I am planning to buy an automatic SUV with a budget of around ₹16-18 lakh. My usage will be mostly in the city, with occasional highway driving.

Autocar India

•55m

Go for the Kia Seltos HTK (O) IVT for primarily city use with some highway trips; it is the smoothest and easiest automatic in this budget right now. The CVT is jerk-free and seamless in stop-go traffic, and the light steering and good all-around make driving easy. For your occasional highway runs, it feels steady at usual cruising speeds, though overtakes do require a bit of planning.

One thing to be aware of: it isn't the most spirited performer, tuned more for relaxed driving. If you want a bit more performance from an NA CVT powertrain, then the Honda Elevate is a good choice too.

Overall, the Kia Seltos fits your brief best and will keep daily city driving stress-free while still being comfortable on the highway.

Explore cars mentioned

Honda

Elevate

from ₹13.82 Lakh

Kia

Seltos

from ₹13.01 Lakh

More questions on similar cars

Vikas

•4d

I am 72 years old and 6 feet tall, and I am looking for a car that offers excellent back seat comfort along with easy ingress and egress. I am considering the Maruti Suzuki Victoris, Honda Elevate, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Which of these would be the most suitable option for my needs?

Autocar India

•1h

Go for the Honda Elevate for your height and age, it is the easiest to get in and out of, and the back seat is the most comfortable and roomiest of your shortlist. The doors open wide, and it is easy to get in and out. The back seat has good headroom for a 6-foot passenger and a relaxed, slightly high seating position that supports the thighs well on longer rides.Do note that seating three abreast is a squeeze, and the centre passenger has to do without a headrest and a three-point seatbelt (lap belt only). If you are open to some other options, then consider the new Kia Seltos. It has more legroom in the back seat than the Elevate, and it is wider, so three passengers will be more comfortable. Higher trims also get rear sunblinds and the ability to recline the rear seat, which is also nice to have.When you test it, focus on the back seat and do a few get-in/get-out cycles from both sides.

Honda Elevate

Vicky Purohit

•3d

Hi Team, I am planning to buy a new car as I currently own a 2012 Hyundai i10. My budget is strictly ₹13.5 lakh, and my daily running is around 30 km, mostly on highways. I am considering the Kia Seltos, as it seems to offer good value even in the base variant. Could you please suggest whether this is the right choice or recommend better alternatives within my budget?

Autocar India

•21h

Go for the Kia Seltos HTE 1.5 petrol manual, which has an on-road price of about Rs 13.1 lakh. For your daily 30 km highway run and as an upgrade from your 2012 i10, it fits best. You will feel a clear step up in space, seat comfort and high-speed stability on the highway, and the taller driving position gives you a better view out. The 1.5 petrol is smooth and easy to live with, the clutch and gearshift are light, and Kia’s service reach is strong in most cities, so ownership should be simple.One thing to be aware of: the Seltos 1.5-litre NA engine is very refined, but not the most enthusiastic performer. If you find performance lacking, then try the Honda Elevate instead. However, you will be giving up a few features.Overall, the Seltos HTE suits your use and will feel like a big, easy step up from your i10.

Kia Seltos

Honda Elevate

Rohit Khedkar

•4d

I have been using a Honda City for the past 15 years and have been completely satisfied with it. However, with increasing traffic, I am now considering switching to an automatic car. My driving is about 85% in the city, with a monthly usage of around 300 km. Which SUV under ₹20 lakh would be the best choice for long-term ownership?

Autocar India

•23h

Go for the Honda Elevate ZX CVT. Given you’ve loved your City for 15 years, this feels familiar in quality and service, but it makes daily traffic much easier and gives you the taller seating you now want.For 85 percent city use and just 300 km a month, the CVT automatic suits you best. The Elevate’s light steering, good all-round view and higher ground clearance make speed breakers and broken roads far less stressful than in your City. Honda’s simple, proven petrol setup and wide service network mean worry-free ownership for the long run, and you’ll likely feel right at home with the controls and the way it drives.It's worth noting that the cabin isn’t as flashy or feature-packed as some others in this price range. If this is a deal-breaker, then consider the Kia Seltos CVT instead.On your test drive, crawl in heavy traffic and try a few steep speed breakers back to back. Also, hop in the back seat and see if it feels comfortable and spacious enough.

Honda Elevate

Kia Seltos

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