I’m interested in the Toyota Hyryder NeoDrive AT, but the showroom isn’t offering a test drive, so I’m unsure about its real-world performance and pickup. I’m also considering the Kia Seltos AT and Kia Sonet AT within an on-road budget of ₹13-16 lakh. Which of these SUVs will offer the best overall performance, driving experience, and value, and how do they differ in driving feel, pickup, and comfort?

Autocar India

•8w

We'd narrow your search down to the two Kia SUVs. The Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder NeoDrive AT is decent but unexciting to drive and also has a ride that's slightly on the firmer side.

The Kia Seltos IVT makes for a great option. It's got a very smooth CVT gearbox that works really well with the 1.5-litre petrol engine. It's not an out-and-out quick vehicle, but the build of power is likeable, and performance is more than adequate for both city and highway duties. Further, the Seltos also has the best ride comfort of the three models, and is significantly larger as well, giving way more passenger space.

The Kia Sonet DCT has a sportier vibe with its more powerful engine and quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Performance is good, and you can enjoy yourself driving one. On the flip side, the gearbox isn't super smooth at low speeds and can even feel hesitant at crawling speeds. The Sonet is also essentially a smaller vehicle and doesn't offer the same level of space as the Seltos.

Do note, for the same money, you could get a better-equipped Sonet. Still, of the two Kias, it's the Seltos IVT that we'd opt for. You will get an HTE(O) trim in your budget, but it's advisable to extend it a bit for the higher-spec HTK trim. It will add a rear wiper, rear defogger, alloy wheels, tilt adjust for the steering and more.

Explore cars mentioned

Toyota

Urban Cruiser Hyryder

from ₹12.79 Lakh

Kia

New Seltos

Kia

Sonet

from ₹8.30 Lakh

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Latest questions people are discussing

Jithin

•3d

I am looking to buy my first car. I will mainly use it for travel between my hometown Kochi and Bangalore, while the rest of the driving will be frequent city usage. I was initially planning to buy the Kia Sonet diesel GT variant, but I am also very attracted to the Skoda Slavia, mainly for its driving quality. The Sonet would cost around ₹16 lakh, while the Slavia Sportline automatic comes to about ₹17 lakh. Which of these would be the more suitable option for my needs? I previously owned a Ford Figo 1.5 TDCi, which I absolutely loved, so I would prefer something with similar power and performance.

Autocar India

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The Kia Sonet diesel AT is a great car - compact, frugal, smooth and efficient - and feels like a logical compact upgrade to your Figo TDI. However, the fact that you're even considering the drive quality on your long journey to your hometown means you should go for the Skoda Slavia instead. Yes, the fuel efficiency won't be as good as the diesel, and it is a larger vehicle, which you might feel during your use in the city. But other than that, the driving pleasure it offers is on a different level, and will remind you fondly of your Ford, which is also a great handler. Its punchy 1.0 TSI makes a strong 115hp and 178Nm of torque, which are comparable to what you get in the Figo, and comes with a slick 6-speed MT or smooth 6-speed AT. Whichever you choose, you'll get a car that's fun to drive, stable out on the highway and friendly to use around town.

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•4d

I currently own a Hyundai Grand i10 petrol manual and am planning to upgrade to a mid-size SUV. I am considering the Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, and Kia Seltos. My driving pattern is 80% city and 20% highway (occasional trips). My priorities are safety, driving comfort, co-passenger comfort, rear-seat space, and good mileage. Also, does it make sense to wait for the Honda Elevate Hybrid, which is expected to launch in the second half of this year, or should I go ahead with one of the current options?

Autocar India

•8h

Of the options you've listed, you should consider the Kia Seltos, given that it is the best all-rounder that fits your wide range of requirements. You can pick from one of three engines that suit your needs best. The turbo petrol has the strongest performance, the diesel has the best fuel efficiency, and the naturally aspirated petrol is the best compromise between the two. It's also the most spacious and comfortable of the three, and though it hasn't been awarded a safety rating yet, its new K3 platform is engineered for a high score, and it has all the necessary safety features. Sadly, it is highly unlikely that Honda will launch the Elevate Hybrid, as the company has stated it is moving straight to an EV, which should be here in 2027.

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•5d

I am currently planning to buy a new car in the ₹17-19 lakh range. My priorities are safety, decent performance, and good mileage. I am considering the Mahindra XUV 3XO AX diesel and the Kia Seltos HTK variant. I do not have a fixed running pattern since I am a doctor, so my daily driving can range anywhere from 10 to 100 km per day. I was also thinking about waiting for MG Motor to launch a plug-in hybrid. Considering my usage pattern and priorities, what would be the best option for me?

Autocar India

•38m

Considering your priorities, the Kia Seltos in diesel guise would be the better choice. It is compact for the city but also has good space on the inside. The quality of the interior is very good, and the 1.5-litre diesel engine is tried and tested. It has a good amount of punch and response, and should you opt for the manual version, the clutch is light and convenient in traffic. The Seltos also has a better after-sales and service network, and Kia's are known to be quite reliable too. The Mahindra XUV7XO is also a good choice, but if you don't need an extra row of seats, it is a bit more cumbersome than the Seltos. Also, within your budget, you will only get the entry-level version of the 7XO, whereas the Seltos on HTK trim gets a decent equipment list.

Kia New Seltos

Mahindra XUV 7XO

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