Autocar India
1d

Hi, I currently drive a Kia Sonet HTX, purchased in December 2020. It has covered around 46,000 km so far, with an annual running of approximately 9,000 km. I am now looking to upgrade to a mid-size SUV with an automatic transmission. My priorities are a feature-rich car with a 5-star safety rating, suitable for a family of four. The expected usage will be around 80% city and 20% highway driving. My budget is around Rs 20 lakh, although I can stretch it slightly for a better overall package. Please suggest some suitable options.

Verified
57m

With 9,000 km a year and an 80:20 city-highway split, a petrol automatic is the right choice. The Kia Seltos IVT is the recommendation here. It offers a smooth, reliable CVT automatic that is well suited to city driving, a comfortable and spacious cabin for a family of four, and a strong feature set. The Seltos also has a proven ownership track record and a good service network, which matters for long-term peace of mind.

If you are willing to stretch your budget slightly, the Kia Seltos GTX+ DCT is worth considering. It adds a more powerful turbo petrol engine and a richer feature list, including ADAS, ventilated seats and a more premium cabin experience. The DCT is quick and engaging, but it is not as smooth as the IVT in stop-start traffic.

If you want a more driver-focused alternative, the Skoda Kushaq 1.5 TSI DSG is a strong option. It offers excellent performance and driving dynamics, but the Seltos remains the more rounded family car.

Overall, the Seltos IVT hits the sweet spot for your usage and budget.

Kia Seltos

Kia Seltos

3m

Honda elevate vs kushaq

More posts on similar cars

2d

Hello, I want to buy an SUV, and my first preference is the Honda Elevate top-end automatic variant, as I have been driving Honda City automatics for almost 16 years across two cars. Kindly let me know whether a new facelift is expected in the next one or two months. If so, what changes are expected? Also, what are the other options in this segment that would be better than the Honda Elevate, excluding Tata and Mahindra? Regards, Harikumar

Verified
1d

Wait for the Honda Elevate facelift if you are not in a hurry, as it is expected in the first week of October. The mechanical package is expected to remain unchanged - the proven 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with a CVT automatic. The important additions are likely to be a 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, revised styling and some ADAS updates.Given that you have owned Honda City automatics for 16 years, the Elevate is a natural choice. Its simple 1.5-litre petrol-CVT combination, comfortable ride, good visibility and proven mechanicals make it particularly well suited to long-term ownership.If you want to consider alternatives, the Toyota Hyryder/Maruti Victoris are worth looking at, particularly if fuel efficiency is important. The Kia Seltos is more spacious and feels more premium, while the Skoda Kushaq is the better choice if driving enjoyment matters.However, for your priorities and your long association with Honda, the Elevate remains one of the strongest choices.

VehicleHonda City
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VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kushaq

Popular discussions right now

6d

I am planning to buy a new car under 20-25 lakh for the next ten years. I have considered two cars Seltos DCT GTX(A) and Kushaq 1.5 Monte Carlo DSG but am afraid of the mileage and if I go with an EV, I am afraid that infrastructure will not be that good. I drive daily for 10-15 km and take 2-3 trips in a year on highway. Should I buy the car now or wait for Seltos Hybrid? Will it cost an additional 2-3 lakh or will it be value for money for my driving. Should I consider another car?

Verified
5d

With a daily running of just 10-15 km and only a few highway trips a year, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability should be your top priorities. The Seltos DCT GTX+ and Kushaq 1.5 DSG Monte Carlo are both excellent cars, but their turbo-petrol engines and dual-clutch gearboxes are not the most efficient or the most stress-free choices for predominantly short city runs. The DCT/DSG gearboxes are at their best on open roads, and in stop-start city traffic they can feel a bit jerky and are not as smooth or as durable as a torque converter automatic over the long term.The Seltos hybrid is worth waiting for if you are not in a hurry. It is expected to be priced roughly Rs. 2-3 lakh above the equivalent petrol variant, and for your usage pattern it will make more sense than the turbo-petrol DCT. Hybrids deliver their biggest efficiency gains in city driving, and over a 10-year ownership period the fuel savings and smoother driving experience will more than justify the premium.If you want to buy now, the Kia Seltos IVT (naturally aspirated petrol with CVT) is the better choice for your usage. It is smooth, reliable and well suited to city driving, and you will not be paying a premium for performance you will rarely use. The Skoda Kushaq 1.0 TSI with the torque converter automatic is another good option if you prefer a more engaging driving experience, but the Seltos IVT is the more refined and hassle-free choice.EVs are not the right fit for you at the moment given your concerns about charging infrastructure and your low daily running. The savings are not significant enough to justify the compromises.

VehicleKia Seltos
VehicleSkoda Kushaq

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Posted on: 6 Sept 2026