KS

Karan Singla

4d

Hi, I am planning to buy a new diesel car and am confused between the Kia Seltos and the Hyundai Creta. Which one is the better choice?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
4m

You can choose the Kia Seltos diesel; it is the newer of the two cars you’ve shortlisted and a significant improvement over its predecessor. The car’s size has grown, offering more space inside, and the cabin is thoroughly modern too. There is also a notable improvement in ride quality, but not at the expense of handling.

In everyday use, the diesel has enough performance, though it isn’t very punchy on the highway. Safety has also improved, with the Seltos scoring five stars in the Bharat NCAP crash tests.

One thing to be aware of: Kia’s service network isn’t as widespread as Hyundai’s, so if that is a concern, then consider the Hyundai Creta instead.

If you can drive both back-to-back on the same rough patch of road and try a tight parking spot, you will quickly feel which one suits you better.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

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Shivang

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I am looking to buy a petrol SUV with a budget of 21-22lacs. I have a daily 30km city running with occasional (2-3times/year) roadtrips. I want comfort and ride quality. Currently i am looking at kia seltos gtx. Is the tata harrier worth stretching my budget or are their any other options worth looking at?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
1d

Choose the Kia Seltos GTX IVT petrol - for your city-heavy use and focus on comfort. The IVT is Kia-speak for a CVT automatic gearbox which shifts seamlessly, so it feels very smooth in stop-go traffic. For your 30 km daily run, the light steering and good all-round visibility make it easy to drive, and it is steady and quiet enough for those few highway trips each year. Kia’s service reach is wide, so upkeep should be simple in most cities.One thing to be aware of: the IVT is not as quick as the turbo petrol DCT. If you really want stronger performance, the Seltos GTX 1.5 turbo DCT is the one, but its quick-shifting dual clutch automatic can feel a touch hesitant at low speeds.As for the Tata Harrier, it feels bigger, heavier and requires more effort to drive in the city. Alternatively, you can also look at the Hyundai Creta SX (O) IVT which is mechanically identical to the Seltos IVT but you get the benefit of Hyundai's more widespread service network.

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Atharva

5d

I currently own a 2019 Kia Seltos HTX petrol IVT and have driven around 69,000 km, with approximately 70% of my usage on highways. I am now considering an upgrade and am confused between the Tata Safari Petrol Accomplished X+ and the Kia Carens Clavis GTX+ Could you please suggest which of these would be the better choice in terms of ride comfort, safety, space, and high-speed stability on highways for long journeys?

Autocar India team

Autocar India

Verified
2d

Pick the Tata Safari Accomplished+ petrol automatic for your highway‑heavy use, it gives a more comfortable ride, better stability and the strongest sense of safety. Coming from your Kia Seltos, the Safari will feel like a step up for long trips. The suspension smooths out bad patches better, the body feels more solid, and the wider seats with a relaxed driving position make hours behind the wheel easier. It also has a 5‑star crash test rating, and the petrol engine has plenty of grunt for quick overtakes on the highway.One thing to note: the third row in the Safari is fine for kids or short adults, but the Kia’s third row is easier to access and a bit more usable for grown‑ups. Also, the Safari is a large, heavy car, so parking in tight spots needs more care. If these are deal breakers, then consider the Kia Carens Clavis instead.During the test drive, cruise at 90‑100 kph on the highway and take on some broken patches.

VehicleTata Safari
VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleKia Carens Clavis

Posted on: 12 Apr 2026