said 450 km ended up at 380 Not a dealbreaker but notable.
Petrol engines Seltos turbo is punchy Creta petrol is smoother less aggressive More like sipping tea than gulping energy Drinks depends on your driving style Some like fun some like calm.
Interiors Tech Or Comfort
Seltos goes big infotainment Large screen connected car AR features Too many buttons But software glitches exist A friend had a Seltos voice command crashed mid-navigation Creta doesn’t boast much but what it has works Materials feel premium AC strong Seats comfortable long hauls Last Diwali rode in Creta Miles passed unnoticed Just talked AC humming Comfort wins.
File Photo: Interior comparison of the New Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta
Price And Value
Seltos priced aggressively Targets young buyers Creta steady pricing resale value strong ROI goes to Creta If you want wow factor show off Seltos is better Feature vs trust Simple as that.
Personal Take
After driving both for thousands of kms Here is what I feel If you love tech young vibe and can handle minor software issues New Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta Seltos is your pick If you prefer reliable easy to live with car that ages well Creta rules Also dealers hint Creta’s after-sales smoother Minor scratches battery resets easier handled.
2026 is going to be interesting Both cars improved a lot In the end choice may be personal Seltos owners sometimes switch to Creta after two years Looking for peace of mind Creta owners rarely switch unless big feature gap appears Says something.
Who will dominate compact SUV segment New Kia Seltos Vs Hyundai Creta My guess Creta keeps throne for consistency Seltos steals hearts for first impressions weekend drives Your choice flash or calm reliability.
